Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Bill

Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Bill EXPLANATORY NOTE GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT In November 2025, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (the IPCA ) released a report on the Police’s handling of complaints against a Deputy Police Commissioner. The IPCA report highlighted several issues within the Police and the jurisdiction of the IPCA itself. The Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Bill (the Bill ) is an omnibus Bill introduced under Standing Order 267(1)(a). The single broad policy implemented by the Bill is to strengthen oversight of, and public confidence in, police conduct and integrity. The Bill responds to the 8 recommendations in the IPCA report that require a legislative or policy response and replaces the IPCA with a new Police oversight body, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (the IGP ). The Bill— provides for independent scrutiny of Police conduct, policies, practices, and procedures; and provides for independent handling of complaints and proactive investigations into matters in the public interest; and supports transparency in respect to, and improvements in, Police integrity and conduct. Part 2 of the Bill repeals and replaces the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 and establishes the IGP. It provides the IGP with stronger and more comprehensive powers to undertake its enhanced oversight role. The IGP will be an independent Crown entity. It will be subject to the Crown Entities Act 2004 for functions such as governance, accountability, and reporting, and for financial matters. The IGP will be governed by a board of between 3 and 5 members. The IGP will inherit the IPCA’s existing functions and powers. However, the Bill provides the IGP with a greater range of functions and stronger powers than the IPCA, which will enhance public confidence in the Police. The Bill will empower the IGP to— conduct investigations on its own motion into an incident or series of incidents, and Police policies, practices, or procedures, if it is satisfied that doing so is in the public interest; and directly access Police records and enter Police premises in the performance of its duties; and direct the Police to launch an investigation when Police have failed to do so, and defer Police investigations to allow its own to be completed; and be consulted on draft employment decisions of the Police; and if there is a potential prosecution relating to a Police employee, decide if the Police must refer the case for an independent charging decision. The Bill enhances the transparency and accountability of oversight of the Police by making several changes to the public’s access to, and reporting of, information. These include— making the IGP subject to the Official Information Act 1982, except information relating to investigations and complaints; and requiring the IGP to publish an annual oversight report, work programme, and policies to provide the public with more information about the IGP’s activities. The Bill also makes the following changes within the Police to strengthen integrity measures: Police will be required to report to the IGP a greater range of serious incidents and potential integrity matters relating to senior personnel; and the IGP will also be able to work proactively with the Police, for example, to issue guidelines or education material for Police employees. Subpart 1 of Part 3 of the Bill amends the Ombudsmen Act 1975 to ensure that the Ombudsman will have jurisdiction over both the IGP and the Police, but only in respect of their practices under the Official Information Act 1982. Subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Bill amends the Policing Act 2008 to require the Commissioner of Police to make a member of the executive leadership team responsible for integrity. This will ensure that responsibility for integrity sits at the executive level within Police and continues to be prioritised. The Bill must come into force no later than 1 October 2029 but may be brought into force on an earlier date specified in an Order in Council. This commencement mechanism allows for flexibility in managing the transition from the IPCA to the IGP. The Inspector-General of Police will need to be appointed and the IGP set up before it is able to begin performing its functions and duties and exercising its powers. SUPPLEMENTARY ANALYSIS REPORT The Ministry of Justice prepared a supplementary analysis report on 11 June 2026 to help inform the main policy decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this Bill. Copies of the regulatory analysis summary can be found at— https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/regulatory-stewardship/regulatory-analysis-summaries/ https://www.regulation.govt.nz/publications-and-resources/regulatory-analysis-summaries/ CONSISTENCY WITH PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBLE REGULATION The Ministry of Justice provided the following documents relating to its review of this Bill, and its process for developing it, for consistency with the principles of responsible regulation under the Regulatory Standards Act 2025: a consistency accountability statement on 17 August 2026: a summary of underpinning analysis on 17 August 2026. Copies of these documents can be found at— https://www.justice.govt.nz/justice-sector-policy/regulatory-stewardship/consistency-accountability-statements-and-related-documents/ The Ministry of Justice considers that a statement from the responsible Minister under section 11(b) of the Regulatory Standards Act 2025 is not required for this Bill. CLAUSE BY CLAUSE ANALYSIS Clause 1 is the Title clause. Clause 2 is the commencement clause. It provides that the Bill comes into force on a date or dates set by Order in Council. Any part of the Bill that has not come into force by 1 October 2029 comes into force then. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS Clause 3 states the purpose of the Bill. Clause 4 is the interpretation clause. It defines terms used in the Bill. Clause 5 indicates that the transitional, savings, and related provisions are set out in Schedule 1 . Clause 6 provides that the Bill, when enacted, binds the Crown. INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE Clause 7 establishes the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (the Office ). Clause 8 provides that the Office must act independently. Clause 9 provides that the Office is a Crown entity. Clause 10 provides for the appointment of members of the board of the Office, which may consist of 3, 4, or 5 members, of which 1 person must be appointed as the Inspector-General of Police (the Inspector-General ). Clause 11 provides for the removal and suspension of board members. Clause 12 provides that the appointment of a Judge as a board member does not affect the Judge’s tenure, office, rank, title, status, precedence, salary, annual or other allowances, or other rights or privileges as a Judge (including those in relation to superannuation). It also provides that the time a Judge serves as a board member must be treated as service as a Judge. Clause 13 provides that, for the purpose of