Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

If I could very briefly respond to what I was saying to Senator Ludlam in relation to the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the information I have goes further: that not only does it not impact on the powers of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to review the ACMA's administrative actions in performing its investigative function, or for the decision to be subject to judicial review under the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977.

In relation to ACMA deciding that it is 'desirable to do so'—that phrase 'desirable to do so'—it would be expected that ACMA will continue to inform complainants about the result of an investigation as a matter of best practice. At the end of the day, yes, we do rely on the officials to act in a reasonable and appropriate manner, and they will be given that discretion as per the legislation.