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Background for media

Under the Ombudsman Act 1976, the Commonwealth Ombudsman investigates the administrative action of Australian Government agencies and officers. An investigation can be conducted as a result of a complaint or on the initiative (own motion) of the Ombudsman.

Public disclosure

The Ombudsman is required to conduct complaint investigations in private. The Ombudsman may, in some circumstances, make public reports on completed complaint investigations or own motion investigations. The Ombudsman is subject to statutory secrecy provisions, and for reasons of privacy, confidentiality or privilege it may be inappropriate to publish all or part of a report. Nevertheless, to the extent possible, reports by the Ombudsman are published in full or in an abridged version. Copies or summaries of the reports are usually made available on the Ombudsman’s website. Printed copies of the reports are available on request.

Commonwealth Ombudsman investigation reports

The Ombudsman is not able to make comments to the public or the media on matters under investigation or matters that are not finalised, as this may compromise procedural fairness. Exceptions to this policy are rare, but may arise occasionally where all parties to a matter have given explicit consent and the Ombudsman considers that it is in the public interest.

In general, the Ombudsman will decline to confirm or deny whether a particular matter is under investigation. However, when a matter has been widely publicised, the Ombudsman may decide that it is appropriate to acknowledge that a complaint has been received.
Commonwealth Ombudsman media releases

Media contact:

Elizabeth Courtney-Frost
Director, Public Affairs

Telephone: (02) 6276 0133
Fax: (02) 6249 7028
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

Photos

Click the links below for a high-resolution version.

Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan

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