POWERS OF OMBUDSMAN

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31060, 16 May 1966, Page 11

POWERS OF OMBUDSMAN

Extensions Considered

The Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan) has informed the Constitutional Society that an extension of the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman (Sir Guy Powles) to permit him to investigate complaints against certain types of local bodies is being actively considered by the Government. Mr Hanan said he could not at this stage give an assurance that legislative authority would be granted during the coming session of Parliament, but the question would not be overlooked. The president of the Constitutional Society (Sir Matthew Oram) says that the society, which had urged action along these lines for the last two years, was gratified that the subject was being considered. The society certainly hoped that there would be no further delay in extending the scope of the Ombudsman’s work.

“The society is convinced that there is a strong feeling in the country that the Ombudsman should be able to look into the affairs of local bodies,” Sir Matthew Oram said. “This view is supported by newspaper editorial comments since it was recently made public that the society is pressing this issue. “The principle of giving the citizen an opportunity to make his complaints against the state or local bodies to an official who has full access to official documents is most important.” Sir Matthew Oram said. “It is gratifying that New Zealand has gone so far along this road, but the job will not be finished until all authorities, whether central or local, are brought into the procedure.”