(1) This section applies if the Inspector - General:
(a) has conducted an inquiry under this Act into a matter relating to a Commonwealth agency; and
(b) has given a final agency copy in relation to the inquiry to the responsible Minister in relation to the agency, or to the Secretary of the Defence Department, under subparagraph 22(1)(b)(ii).
(2) If the responsible Minister or the Secretary takes or proposes to take any action as a result of the conclusions and recommendations set out in the report, he or she must give to the Inspector - General details of the action taken or proposed to be taken.
(3) If, in the opinion of the Inspector - General, the responsible Minister or the Secretary does not take, within a reasonable period, action that is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances:
(a) the Inspector - General may prepare a report relating to that matter; and
(b) if the Inspector - General prepares such a report, he or she must give a copy of the report to:
(i) if the inquiry was conducted as a result of a request made by the Prime Minister under section 9--the Prime Minister; and
(ii) in any case--the Attorney - General.
(4) In addition, the Inspector - General may give a copy of a report prepared under paragraph (3)(a) to the Prime Minister if the Inspector - General considers it appropriate to do so.