Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsOmbudsman may review on own initiative
(1) The Ombudsman may review a proposal for relevant legislation, policies and practices, or to change relevant legislation, policies and practices, to determine:
(a) the effect on small businesses and family enterprises if the proposal is carried out; and
(b) ways in which the proposal might be improved to assist small businesses and family enterprises.
Minister may refer to Ombudsman for review
(2) The Minister may refer a proposal for relevant legislation, policies and practices, or to change relevant legislation, policies and practices, to the Ombudsman for review.
(3) If the Minister refers a proposal to the Ombudsman for review:
(a) the Ombudsman must review the proposal to determine:
(i) the effect on small businesses and family enterprises if the proposal is carried out; and
(ii) ways in which the proposal might be improved to assist small businesses and family enterprises; and
(b) the Ombudsman must give the Minister advice on the proposal, based on the review.
(4) The Minister may specify any or all of the following:
(a) that the advice is to be in writing;
(b) a period within which the review is to be carried out and the advice is to be given;
(c) any matter to which the Ombudsman is to have regard in carrying out the review or giving the advice.
(5) The Ombudsman must comply with a requirement imposed by the Minister under subsection (4).
(6) The Minister may withdraw or amend the referral at any time before the Ombudsman gives the advice.