20 Aug 2012: Update on Wilkie complaint

Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman Alison Larkins today confirmed that her office would investigate the administrative actions taken by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in determining the Total Allowable Catch relevant to the super trawler FV Margiris.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint to the Ombudsman by the Independent Member for Denison, Mr Andrew Wilkie MP.

Ombudsman letters confirming and commencing the formal investigation were sent this afternoon to Mr Wilkie and AFMA respectively.

‘Once again, I would caution that a decision to investigate a complaint does not mean that an agency has acted inappropriately,’ Ms Larkins said.

Ms Larkins said that, like all Ombudsman investigations, this one would be conducted in private.

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Date of release: 20 August 2012