providing a superannuation fund or retiring allowance for members of the Office, sums by way of subsidy may be paid into a retirement scheme. Clause 14 provides that the Office is exempt from income tax. Clause 15 sets out the functions of the Office. Clause 16 sets out the duties of the Inspector-General. Clause 17 sets out the Inspector-General’s relationship with certain other oversight bodies. Clause 18 provides for the referral of complaints to certain other oversight bodies. Clause 19 provides for the delegation of functions and powers. Clause 20 indicates that administrative provisions relating to the Inspector-General and board members are set out in Schedule 2 . Clause 21 provides for the making of complaints. Clause 22 requires the Commissioner of Police (the Commissioner ) to notify the Office of certain matters that Police employees cause or are involved in while acting in the performance of their duties. Clause 23 requires the Commissioner to notify the Office of complaints that the Police receive and of every integrity matter involving a senior Police employee. Clause 24 requires the Office to notify the Commissioner of complaints that the Office receives. Clause 25 specifies the actions that the Office may take in respect of complaints and other matters. Clause 26 specifies the circumstances in which the Office may take no action on complaints and other matters. Clause 27 requires the Commissioner to report to the Office on the initial findings and initial outcomes of Police employment investigations or processes. It also requires the Office to provide an assessment of the initial findings and initial outcomes to the Commissioner no later than 15 working days after receiving them. Clause 28 requires the Commissioner to provide, before finalising charging decisions with respect to a Police employee, the relevant findings along with sufficient material to assess the adequacy of the investigation or process (unless circumstances require the immediate charging of the Police employee). It also requires the Office to provide an assessment of the relevant findings to the Commissioner no later than 15 working days after receiving them. Clause 29 provides for the referral of certain cases to the Solicitor-General in accordance with the relevant directions or guidelines that the Solicitor-General has issued in respect of legal advice and prosecution recommendations. Clause 30 requires the Commissioner to report to the Office on the completion of investigations of complaints and other matters. Clause 31 requires the Commissioner to provide information and assistance, on request, to the Office in relation to its investigations. Clause 32 provides that the Office may directly access all Police records relevant to the performance of the Office’s functions. Clause 33 provides that nothing in the Bill authorises the Office to disclose information that is protected by legal professional privilege. Clause 34 requires the Office to ensure that all information that the Office receives is kept secure. Clause 35 clarifies that, except as provided in clause 25(4) , nothing in the Bill prevents the Commissioner from commencing or continuing a Police investigation or asking the Office to investigate. Clause 36 provides that the Office may, of its own motion, investigate matters involving the Police or Police policies, practices, or procedures. Clause 37 allows the Office to enter Police premises relevant to its investigations. Clause 38 sets out the requirements that the Office must meet in relation to its investigations. Clause 39 provides that no person is entitled as of right to be heard by the Office. It also provides that the Office may not, in a report of an investigation, make a comment, finding, or recommendation that affects a person without giving the person notice and an opportunity to be heard. Clause 40 sets out the investigatory powers of the Office. Clause 41 provides that the Office may pay fees, allowances, and expenses to anyone who appears as a witness before the Office. Clause 42 provides that persons providing information when examined by the Office have the same privileges as witnesses in court. Clause 43 provides that certain testimony and evidence provided in proceedings before the Office may not be used in other proceedings. Clause 44 provides that the Office may not require information to be provided in certain circumstances. Clause 45 sets out the procedure that must be followed after the Office completes an investigation. Clause 46 sets out the procedure that the Office must follow after a Police investigation. Clause 47 provides that the Commissioner must, despite anything in clause 25, 27, or 46 , comply with its obligations as an employer of Police employees. Clause 48 sets out the things the Commissioner must do after receiving a recommendation from the Office. Clause 49 requires the Office to inform certain parties of the progress and results of investigations. Clause 50 requires the Office and its staff to maintain secrecy. Clause 51 provides that the work of the Office and its staff is privileged. Clause 52 provides that the Office and the Commissioner may publish certain reports and information. Clause 53 requires the Office to provide annual oversight reports to the Minister, who must present the reports to the House of Representatives. Clause 54 requires the Office to provide annual work programmes to the Minister, who must present the programmes to the House of Representatives. Clause 55 requires the Office to publish its conflicts of interest policy. Clause 56 provides protection against retaliation for co-operating with the Office. Clause 57 provides that a person commits an offence if the person wilfully, without reasonable excuse, obstructs, hinders, or resists the Office in the performance or exercise of its functions, duties, and powers, refuses or fails to comply with a lawful requirement of the Office, or makes a false statement to, or misleads or attempts to mislead, the Office. A person who commits an offence is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000. Clause 58 provides for the regulations that may be made. Clause 59 provides that the Ministry of Justice must review the operation and effectiveness of the Bill. The review must commence no later than 3 years after the Bill commences. The Ministry of Justice must prepare a report of the review and must present it to the House of Representatives. Clause 60 provides that nothing in the Bill limits the operation of Part 2 of the Crimes of Torture Act 1989. Clause 61 repeals the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988. Clause 62 and Schedule 3 consequentially amend certain legislation to account for this Bill’s repeal and replacement of the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988. AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LEGISLATION Clauses 63 to 67 amend the Ombudsmen Act 1975. The amendments adjust several provisions of that Act to account for the establishment of the Office, including the functions of Ombudsmen, the referral of complaints to the Office, and consultation with the Inspector-General. Clauses 68 and 69 amend the Policing Act 2008. The amendments require the Commissioner to designate a member of the executive leadership team of the Police as having responsibility for integrity within the Police. The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows: 1 Title This Act is the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 . 