The Ombudsman is NOT part of “a mediation process “. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS!
Ombudsman investigations are private and details are generally not revealed to people who are not legitimately concerned with the investigation. The Ombudsman's office is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988.
Following an investigation, the Ombudsman is required to consider whether the actions of the department or agency were unreasonable, unlawful, improperly discriminatory or otherwise wrong.
When the Ombudsman concludes that an agency has erred, the Ombudsman may report that view to the agency and recommend whatever remedial action the Ombudsman thinks is appropriate. If the agency does not implement that action, the Ombudsman can report to the Prime Minister and to the Parliament. The Ombudsman must inform complainants of the action taken by the office in response to their complaints.
.......And if you take the bait your case becomes private and the publicity stops - which is what CASA wants, because sooner or later, the media are going to grab your story. The ombudsman does not have to listen to your technical arguments or go into detail because he is not a court with rules of evidence et., etc. just another toothless tiger.
At best the Ombudsman says “tsk, tsk, naughty CASA”. CASA says “sorry glen, now eff off!”. .....And you have still lost your livelihood and are a year older because the ombudsman can’t make a financial settlement. As for reporting CASA to the PM, big effing deal.
All you get at the end is a letter saying “we now consider this matter closed.” .....and the embuggerance of the industry by CASA gets to continue.
To put that another way, a damning Senate review didn’t stop them, the Ombudsman certainly won’t.