Victorian Numbered Acts Victorian Numbered Acts(1) After section 18(1) of the Ombudsman Act 1973 insert —
"(1A) A witness summons issued by the Ombudsman may specify that attendance required under the summons is to be by means of audio visual link or audio link and in a specified manner.
(1B) A witness summons issued by the Ombudsman that provides for attendance as described in subsection (1A)—
(a) need not specify a place for attendance; and
(b) may specify, if any documents are to be produced, that those documents are to be produced by secure electronic means and in a specified manner.".
(2) In section 18(4) of the Ombudsman Act 1973 for "time and place" substitute "time and, if applicable, place".
(3) After section 18(4) of the Ombudsman Act 1973 insert —
"(5) If a person is issued with a witness summons referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (c) in relation to the production of documents or other things, the Ombudsman may excuse that person from attendance if the person produces the required documents or things to the Ombudsman before the time and date for production specified in the witness summons in accordance with any directions given by the Ombudsman.".