2 Commencement This Act comes into force on a date or dates set by Order in Council. Any part of the Act that has not come into force by 1 October 2029 comes into force then. An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 3 Purpose The purpose of this Act is to strengthen and maintain oversight of, and public confidence in, the New Zealand Police by— a establishing the Office of the Inspector-General of Police; and b specifying the Office’s functions, duties, and powers; and c providing independent scrutiny of Police conduct, policies, practices, and procedures; and d providing the means to investigate, assess, and address concerns regarding Police conduct, policies, practices, and procedures that complainants, the Office, or the Police raise; and e supporting continual improvements in— i Police conduct, policies, practices, and procedures; and ii the integrity of the Police. 4 Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— Commissioner means the Commissioner of Police appointed under the Policing Act 2008 information means information, documents, and things given to, obtained by, requested by, or created by the Office in performing its functions and duties and exercising its powers Inspector-General means the Inspector-General of Police appointed under section 10(1)(a) investigation , in respect of a complaint or other matter, includes (without limitation) any scrutiny, analysis, probe, study, or assessment of, or inquiry into, the complaint or other matter Office means the Office of the Inspector-General of Police established under section 7 Police employee includes a person who is appointed under section 12, 13, or 18 of the Policing Act 2008 Police investigation means an investigation that the Police undertake, including (without limitation) an investigation of— a an employment, criminal, or other matter concerning a Police employee: b a matter involving or relating to the Police: c Police conduct, policies, practices, or procedures. 5 Transitional, savings, and related provisions The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1 have effect according to their terms. 6 Act binds the Crown This Act binds the Crown. 7 Establishment The Office of the Inspector-General of Police is established. 8 Independence Except as expressly provided in this or any other Act, the Office must act independently in performing its functions and duties, and exercising its powers, under— a this Act; and b any other Act that expressly provides for the functions, duties, or powers of the Office (other than the Crown Entities Act 2004). 9 Crown entity The Office is a Crown entity for the purposes of section 7 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The Crown Entities Act 2004 applies to the Office except to the extent that this Act expressly provides otherwise. The persons appointed as board members of the Office under section 10 are the board of the Office for the purposes of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 10 Appointments The Governor-General must, on the recommendation of the House of Representatives, appoint the board members of the Office, which must consist of at least 3 but not more than 5 members of whom— a 1 must be appointed as Inspector-General of Police and chairperson of the board; and b up to 2 may be appointed as Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The House of Representatives may recommend a person for appointment if— a the person’s knowledge of or experience working in the legal, justice, or Police systems would ensure that the board as a whole has the skills to perform the Office’s functions and duties and to exercise its powers; and b the person was not a Police employee in the 10-year period immediately before the date on which the recommendation is made. 11 Removal or suspension of board members Section 42 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 applies to any board member who is a Judge. Section 39(1) of the Crown Entities Act 2004 does not apply to any board member. Instead, any board member who is not a Judge may be removed for just cause by the Governor-General acting on an address from the House of Representatives. Just cause has the same meaning as in section 40 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 12 Appointment of Judge does not affect tenure, etc The appointment of a Judge under section 10 does not affect the Judge’s tenure, office, rank, title, status, precedence, salary, annual or other allowances, or other rights or privileges as a Judge (including those in relation to superannuation). The time a Judge serves as a person appointed under section 10 must be treated as service as a Judge. 13 Superannuation or retiring allowances For the purpose of providing a superannuation fund or retiring allowance for members of the Office, sums by way of subsidy may be paid into a retirement scheme (within the meaning of section 6(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013). 14 Exemption from income tax The income of the Office is exempt from income tax. 15 Functions of Office The functions of the Office are— a to receive and investigate complaints— i alleging Police misconduct or neglect of duty: ii concerning Police policies, practices, or procedures that affect complainants: b to initiate and undertake investigations into matters involving the Police: c to take action, as required under this Act, on the complaints it receives and the matters it investigates: d to work with the Police to— i monitor and review Police policies, practices, and procedures to identify risks, concerns, and process deficiencies: ii strengthen the capability of the Police to address risks, concerns, and process deficiencies: e to decide whether the Police must refer an investigated complaint or matter to the Solicitor-General for an independent determination as to whether a Police employee should be charged with criminal offences. 16 Duties of Inspector-General The Inspector-General is responsible for the Office and the performance of its functions and duties and the exercise of its powers. 17 Relationship with other oversight bodies The Inspector-General— a must, when performing the Office’s functions, have regard to the functions of the people specified in subsection (2) ; and b may consult those people about any matter relating to the Office’s functions; and c may co-operate with them to— i avoid unnecessary duplication of scrutiny of the same matter; and ii take a co-ordinated approach to examining issues of common concern. Those people are— a the Auditor-General: b the Chief Commissioner of the Criminal Cases Review Commission: c the Chief Human Rights Commissioner: d the Chief Ombudsman: e the Commissioner: f the Inspector-General of Defence: g the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security: h the Privacy Commissioner. 