The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, arranged for a special investigation to be undertaken into whether there had been improper action by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) concerning the issue of a substitute medical certificate for a witness who was an accepted participant in the National Witness Protection Program.

The issue of the substitute medical certificate had drawn adverse criticism from a magistrate who was hearing a committal proceeding at which the witness was to give evidence for the prosecution.

The Ombudsman has released the Executive Summary of the special investigation report, together with a letter sent by him to the AFP commenting on the investigation.

He concluded that:

• there was no improper conduct by any AFP officer in relation to the issue of the substitute medical certificate
• the action taken by the AFP in arranging for the issue of the certificate was nevertheless ill-advised and steps should be taken by the AFP to institute a different procedure.

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Email – Media@ombudsman.gov.au

Date of release: 27 October 2003