Commonwealth Numbered Acts

OMBUDSMAN ACT 1976 No. 181, 1976 - SECT 16

16. (1) Where action that is, in the opinion of the Ombudsman, adequate and
appropriate in the circumstances is not taken with respect to the matters and
recommendations included in a report to a Department or to a prescribed
authority under section 15 within a reasonable time after the Ombudsman
furnished the report to the Department or to the prescribed authority, the
Ombudsman may inform the Prime Minister accordingly in writing.

(2) Where the Ombudsman furnishes information to the Prime Minister in
accordance with sub-section (1) in relation to a report, the Ombudsman shall
furnish to the Prime Minister with the information-

   (a)  if a copy of the report has not previously been forwarded to the Prime
        Minister under sub-section 15 (6)-a copy of the report; and

   (b)  if the Department or prescribed authority to which the report was made
        has furnished comments concerning the report to the Ombudsman-a copy
        of those comments.

(3) In considering whether to furnish information in relation to a report to
the Prime Minister in accordance with sub-section (1), the Ombudsman shall
have regard to any comments furnished to him by the Department or prescribed
authority to which the report was made.