18 Referral of complaints to other oversight bodies If, on receiving a complaint, the Inspector-General considers that the complaint relates, in whole or in part, to a matter that is more properly within the jurisdiction of a person specified in section 17(2) (excluding the person specified in section 17(2)(b) ), the Inspector-General must, as soon as practicable, consult the person to determine the appropriate means of dealing with the complaint. As soon as practicable after consulting the person, the Inspector-General must determine whether the complaint should be dealt with, in whole or in part, by the person. If the Inspector-General determines that the complaint should be dealt with, in whole or in part, by the person, the Inspector-General must, as soon as practicable, refer the complaint or the appropriate part of the complaint to the person to be dealt with accordingly, and must notify the complainant of the action that has been taken. Despite any other provision in this Act, the Inspector-General may— a undertake consultation under subsection (1) in relation to any matter, including (without limitation) consultation in relation to a matter that— i arises out of or in the course of an investigation under this Act or any other enactment: ii is within the jurisdiction of the person, whether or not the matter arises out of a particular complaint made under this Act: b disclose any information that the Inspector-General considers necessary for purposes of the consultation. 19 Delegations The Inspector-General may delegate any of the Office’s functions, duties, or powers to an employee of the Office. A delegation must be in writing. Subject to any general or particular directions given, or conditions imposed, by the Inspector-General or the board,— a an employee to whom a duty (or function or power) is delegated may perform or exercise the delegated duty (or function or power) in the same manner, subject to the same restrictions, and with the same effect as if it were performed or exercised by the Inspector-General; and b accordingly, a reference to the Inspector-General or the Office, in relation to the delegated duty (or function or power) or anything done or omitted to be done in the performance or exercise of, or otherwise in connection with, the delegated duty (or function or power), includes a reference to the employee unless the context otherwise requires. The employee must, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to be acting within the terms of the delegation. The delegation does not affect or prevent the performance or exercise of the delegated duty (or function or power) by the Inspector-General or affect the Inspector-General’s responsibility for the actions of the employee. The Inspector-General may not delegate the power to delegate. To avoid doubt, the board may delegate in accordance with section 73 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. 20 Administrative provisions relating to Inspector-General and board members Schedule 2 applies in relation to the Inspector-General and board members. 21 Complaints A person may make a complaint orally or in writing to—— a the Office; or b a Police employee. A person who receives an oral complaint must transcribe it to writing as soon as practicable. Despite any provision in any other legislation, if a person in charge has a letter addressed to the Office that a certain person appears to have written, the person in charge must forward the letter, unopened, to the Office. In this section,— appears to have written includes a letter that another person may have written on behalf of the certain person certain person means— a a person in custody on a charge or after conviction; or b a patient of a hospital within the meaning of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 person in charge means the person who is in charge of a place or institution where the certain person is in custody or is a patient. 22 Commissioner must notify Office of certain matters This section applies if a Police employee acting in the performance of the Police employee’s duties— a causes, or appears to have caused, death or serious bodily harm to a person: b is involved in a specified matter. If this section applies, the Commissioner must, as soon as practicable, give written notice to the Office specifying the circumstances in which the death, serious bodily harm, or specified matter occurred. In this section, specified matter means an incident specified in regulations made under this Act. 23 Commissioner must notify Office of complaints and integrity matters The Commissioner must— a notify the Office of— i every complaint that the Police receive (other than a complaint that the Office notifies to the Commissioner): ii every integrity matter involving a senior Police employee: b give notice as soon as practicable, but no later than 5 working days after— i receiving the complaint: ii detecting the integrity matter. In this section,— integrity matter means a matter concerning the integrity of Police employees specified in regulations made under this Act senior Police employee means a Police employee specified in regulations made under this Act. 24 Office must notify Commissioner of complaints The Office must— a notify the Commissioner of every complaint that it receives (other than a complaint that the Commissioner notifies to the Office); and b give notice as soon as practicable. 25 Actions Office may take in respect of complaints and other matters The Office may, after becoming aware of a complaint or other matter (by its own means or notice given to it),— a investigate the complaint or other matter (whether or not the Police have commenced a Police investigation): b refer the complaint or other matter to the Police for a Police investigation: c direct the Police to open a Police investigation into the complaint or other matter and specify the type of investigation that the Police must undertake (for example, employment, criminal, or otherwise): d review a Police investigation of the complaint or other matter: e oversee a Police investigation of the complaint or other matter, including giving directions that it thinks fit to the Police concerning the investigation: f direct the Police to reopen a Police investigation, which the Office may oversee: g direct the Police to reconsider Police proposals for action on the complaint or other matter: h defer action until the Office receives a report from the Commissioner on a Police investigation of the complaint or other matter— i undertaken by the Police on behalf of the Office: ii initiated and undertaken by the Police: i decide that no action is required on the ground that it considers that the outcome of a Police investigation is satisfactory: j decide, in accordance with section 26 , to take no further action on the complaint or other matter. The Office must, as soon as practicable, advise the Commissioner and the complainant (if any) of the procedure it adopts under subsection (1) . However, the Office is not required to inform the complainant (if any) of the procedure it adopts under subsection (1) if— a a complaint is made to the Police; and b the Office adopts a procedure specified in subsection (1)(a), (e), or (h) ; and c the Office is satisfied that the Police will inform the complainant of the adopted procedure. The Office may direct the Commissioner to pause an investigation of, or a process concerning, an employment matter if— a the Office is investigating the matter; and b the purpose of the pause is to allow the Office to complete its investigation; and c the Inspector-General— i has consulted the Commissioner before issuing the direction; and ii considers the Police employment investigation or process unlikely to be sufficient in the circumstances; and iii is satisfied that the pause would not cause unjust delay for the Police employee or employees involved; and iv has considered the effect that the pause would have on the complainant (if any) or any other person alleged to be aggrieved by the matter. If a complaint or other matter appears to the Office to be capable of resolution, the Office may indicate that view to the Commissioner. 