Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2014

The Ombudsman may, from time to time, give the Minister, for presentation to the Parliament, a report:

on the operations of the Ombudsman during a part of a year; or

in relation to any matter relating to, or arising in connection with, the exercise of the powers, or the performance of the functions, of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman must also give the Minister an annual report under section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

The Minister must cause the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.

Subsection (1) does not affect the powers and duties of the Ombudsman under section 15, 16 or 17.

Subsection (5) applies if the Ombudsman refers to an investigation made by him or her under this Act in a report given to the Minister under:

subsection (1); or

section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

The report must not, in referring to the investigation, set out opinions that are (either expressly or impliedly) critical of a Department, prescribed authority or person unless the Ombudsman has complied with subsection 8(5) in relation to the investigation.