Annual Report 2017-2018 OmbudsmanNT
Tabled paper 934
Tabled Papers for 13th Assembly 2016 - 2020; Tabled Papers; ParliamentNT
2018-10-31
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https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00042
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/304663
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/363371
94 A copy of the completed complaint file, including the report, a draft letter endorsing the report to the Ombudsman and a draft letter of response to the complainant is to be forwarded to the relevant Assistant Commissioner. The draft letter to the complainant is to advise of their right to ask the Ombudsman to have the complaint investigated by the Ombudsman under Part 7, Division 5, Subdivision 2 of the Act. The letter will include the following paragraph: a) 'If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the investigation you may request the Ombudsman to consider reinvestigating your matter. In that event, it is necessary for you to set out detailed reasons as to how the investigation was inadequate, however please note, the Ombudsman must refuse this request if satisfied the issues raised in your complaint have been dealt with in the investigation. Re-classification of Complaint Where a complaint is being investigated as a PSC investigation, Category 2 complaint and evidence establishes the complaint is more serious than initially considered, the investigator is to suspend the investigation and notify the Commander, PSC. The Commander, PSC is to immediately notify the Ombudsman of the suspension of the investigation and the reasons for it. The Ombudsman agrees to consult with the Commander, PSC on the re-classification of the complaint. In the event the Ombudsman and the Commander, PSC do not agree on the relevant classification, the Ombudsman's decision is final. The Ombudsman is to notify the complainant how the complaint is to be investigated. Where a complainant makes a statement requesting the CAP to be withdrawn, the PSC will seek authorisation from the Ombudsman to discontinue the investigation. Should the Ombudsman agree that the CAP is to be discontinued, the CAP file is to be returned to the PSC for case finalisation. Ombudsman Review In the event the complainant exercises their rights and asks the Ombudsman to re-investigate the complaint, the Ombudsman must consider the request. The Ombudsman must refuse the request if satisfied the complaint has been adequately dealt with. Requirements when Serious Breach of Discipline Identified Should a serious breach of discipline be identified during the investigation, the IO is to suspend the enquiries and forward all the documents to the Commander, PSC. Commissioner Notification to the Ombudsman Should disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges be brought against the subject member during the investigation of the Complaint, the Commissioner is to notify the Ombudsman within five (5) days of: (a) the commencement of proceedings or laying of the charges; and (b) the final outcome.