26 Office may take no action on complaints and other matters The Office may, after becoming aware of a complaint or other matter (by its own means or notice given to it), decide to take no action, or no further action, if— a the complaint relates to a matter that the complainant has had knowledge of for more than 12 months before making the complaint; or b in the opinion of the Office,— i the subject matter of the complaint or other matter is minor; or ii the complaint is frivolous or vexatious or is not made in good faith; or iii the complainant does not desire that action be taken or continued; or iv the identity of the complainant is unknown and investigation of the complaint would be substantially impeded; or v the complainant is yet to make reasonable efforts to resolve the complaint directly with the Police; or vi an adequate remedy or right of appeal exists, other than the right to petition the House of Representatives, that is, or would have been, reasonable for the complainant to exercise or the other matter to be addressed. The Office may decide not to take any further action on a complaint or other matter if, in the course of the investigation of the complaint or other matter by the Office or the Police, or as a result of the Commissioner's report on a Police investigation, it appears to the Office that, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, any further action is unnecessary or inappropriate. If the Office decides to take no action, or no further action, on a complaint, it must inform the complainant of that decision and the reasons for it in writing. If the Office decides to take no action, or no further action, on a notice from the Commissioner, it must inform the Commissioner of that decision and the reasons for it in writing. 27 Commissioner must report to Office on initial findings and initial outcomes of Police employment investigations or processes The Commissioner must, before communicating the initial findings and the initial outcomes of a Police employment investigation or process to a Police employee subject to the investigation or process,— a provide the Office with the initial findings and the initial outcomes along with sufficient material to assess the adequacy of the investigation or process; and b consult the Office about the initial findings and the initial outcomes. The Office must provide an assessment of the initial findings and the initial outcomes to the Commissioner no later than 15 working days after receiving them. The Commissioner must— a consider the assessment; and b proceed as the Commissioner thinks fit, including by— i communicating the findings and the outcomes, with or without change, to the Police employee subject to the investigation or process: ii extending the investigation or process to address any inadequacies that the Office may have identified. Before reporting to the Office, the Commissioner may consult the Office on any Police proposals for action. 28 Commissioner must report charging decisions to Office The Commissioner must, before finalising a decision to lay charges against a Police employee,— a provide the Office with the findings along with sufficient material to assess the adequacy of the investigation or process, including (without limitation) the Commissioner’s provisional assessment as to whether charges should be laid and, if so, a statement of the specific charges to be laid and the reasons for them; and b consult the Office about the findings and the Commissioner’s provisional assessment. However, if the circumstances require the immediate charging of a Police employee, the Commissioner must, as soon as practicable after the charging,— a provide the Office with the findings along with sufficient material to assess the adequacy of the charging; and b consult the Office about the findings. The Office must provide an assessment of the findings to the Commissioner no later than 15 working days after receiving them. The Commissioner must— a consider the Office’s assessment and finalise the charging decisions with or without change; and b inform the Office of any departures from the Office’s assessment and provide reasons for those departures; and c inform the Office of the finalised charging decisions; and d unless the case is referred to the Solicitor-General under section 29(2) , proceed as the Commissioner thinks fit, including by— i communicating the finalised charging decisions to the Police employee subject to the investigation or process: ii extending the investigation or process to address any inadequacies that the Office may have identified. 29 Referral of certain cases to Solicitor-General for prosecution recommendations This section applies if— a the Office and the Police disagree on— i whether to charge a person who is the subject of an investigated complaint or other matter; or ii the offence or offences with which the person should be charged; or b the Inspector-General or Commissioner consider that a referral to the Solicitor-General is in the public interest. If this section applies, the Office or Commissioner may, as soon as practicable after considering the findings, material, and assessments provided under section 28 , require the Police to refer the investigated complaint or matter to the Solicitor-General in accordance with the relevant directions or guidelines that the Solicitor-General has issued in respect of legal advice and prosecution recommendations. The Police must act in accordance with the directions and guidelines that the Solicitor-General has issued in respect of legal advice and prosecution recommendations. 30 Commissioner must report to Office on completed investigations or other matters The Commissioner must, as soon as practicable but no later than 2 months after the Police complete an investigation of a complaint or other matter, report to the Office the outcome of the Police investigation, including (without limitation) whether— a the complaint (if any) has been upheld and, if so, what action has been taken or is proposed to be taken to rectify the matter: b the complaint or other matter has been settled. When reporting to the Office, the Commissioner must supply to the Office accompanying material sufficient to enable the Office to assess the adequacy of the Police investigation. 