49Taking of evidence

49 Taking of evidence

(1)  Subject to this Part, the Ombudsman may obtain information from any person and in any manner he or she thinks fit for the purposes of an investigation of a disclosed matter.

(2)  Except as provided by this Act, section 8 and Part 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1995 apply to an investigation carried out by the Ombudsman as if –

(a) the Ombudsman were a Commission established under section 4 of that Act; and

(b) the investigation were the inquiry being conducted by that Commission under that Act.

(3)  For the purpose of an investigation of a disclosed matter, the Ombudsman may take a statutory declaration from any witness or other person.