14 Apr 2013

Ombudsman's office concerned

9:05 am on 14 April 2013

The Ombudsman's Office remains concerned about restrictions to its ability to investigate proposed charter schools.

The education select committee has recommended that the Ombudsman's Act should only apply to charter schools in cases of exclusion or expulsion.

Deputy Ombudsman, Leo Donnelly said the office raised concerns about the Education Ammendment Bill to the select committee, but some issues have not been completely addressed.

He said the Official Information Act still won't apply to charter schools, and parents and students won't be able to access the same information they would at state schools.

The education select committee has recommended that the Ombudsman's Act should only apply to charter schools in cases of exclusion or expulsion and Mr Donnelly said investigations into problems like bullying may not happen.