31 Commissioner must provide information and assistance to Office The Commissioner must, when the Office requests, provide the Office with all the information and assistance that are necessary for the proper performance by the Office of its functions in relation to its investigation of a complaint or other matter under this Act. If the Office oversees a Police investigation of a complaint or other matter, the Commissioner must, when the Office requests, provide to the Office— a any or all information in the possession or under the control of the Police that is relevant to the complaint: b a report on the progress of the investigation. 32 Office may access Police records The Office may directly access all Police records that are in the possession or control of the Police and that the Office considers may be relevant to the performance of the Office’s functions. The Police must provide the Office with full and direct access to those records, including by enabling the Office to browse and search Police databases (and must not make access in any particular case dependent on a request, an approval, or any other administrative step that is not reasonably necessary). 33 Legal professional privilege Nothing in this Act authorises the Office to use or disclose information accessed under section 32 that is protected by legal professional privilege. However, the Office may use or disclose that information in its responses to complaints or its reports if the holder of the privilege waives the privilege. 34 Security of received material The Office must ensure that all information that the Office receives under this Act, including Police records accessed under section 32 , is kept secure in accordance with protective security requirements. 35 Power of Police to investigate complaints and other matters Except as provided in section 25(4) , nothing in this Act prevents the Commissioner from commencing or continuing a Police investigation into any complaint, incident, or other matter. If, before or after a Police investigation commences, the Commissioner forms a view that the Office should investigate the complaint, incident, or other matter, the Commissioner may request the Office to do so. 36 Office may initiate investigations The Office may, of its own motion, investigate any matter or series of matters involving the Police or any Police policies, practices, or procedures if the Inspector-General is satisfied that to do so is in the public interest. Any person, including a Police employee, may bring to the attention of the Office a matter that the person considers may be relevant to the performance of the Office’s functions. 37 Office may enter Police premises The Office may, at any reasonable time, enter any Police property if the Office considers that it is relevant to an investigation. The Office must give the Commissioner prior written notice of an entry under this section. In this section, Police property means property used by, or in the possession or under the control of, the Police (whether belonging to the Crown or not). 38 Proceedings of Office Before undertaking an investigation, the Office must inform the following persons of its intention to investigate: a the Commissioner; and b the complainant (if any); and c any persons (other than the complainant) alleged to be aggrieved (unless the interests of justice otherwise require). The Office— a must conduct its investigations in private: b may regulate its procedure in the manner that it thinks fit, provided it does so in accordance with this Act: c may hear or obtain information from the persons that it thinks fit, including, if it considers that cultural matters are a factor relevant to a complaint or investigation, information from the persons that the Office thinks have knowledge or experience in those matters: d may hold hearings, but is not required to do so: e may, when deciding whether to hold a hearing, have regard to whether any relevant coroner’s inquest or other proceedings are pending or are reasonably in contemplation. The Office has, for the purposes of any hearing under subsection (2) and with all necessary modifications, the same powers as are conferred on commissions of inquiry under sections 4 and 4B to 9 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908. Sections 4 and 4B to 9 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908 apply, with all necessary modifications, to all persons involved in any capacity in a hearing under subsection (2) as if the inquiry were being conducted by a Commission under that Act. If an inconsistency arises between a provision of this Act and a provision of the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1908 or the Inquiries Act 2013, the provision of this Act prevails. 39 Right of response No person is entitled as of right to be heard by the Office. However, the Office may not, in a report of an investigation, make a comment, finding, or recommendation that adversely affects a person without providing the person with— a adequate notice of the material that the Office proposes to rely on in making the comment, finding, or recommendation; and b an opportunity to be heard. 40 Powers of Office in relation to investigations This section applies to a person whether or not the information the person has is admissible in a court of law. A person must, on request, provide the Office with information that— a the Office considers relevant to its investigation; and b is in the person’s possession or control. The Office may summon before it and examine on oath any person it considers able to give information relating to a matter it has under investigation. A person is not excused from providing information to the Office in the course of an investigation just because doing so may incriminate or tend to incriminate the person. 41 Office may pay fees, allowances, and expenses of witnesses The Office may pay fees, allowances, and expenses to anyone who appears as a witness before the Office. Any fees, allowances, and expenses paid under this section must be as set out in the scales prescribed by regulations made under the Criminal Procedure Act 2011. Despite subsection (2) , the Office may disallow part of a sum payable to a witness under this section. 42 Protection and privileges of witnesses Except as provided in subsection (2) and in sections 40(4) and 44(2) , a person that the Office examines— a has the same privileges as witnesses have in any court in relation to the provision of information to the Office and the answering of questions put by the Office; and b is subject to perjury as if the examination were a judicial proceeding within the meaning of section 108 of the Crimes Act 1961. If the Office requires a person to provide information and compliance with that requirement would breach an obligation of secrecy or non-disclosure imposed on that person by or under any enactment,— a the existence of the obligation does not constitute a ground for refusal or failure to provide the information; and b compliance with the requirement is not a breach of the relevant obligation of secrecy or non-disclosure or of the enactment or provision by which that obligation is imposed. However, the Office may examine information for which privilege is claimed, or refer the information to an independent person, to determine whether— a the person claiming privilege has a justifiable reason for maintaining the privilege; or b the information should be disclosed. 