32Notice of alternative procedure

### 32 Notice of alternative procedure > > (1)  If the Ombudsman – > > > > > > (a) determines that a disclosure is not a public interest disclosure; and > > > > > > > (b) considers that the disclosure could constitute a complaint under the [Ombudsman Act 1978](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1978-082)  – > > > > the Ombudsman must notify the person who made the disclosure of the person's right to have the disclosure dealt with as a complaint under that Act. > > > (2)  A person who is given notice under [subsection (1)](#GS32@Gs1@EN) may by notice in writing to the Ombudsman request that the disclosure be dealt with as a complaint under the [Ombudsman Act 1978](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1978-082) . > > > (3)  A person must make a request under [subsection (2)](#GS32@Gs2@EN) within 28 days of being given notice under [subsection (1)](#GS32@Gs1@EN) . > > > (4)  If under this section a person requests that a disclosure be dealt with as a complaint under the [Ombudsman Act 1978](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-1978-082) , the disclosure is taken to be a complaint made to the Ombudsman under that Act.