76Annual report by Ombudsman

76 Annual report by Ombudsman

76 Annual report by Ombudsman

(1) The Ombudsman is to report to Parliament on the following matters in relation to each period of 12 months ending on 30 June (the reporting period)—

(a) the Ombudsman’s activities under this Act during the reporting period,

(b) the Steering Committee’s activities, including recommendations made to the Minister, during the reporting period,

(c) compliance by agencies with this Act during the reporting period,

(d) information relating to voluntary public interest disclosures made during the reporting period,

(e) agencies that have failed to provide the Ombudsman with an annual return within the period specified in section 78(2).

(2) The Ombudsman’s report is to be provided as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of the reporting period and no later than 6 months after the end of the period.

(3) The Ombudsman’s report on the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(c) and (d) is to be based on information provided by agencies in relation to the reporting period, including annual returns provided by agencies in relation to the corresponding return period.

(4) The Ombudsman may, if the Ombudsman considers it desirable to do so, make an additional report at any time to Parliament on the Ombudsman’s auditing and monitoring activities under this Act.

(5) The Ombudsman may provide a report under this section—

(a) by including the report in the Ombudsman’s annual report under the Ombudsman Act 1974, section 30, or

(b) directly to the Presiding Officer of each House of Parliament.

(6) The Ombudsman must provide the Minister with a copy of a report under this section.

(7) The Ombudsman Act 1974, section 31AA applies to a report under this section as if the report were a report made under that Act, Part 4.