6Removal or suspension of Ombudsman

6 Removal or suspension of Ombudsman

(1)  The Ombudsman may, at any time, be removed from his office by the Governor on addresses from both Houses of Parliament.

(2)  Where the Governor is satisfied that the Ombudsman –

(a) is incapable of properly performing the duties of his office;

(b) has shown himself incompetent properly to perform, or has neglected, those duties;

(c) has become bankrupt, applied to take the benefit of any laws for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors, or made an assignment of any part of his estate for their benefit;

(d) has been convicted in this State of a crime or an offence that is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more, or has been convicted of a crime or an offence which would, if committed in this State, be a crime or an offence so punishable, or has been convicted, whether in this State or elsewhere, of a crime or offence for which he has been sentenced to imprisonment; or

(e) has been guilty of misconduct –

he may suspend the Ombudsman from his office.

(3)  Where the Ombudsman has been suspended from his office under subsection (2) , he shall be restored to office unless –

(a) a statement of the grounds of his suspension is laid before each House of Parliament during the first 7 sitting days of that House following the suspension; and

(b) each House of Parliament, during the session in which the statement is so laid, and within 30 sitting days of that statement being so laid, passes an address praying for his removal from his office.