Chief Ombudsman statement on investigation into PM’s Office

The Chief Ombudsman John Allen has confirmed the focus of his investigation into the Prime Minister’s Office.

“My investigation is in response to a complaint about the way the Prime Minister’s Office has handled an Official Information Act request.

“While I do not have jurisdiction to investigate complaints about the administrative actions of the Prime Minister or his Office under the Ombudsmen Act, I will consider under the OIA how and where official information is held within the Prime Minister’s Office, and what searches were undertaken to make sure its response to the original request complied with the legislation. 

“I am required by law to keep my inquiries confidential, so I am unable to comment in any more detail.

“I am conducting this investigation with urgency given the significant public interest and I expect to publish my findings and any recommendations once the investigation is completed. 

“If any issues emerge outside my mandate, I will consider passing them on to other appropriate authorities.”