43 Witness testimony and evidence given Except in proceedings for perjury within the meaning of the Crimes Act 1961 in respect of sworn testimony given before the Office, or for an offence under section 57 ,— a no statement made or answer given by a person in the course of an investigation by, or proceedings before, the Office is admissible in evidence against that person or another person in any other proceeding; and b no evidence in respect of proceedings before the Office may be given against a person in other proceedings. However,— a if disclosure is permitted under section 50(3) , the Commissioner may take into account a statement made or an answer given or evidence provided in the circumstances specified in subsection (1) when carrying out employment investigations: b if section 49(d) applies, the Public Service Commission may take into account a statement made or an answer given or evidence provided in the circumstances specified in subsection (1) when making appointments under sections 12 and 13 of the Policing Act 2008. 44 Disclosure of certain matters not to be required The Office may not require information to be provided if— a the Prime Minister certifies that the provision of information might prejudice— i the security or defence of New Zealand, or the international relations of the Government of New Zealand; or ii any interest protected by section 7 of the Official Information Act 1982 (which relates to the Cook Islands, Tokelau, Niue, and the Ross Dependency); or b the Attorney-General certifies that the provision of information— i might prejudice the prevention, investigation, or detection of offences; or ii might involve the disclosure of proceedings of Cabinet, or any committee of Cabinet, relating to matters of a secret or confidential nature, and that disclosure would be injurious to the public interest. Except as provided in subsection (1) , the rule of law that authorises or requires the withholding of a document, or the refusal to answer a question, on the ground that the disclosure of the document or the answering of the question would be injurious to the public interest does not apply in respect of any investigation by, or proceedings before, the Office. 45 Procedure after completion of Office investigation If the Office undertakes an investigation, whether by its own initiative or by referral, the Office must form an opinion as to whether a decision, recommendation, act, omission, conduct, policy, practice, or procedure relevant to the subject matter of the investigation is contrary to law, unreasonable, unjustified, unfair, or undesirable. The Office— a must convey its opinion, with reasons, to the Commissioner; and b may make the recommendations that it thinks fit, including a recommendation that employment or criminal proceedings be considered or instituted against Police employees; and c may, if section 29 applies, require the Police to refer the case to the Solicitor-General for legal advice and a prosecution recommendation. 46 Procedure after completion of Police investigation As soon as practicable after the Commissioner reports to the Office on a completed Police investigation of a complaint or other matter, the Office must form an opinion as to whether a decision, recommendation, act, omission, conduct, policy, practice, or procedure relevant to the subject matter of the investigation is contrary to law, unreasonable, unjustified, unfair, or undesirable. After considering the Commissioner’s report and forming its opinion, the Office— a must inform the Commissioner whether it agrees with the Commissioner’s decision or proposed decision in respect of the complaint or other matter: b may, if it disagrees with the Commissioner’s decision or proposed decision, make recommendations (supported by reasons) that it thinks fit, including recommendations that— i employment or criminal proceedings be considered or instituted against the relevant Police employees: ii specific employment outcomes be considered or instituted in respect of the relevant Police employees. The Commissioner— a must consider the Office’s recommendations; and b may, subject to section 29(3) , proceed as the Commissioner thinks fit. 47 Police employment obligations Despite anything in section 25, 27, or 46 , the Commissioner must perform its functions and duties and exercise its powers in compliance with its obligations as an employer of Police employees. Subsection (1) applies whether or not the Police are subject to a direction under section 25 . However, a Police employee affected by a direction under section 25(4) may not bring an action for a personal grievance on a ground specified in section 103(1)(b) of the Employment Relations Act 2000 in respect of the direction. 48 Implementation of recommendations of Office The Commissioner must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving a recommendation of the Office under section 45(2) or 46(2) ,— a notify the Office of the action to be taken to give effect to the recommendation; and b give reasons for departing from, or not implementing, the recommendation. If, within a reasonable time after a recommendation is made, action that the Office considers adequate and appropriate is yet to be taken, the Office— a must, after considering any comments that the Commissioner has made, send a copy of the notification and reasons to the Minister, who must provide a copy to the Minister of Police and the Attorney-General; and b may, if the Office considers doing so to be appropriate, provide a report on the matter to the Minister, who must provide a copy to the Minister of Police and the Attorney-General. If the Minister receives a report under subsection (2)(b) , the Minister must present the report to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable. 49 Parties to be informed of progress and result of investigation If the Office investigates a complaint, it must— a conduct the investigation with due expedition; and b inform, if it considers doing so appropriate, the complainant and the Commissioner of the progress of the investigation; and c inform, in every case, the parties concerned as soon as is reasonably practicable after the conclusion of the investigation, and in the manner that it considers proper, of the result of the investigation; and d if the investigation concerns a person appointed, or being considered for appointment, under section 12 or 13 of the Policing Act 2008,— i inform the Public Service Commissioner of the progress of the investigation; and ii provide the Public Service Commissioner with information the Office has that is relevant to the Public Service Commissioner’s role, including (without limitation) complaints made, concerns notified, conclusions reached, and findings made. 50 Office and staff to maintain secrecy The Office, every member of the Office, and every person holding an office or appointment under the Office— a must maintain secrecy in respect of all matters that come to their knowledge in performing their functions and duties or exercising their powers under this Act; and b may not communicate those matters to another person except for the purpose of performing their functions and duties or exercising their powers under this Act. Subsection (1) applies to a person who is employed by the