Independent investigations and review - Deborah Glass
Dear Commonwealth Ombudsman,
A contract was entered into, on 21 July 2025, with the former Ombudsman of the State of Victoria, Ms Deborah Glass, so that Ms Glass would conduct independent investigation and review services - see contract CN4183579 on www.tenders.gov.au.
Under the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), I request access to the following documents:
a) a copy of the contract entered into with Deborah Glass for the provision of the independent investigation and review services; and
b) the terms of reference (howsoever described - e.g. brief, instructions, request etc.) for the independent investigation and review services; and
c) the outcome of the independent investigation and review services (e.g. by way of report, a statement of recommendations etc.).
Please provide the requested documents by return email.
Yours faithfully,
GIPAgoomar
OFFICIAL
Our ref: FOI-2025-80118
Dear GIPAgoomar
Freedom of Information request – Acknowledgment
I acknowledge receipt of your email dated 7 September 2025 to the Office
of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office), in which you requested access
to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your
request for documents was in the following terms:
“A contract was entered into, on 21 July 2025, with the former Ombudsman
of the State of Victoria, Ms Deborah Glass, so that Ms Glass would conduct
independent investigation and review services - see contract CN4183579 on
[1]www.tenders.gov.au.
Under the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), I request access to the following documents:
a) a copy of the contract entered into with Deborah Glass for the
provision of the independent investigation and review services; and
b) the terms of reference (howsoever described - e.g. brief, instructions,
request etc.) for the independent investigation and review services; and
c) the outcome of the independent investigation and review services (e.g.
by way of report, a statement of recommendations etc.).
Please provide the requested documents by return email.”
Timeframes
The FOI Act requires us to provide notice of a decision on your request
within 30 days from the date we received a valid FOI request. Therefore, a
decision for your request will be provided to you on or before 7 October
2025. This 30-day period may be extended if we need to consult third
parties, or for other reasons. We will let you know if this happens.
If you have any questions, you may contact me via email at
[2][email address]
Sincerely
David
Legal Officer
Legal Team – Defence, Investigations, ACT, Legal (DIAL) Branch
[3]A black and white logo 1300 362 072
Description automatically generated
[4][email address]
The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional
owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to
land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and
present.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN - IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail message or an attachment to it is confidential, and it is
intended to be accessed only by the person or entity to which it is
addressed.
No use, copying or disclosure (including by further transmission) of this
message, an attachment or the content of either is permitted and any use,
copying or disclosure may be subject to legal sanctions. This message may
contain information which is:
* about an identifiable individual;
* subject to client legal privilege or other privilege; or
* subject to a statutory or other requirement of confidentiality.
If you have received this message in error, please call 1300 362 072 to
inform the sender so that future errors can be avoided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.tenders.gov.au/
2. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
I attach correspondence in relation to your request:
1. Decision letter dated 3 October 2025
Please do not hesitate to contact me via reply email if you have any
questions or concerns.
Sincerely
David
Legal Officer
Legal Team – Defence, Investigations, ACT, Legal (DIAL) Branch
[1]A black and white logo 1300 362 072
Description automatically generated
[2][email address]
The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional
owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to
land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and
present.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN - IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail message or an attachment to it is confidential, and it is
intended to be accessed only by the person or entity to which it is
addressed.
No use, copying or disclosure (including by further transmission) of this
message, an attachment or the content of either is permitted and any use,
copying or disclosure may be subject to legal sanctions. This message may
contain information which is:
* about an identifiable individual;
* subject to client legal privilege or other privilege; or
* subject to a statutory or other requirement of confidentiality.
If you have received this message in error, please call 1300 362 072 to
inform the sender so that future errors can be avoided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
2. mailto:[email address]
FOI-2025-80118
Dear David Yalpi,
Please pass this to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Commonwealth Ombudsman's handling of my FOI request 'Independent investigations and review - Deborah Glass'.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: http://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/in...
