In previous reports and submissions to the Committee the Ombudsman stated that:

"The availability of information about access to services provided by the Ombudsman are matters of fundamental equity and fairness. "

He raised particular concerns about access to his Office by Aborigines, people of non-English speaking background, people in custody, young people and disadvantaged groups.

The Committee therefore, resolved to conduct an inquiry into the level of understanding of young people, Aborigines, members of the ethnic communities and minority or disadvantaged groups, of the role of the Ombudsman and the extent of their access to his Office.