15 Aug 2012: Statement regarding Wilkie complaint

The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman has received a complaint from the Independent Member for Denison, Mr Andrew Wilkie MP, regarding the administrative actions taken by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in determining the Total Allowable Catch relevant to the super trawler FV Margiris.

‘My office is looking at Mr Wilkie’s complaint and we have asked AFMA for more information about its administrative processes,’ Acting Ombudsman Alison Larkins said today.

‘At this stage, however, we have not formally begun an investigation or made any assessment regarding AFMA’s actions.

‘In the event that we do decide to formally investigate aspects of the complaint, we would not pre-judge the outcome.

‘A decision to investigate a complaint is not an indication that an agency has acted inappropriately,’ she said.

Ombudsman investigations are conducted impartially and in private.

Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759
Follow the Ombudsman on twitter

Date of release: 15 August 2012