Yours faithfully,
GIPAgoomar
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Your internal review request of 3 October 2025 Freedom of Information
(FOI) decision
We refer to your request received by the Office of the Commonwealth
Ombudsman (Office) on 15 October 2025 seeking an internal review of the
Office’s 3 October 2025 FOI decision made under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your 7 September 2025 request for information made
under the FOI Act is in the following terms
A contract was entered into, on 21 July 2025, with the former Ombudsman of
the State of Victoria, Ms Deborah Glass, so that Ms Glass would conduct
independent investigation and review services - see contract CN4183579 on
[1]www.tenders.gov.au.
Under the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), I request access to the following documents:
a) a copy of the contract entered into with Deborah Glass for the
provision of the independent investigation and review services; and
b) the terms of reference (howsoever described - e.g. brief, instructions,
request etc.) for the independent investigation and review services; and
c) the outcome of the independent investigation and review services (e.g.
by way of report, a statement of recommendations etc.).
The internal review will be conducted by an officer who was not involved
in the original decision.
A decision of your review request will be made within 30 days of the date
if was received. This will be on or before Friday 14 November 2025. If the
Office requires additional time to process your request, we will let you
know.
Kind regards
Clare
[2]A circular design with a Clare
circle in the middle
Description automatically Senior Legal Officer
generated
Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional
owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to
land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and
present.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN - IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail message or an attachment to it is confidential, and it is
intended to be accessed only by the person or entity to which it is
addressed.
No use, copying or disclosure (including by further transmission) of this
message, an attachment or the content of either is permitted and any use,
copying or disclosure may be subject to legal sanctions. This message may
contain information which is:
* about an identifiable individual;
* subject to client legal privilege or other privilege; or
* subject to a statutory or other requirement of confidentiality.
If you have received this message in error, please call 1300 362 072 to
inform the sender so that future errors can be avoided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.tenders.gov.au/
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Your internal review request of 3 October 2025 Freedom of Information
(FOI) decision
I refer to your request of 15 October 2025 seeking an internal review of
the Office’s decision dated 3 October 2025 made under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
To assist us in conducting the internal review, please advise if there are
specific matters you would like the Office to consider. For example, you
may wish to raise concerns about the adequacy of the searches undertaken
or the application of particular exemptions by the original decision
maker.
I would be grateful if you could provide this information by Monday 11
November 2025.
Kind regards
Clare
Clare
[1]A circular design with Senior Legal Officer
a circle in the middle
Description automatically Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
generated
Proud to be working on the lands of the
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon
Wurrung Peoples of the Eastern Kulin
From: Information Access <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 16 October 2025 11:52 AM
To: [FOI #13613 email]
Cc: Information Access <[email address]>
Subject: FOI-2025-80118 - acknowledgement of your internal review request
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Your internal review request of 3 October 2025 Freedom of Information
(FOI) decision
We refer to your request received by the Office of the Commonwealth
Ombudsman (Office) on 15 October 2025 seeking an internal review of the
Office’s 3 October 2025 FOI decision made under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your 7 September 2025 request for information made
under the FOI Act is in the following terms
A contract was entered into, on 21 July 2025, with the former Ombudsman of
the State of Victoria, Ms Deborah Glass, so that Ms Glass would conduct
independent investigation and review services - see contract CN4183579 on
[2]www.tenders.gov.au.
Under the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), I request access to the following documents:
a) a copy of the contract entered into with Deborah Glass for the
provision of the independent investigation and review services; and
b) the terms of reference (howsoever described - e.g. brief, instructions,
request etc.) for the independent investigation and review services; and
c) the outcome of the independent investigation and review services (e.g.
by way of report, a statement of recommendations etc.).
The internal review will be conducted by an officer who was not involved
in the original decision.
A decision of your review request will be made within 30 days of the date
if was received. This will be on or before Friday 14 November 2025. If the
Office requires additional time to process your request, we will let you
know.
Kind regards
Clare
[3]A circular design with a Clare
circle in the middle
Description automatically Senior Legal Officer
generated
Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional
owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to
land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and
present.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN - IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail message or an attachment to it is confidential, and it is
intended to be accessed only by the person or entity to which it is
addressed.
