Other Ombudsman Functions

As well as undertaking the role of the Ombudsman under the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971, the Ombudsman has other functions derived from other legislation, codes or service delivery arrangements.

Other functions   Legislation, code or service delivery arrangement
Telecommunications Interception

The Ombudsman inspects the records of the Western Australia Police and the Corruption and Crime Commission to ensure compliance with telecommunications interception legislation. 		  Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979 (Commonwealth)
Telecommunications (Interception) Western Australia Act 1996
Right of appeal for international students

The National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 gives overseas students a right to make a complaint to an external, independent body, such as the Ombudsman, if their internal appeals are unsuccessful at school, college or university level. The Ombudsman handles appeals relating to public educational facilities, including universities.		   National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007
Public Interest Disclosure

The Ombudsman receives public interest disclosures about matters of State and local government administration that affect an individual.		   Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003
Indian Ocean Territories

Under a service delivery arrangement between the Ombudsman and the Commonwealth Government, the Ombudsman handles complaints from residents of the Indian Ocean Territories (Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands) about public authorities in the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction.		    
Terrorism

The Ombudsman can receive complaints from a person detained under the Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2006 about administrative matters connected with his or her detention.		   Terrorism (Preventative Detention) Act 2006
Energy and Water Ombudsman

The Energy and Water Ombudsman receives and resolves complaints about electricity, gas and water services providers. The Ombudsman undertakes the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman. The costs of the Energy and Water Ombudsman are met by industry members. See the Energy and Water Ombudsman website for more information at www.ombudsman.wa.gov.au/energyandwater.		   Economic Regulation Authority Act 2003
Electricity Industry Act 2004
Energy Coordination Act 1994
Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971 (section 34)
Water Services Act 2012
State Records Commission

The Ombudsman is a member of the State Records Commission which was established in July 2001 under the State Records Act 2000.  Other members of the Commission are the Auditor General, the Information Commissioner, and a person with record-keeping experience from outside government who is appointed by the Governor for a three year term.

The Commission monitors the operation of, and compliance with, the legislation, monitors record-keeping compliance by government bodies and makes enquiries into alleged breaches of the legislation.  The Commission reports direct to Parliament and submits a separate annual report to Parliament.  		  State Records Act 2000