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Commonwealth Ombudsman investigation
On 4 February 2025, the Commonwealth Ombudsman announced that an investigation had commenced into decisions under the Targeted Compliance Framework.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has now released his first report.
Read the Ombudsman’s report on the Targeted Compliance Framework
Read the Secretary’s statement to the Ombudsman’s findings
Next steps
The department acknowledges the findings from the Ombudsman and accepts all the recommendations.
The Ombudsman’s report has confirmed there are examples where the system is not operating in alignment with the law and policies, or with the rigour we would expect.
The department is working to address the issues quickly and transparently.
All cancellation of payments under the Targeted Compliance Framework remain paused until it can be clearly demonstrated that the process to support the decision-making complies with the law.
The recommendations from the Ombudsman will guide work already underway to improve the integrity of the system. Progress updates will be published on the department’s website.
Further information is also available at Assuring the integrity of the Targeted Compliance Framework.