Ombudsman Act 1973

The principal functions of the Ombudsman are—

to resolve complaints about administrative action taken by or in an authority, other than administrative action that—

appears to involve corrupt conduct (unless it is an administrative action referred to in paragraph (c)); or

is taken under the Freedom of Information Act 1982; and

to enquire into or investigate administrative action referred to in paragraph (a); and

to enquire into or investigate administrative action taken by or in an authority that appears to involve corrupt conduct on a referral from the IBAC under Division 5 of Part 3 of the Independent Broad-based Anti‑corruption Commission Act 2011; and

to investigate public interest complaints referred to in section 15C.

The functions of the Ombudsman under subsection (1)(b) and (c) include the function to enquire into or investigate—

whether the relevant administrative action is incompatible with a human right set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006; and

if the administrative action involves a decision, whether there was a failure to give proper consideration to a relevant human right set out in the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.

Without limiting the Ombudsman's principal functions under this section, the Ombudsman may enquire into or investigate administrative action that is taken by a person or body (other than an authority or an exempt person or body)—

on behalf of an authority; or

under a power or function that is conferred on the person or body by an authority; or

as a result of instructions given by an authority.

Nothing under this section authorises the Ombudsman to enquire into or investigate the merits of a decision made by a person or body referred to in subsection (3).