❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks clarification on the accountability mechanisms for the Energy and Water Ombudsman (WA), specifically regarding performance and conduct. The answer details legislative and non-legislative oversight by the Economic Regulation Authority and the Ombudsman's Board.
AnsweredQoN 5520Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Energy and Water Ombudsman (WA) and ask: (a) according to the Energy and Water Ombudsman (WA) Annual Report 2014/15, that office received Complaint/Dispute Revenue (income) of $2,589,905, from its members, sourced from government agencies and industries relating to gas, electricity and water. Can the Minister explain what legislative and non-legislative mechanisms exist to ensure accountability of the WA Energy and Water Ombudsman's Office, including the specific circumstance of performance and conduct issues relating to the Ombudsman?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 August 2016
Responded by
Minister for Energy
Response time
49 days
(a) The Economic Regulation Authority is responsible for approval of the Energy and Water Ombudsman Scheme (the Scheme), established under the Electricity Industry Act 2004 , Energy Coordination Act 1994 and Water Services Act 2012 . The Authority may revoke approval of the Scheme if it no longer meets the objectives described in its governing legislation.
The Scheme is further governed by the Electricity Industry (Ombudsman Scheme) Regulations 2005 , Energy Coordination (Ombudsman Scheme) Regulations 2005 and Water Services Regulations 2013 . These regulations (the Regulations) include the requirement that the Scheme have a governing body (the Board) comprising equal representation of industry members and energy and water customers. The Board is also required to have an independent chairperson.
Under the Regulations, the Scheme must be periodically reviewed (within two years of establishment and at least once every five years after that), with the report of the review being provided to the Economic Regulation Authority for its consideration.
Non-legislative instruments that promote the accountability of the Scheme include the Scheme’s charter and constitution, which are published on its website. Additionally, the Scheme annually publishes reports detailing its activities.
The Scheme is further governed by the Electricity Industry (Ombudsman Scheme) Regulations 2005 , Energy Coordination (Ombudsman Scheme) Regulations 2005 and Water Services Regulations 2013 . These regulations (the Regulations) include the requirement that the Scheme have a governing body (the Board) comprising equal representation of industry members and energy and water customers. The Board is also required to have an independent chairperson.
Under the Regulations, the Scheme must be periodically reviewed (within two years of establishment and at least once every five years after that), with the report of the review being provided to the Economic Regulation Authority for its consideration.
Non-legislative instruments that promote the accountability of the Scheme include the Scheme’s charter and constitution, which are published on its website. Additionally, the Scheme annually publishes reports detailing its activities.
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