No use, copying or disclosure (including by further transmission) of this
message, an attachment or the content of either is permitted and any use,
copying or disclosure may be subject to legal sanctions. This message may
contain information which is:
* about an identifiable individual;
* subject to client legal privilege or other privilege; or
* subject to a statutory or other requirement of confidentiality.
If you have received this message in error, please call 1300 362 072 to
inform the sender so that future errors can be avoided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
2. http://www.tenders.gov.au/
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Please find attached internal review decision relating to your 7 September
2025 Freedom of Information request.
Kind regards
Clare
Clare
[1]A circular design with Senior Legal Officer
a circle in the middle
Description automatically Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
generated
Proud to be working on the lands of the
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon
Wurrung Peoples of the Eastern Kulin
From: Information Access <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 5:37 PM
To: [FOI #13613 email]
Cc: Information Access <[email address]>
Subject: FOI-2025-80118 - further information [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Your internal review request of 3 October 2025 Freedom of Information
(FOI) decision
I refer to your request of 15 October 2025 seeking an internal review of
the Office’s decision dated 3 October 2025 made under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
To assist us in conducting the internal review, please advise if there are
specific matters you would like the Office to consider. For example, you
may wish to raise concerns about the adequacy of the searches undertaken
or the application of particular exemptions by the original decision
maker.
I would be grateful if you could provide this information by Monday 11
November 2025.
Kind regards
Clare
Clare
[2]A circular design with Senior Legal Officer
a circle in the middle
Description automatically Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
generated
Proud to be working on the lands of the
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon
Wurrung Peoples of the Eastern Kulin
From: Information Access <[3][email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 16 October 2025 11:52 AM
To: [4][FOI #13613 email]
Cc: Information Access <[5][email address]>
Subject: FOI-2025-80118 - acknowledgement of your internal review request
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear GIPAgoomar
Your internal review request of 3 October 2025 Freedom of Information
(FOI) decision
We refer to your request received by the Office of the Commonwealth
Ombudsman (Office) on 15 October 2025 seeking an internal review of the
Office’s 3 October 2025 FOI decision made under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your 7 September 2025 request for information made
under the FOI Act is in the following terms
A contract was entered into, on 21 July 2025, with the former Ombudsman of
the State of Victoria, Ms Deborah Glass, so that Ms Glass would conduct
independent investigation and review services - see contract CN4183579 on
[6]www.tenders.gov.au.
Under the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), I request access to the following documents:
a) a copy of the contract entered into with Deborah Glass for the
provision of the independent investigation and review services; and
b) the terms of reference (howsoever described - e.g. brief, instructions,
request etc.) for the independent investigation and review services; and
c) the outcome of the independent investigation and review services (e.g.
by way of report, a statement of recommendations etc.).
The internal review will be conducted by an officer who was not involved
in the original decision.
A decision of your review request will be made within 30 days of the date
if was received. This will be on or before Friday 14 November 2025. If the
Office requires additional time to process your request, we will let you
know.
Kind regards
Clare
[7]A circular design with a Clare
circle in the middle
Description automatically Senior Legal Officer
generated
Defence, Investigations, ACT & Legal Branch
The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional
owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to
land, culture and community. We pay our respects to elders past and
present.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN - IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This e-mail message or an attachment to it is confidential, and it is
intended to be accessed only by the person or entity to which it is
addressed.
No use, copying or disclosure (including by further transmission) of this
message, an attachment or the content of either is permitted and any use,
copying or disclosure may be subject to legal sanctions. This message may
contain information which is:
* about an identifiable individual;
* subject to client legal privilege or other privilege; or
* subject to a statutory or other requirement of confidentiality.
If you have received this message in error, please call 1300 362 072 to
inform the sender so that future errors can be avoided.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[FOI #13613 email]
5. mailto:[email address]
6. http://www.tenders.gov.au/