10Arrangements with another ombudsman

10 Arrangements with another ombudsman (1) The ombudsman may make an arrangement in writing with the Commonwealth ombudsman, the ombudsman of a State, or 2 or more of them, in relation to the investigation by any 1 or more of them of action that relates to a matter of administration referred to in any of the following paragraphs: (a) action taken by an agency and action taken by a Commonwealth or State department or authority; (b) action taken by an authority or other agency established or administered jointly by the Territory and the Commonwealth, the Territory and 1 or more States or the Territory, the Commonwealth and 1 or more States; (c) action taken by an authority or other agency referred to in paragraph (b) and action taken by— (i) an agency; or (ii) a Commonwealth or State department or authority. (2) A reference in subsection (1) to action taken by an agency or other authority includes a reference to action taken by such an agency or authority on behalf of another body.

(3) The ombudsman may arrange in writing with another ombudsman with whom such an arrangement is in force for the variation or revocation of the arrangement. (4) The regulations may make provision in relation to the participation by the ombudsman in the carrying out of an investigation under an arrangement under this section. (5) Nothing in this section affects the powers and duties of the ombudsman under any other provision of this Act. (6) Subsection (1) does not empower the ombudsman to make an arrangement for the exercise by the Commonwealth ombudsman or the ombudsman of a State of a power of the ombudsman except in accordance with an instrument of delegation mentioned in section 32.