OMBUDSMAN

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (14:48): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government questions about the Ombudsman.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON: The former ombudsman, Eugene Biganovsky, resigned over 15 months ago on 22 June 2007. In accordance with the provisions of the Ombudsman's Act, the Statutory Officers Committee of this parliament is required to inquire into and report on a suitable replacement. In October last year, I asked the leader a question regarding the replacement and, on that occasion, the leader told the council that a shortlist would be presented to the Statutory Officers Committee shortly thereafter and that he hoped that the process would be completed shortly thereafter.

The Statutory Officers Committee last met on 3 June this year. No shortlist has been presented and an acting appointee is still in that office. My questions are:

1. Has the government made any decision regarding the terms of office of the Ombudsman and whether any changes have been made in relation to that?

2. If so, when will names be presented to the committee and, if not, why not?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:49): I will refer that question to the Attorney-General. As the chair of the committee, I was awaiting advice, as were other members, in relation to the correspondence of that committee. I have not checked with the committee secretary; it was the late Trevor Blowes who was the secretary of the committee at that time. I am not aware of any further information, but I will follow it up.