38Functions of Ombudsman under this Act

38 Functions of Ombudsman under this Act

(1)  The Ombudsman's functions under this Act are –

(a) to determine whether disclosures received or referred to the Ombudsman are public interest disclosures; and

(b) to investigate matters disclosed in public interest disclosures; and

(c) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2009, s. 21, Applied:01 Oct 2010] to prepare and publish guidelines and standards for the procedures to be followed by public bodies in relation to –

(i) disclosures under Part 2 ; and

(ii) investigations under Part 7 ; and

(iii) the protection of persons from reprisals by public bodies or members, officers or employees of public bodies because of protected disclosures; and

(iv) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2009, s. 21, Applied:01 Oct 2010] the application of natural justice to all parties involved in an investigation of a public interest disclosure; and

(d) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2009, s. 21, Applied:01 Oct 2010] to approve procedures developed by public bodies in accordance with the guidelines and standards, and review those procedures at least once in each 3-year period; and

(e) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2009, s. 21, Applied:01 Oct 2010] to receive notification of all public interest disclosures made internally to public bodies; and

(f) [Section 38 Subsection (1) amended by No. 68 of 2009, s. 21, Applied:01 Oct 2010] to prepare and publish guidelines and standards for the purpose of determining whether improper conduct is serious or significant; and

(g) to monitor the progress of investigations by public bodies under ; and