Mr. Peter Tyndall:

In one recent instance as we accepted that there was a likelihood that people would not speak to us, we made separate arrangements for them to meet us offsite. We do this to some extent in the case of emergency accommodation. There is, however, an advantage in being at the centre, as one can see the facilities, etc. Taking all complaints offsite would not work; a combination is necessary. We will go away and think about this matter. Up to now our role has been to deal with complaints from residents. We have become the de factoinspectorate because there is nobody else doing it. Other ombudsman offices in other countries take on the role of an inspectorate in a more engaged way but that would require a different approach from the one we have taken up until now. I am reasonably confident that people who have spoken to us have not been disadvantaged as a consequence, but I understand the points the Senator is raising. We will go away and give the matter some thought. Where it has been put to us that people are reluctant to speak to us, we will make arrangements to meet them offsite. Such an arrangement is in place.