department responsible for the administration of the Public Records Act 2005, or employed by or in a repository approved under section 26 of that Act, and who has access to public records in respect of which the Office is subject to an obligation of secrecy under this section. Despite subsection (1) , the Office may disclose those matters that, in the opinion of the Office, ought to be disclosed— a for the purpose of carrying out an investigation or other duty of the Office under this Act; or b to establish grounds for the Office's conclusions and recommendations. However, the Office may not make a disclosure under subsection (3) if the Office has reached the view that the disclosure— a concerns— i anything described in section 44(1) (whether or not certified): ii information that is subject to any privileges or immunities: b would prejudice any criminal proceedings. Before disclosing any information, including to anyone specified in section 17 , the Office must— a confirm that the recipient has appropriate arrangements in place to keep it secure in accordance with protective security requirements; and b consult the Commissioner if— i the Police provided the information to the Office (whether or not the Office requested it); and ii the information is sensitive or is subject to an obligation of secrecy or non-disclosure; and c consider the manner in which it collected the information, including whether it compelled a person to provide the information under a provision of this Act. 51 Proceedings privileged Subject to subsection (2) ,— a no proceedings may lie against the Office, any member of the Office, or any person holding any office or appointment under the Office, for anything they do or say in the course of performing their functions and duties or exercising their powers under this Act unless it is shown that they acted in bad faith: b the Office, members of the Office and persons holding office or appointment under the Office may not be called to give evidence in any proceedings in respect of anything that comes to their knowledge in the performance of their functions and duties and the exercise of their powers under this Act. Nothing in subsection (1) applies in respect of proceedings for— a an offence against section 78, 78AAA, 78AAB, 78AA(1), 78A(1), 105, or 105A of the Crimes Act 1961; or b the offence of conspiring to commit an offence against section 78, 78AAA, 78AAB, 78AA(1), 78A(1), 105, or 105A of the Crimes Act 1961; or c the offence of attempting to commit an offence against section 78, 78AAA, 78AAB, 78AA(1), 78A(1), 105, or 105A of the Crimes Act 1961. This section applies despite section 121 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. Sections 59(3) and 60 of the Crown Entities Act 2004 do not apply unless the entity bringing the action, or the person making the application, shows that the member, employee, or office holder of the Office acted in bad faith. 52 Office and Commissioner may publish certain reports and information The Office may, in the public interest or in the interests of any person, publish reports relating to— a the performance of its functions and duties or exercise of its powers under this Act: b a particular case or cases in relation to which it has performed its functions and duties or exercised its powers under this Act: c an opinion or a recommendation given under section 45 or 46 . The Office— a must publish the report on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Office: b may publish the report whether or not the Office has notified the Attorney-General, the Minister, or the House of Representatives of the report. The Office may publish information about the Police’s progress in implementing a recommendation made under section 45 or 46 on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Office. The Commissioner may, after receiving from the Office an opinion or a recommendation given under section 45 or 46 , publish all or any part of the opinion or recommendation on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Police. In determining the extent of publication, the Commissioner must take into account any recommendation of the Office concerning publication. Neither the Office nor the Commissioner may, in any publication under this section, disclose a matter that is likely to prejudice an interest described in section 44(1) , whether or not a certificate has been given under that subsection. 53 Office must provide annual oversight reports As soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, the Office must provide an oversight report to the Minister that summarises— a the Office’s work, including (without limitation)— i its inquiries and investigations; and ii the issues and concerns it has identified; and iii the reviews it has undertaken; and b the progress that the Police have made in implementing the recommendations that the Office has made under this Act. As soon as practicable after receiving the oversight report, the Minister must present a copy of it to the House of Representatives. As soon as practicable after the Minister presents the oversight report to the House of Representatives, the Office must publish it on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Office. 54 Office must provide annual work programmes At least 60 days before the beginning of each financial year, the Office must— a prepare a draft work programme for that year; and b consult the Commissioner about the draft work programme. The Office must finalise the work programme after having regard to any comments that the Commissioner has provided. The finalised work programme may not include sensitive information. As soon as practicable after the programme is finalised, the Office must— a give a copy to the Minister; and b publish it on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Office. The Minister must present a copy of the work programme to the House of Representatives— a as soon as practicable after receiving it; or b at the same time that the oversight report for the preceding financial year is presented under section 53(2) . 55 Office must publish its conflicts of interest policy As soon as practicable after its establishment, the Office must publish, on a publicly accessible internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Office, its policy on conflicts of interest arising from a relationship or former relationship between a member of the Office and a Police employee. The Office must republish the policy each time the Office amends it. 56 Protection against retaliation for co-operating with Office This section applies to a person who does 1 or more of the following: a brings a matter to the Office’s attention: b provides, or helps to provide, the Office with— i assistance or access to information: ii information: c submits to examination by the Office. The Police may not, by reason of the person having done something specified in subsection (1) , subject the person to a penalty or discriminatory treatment in relation to work that they do, or propose to do, for the Police. However, subsection (2) does not apply if the Police determines that the person did something specified in subsection (1) in bad faith. 57 Offences A person commits an offence if the person wilfully, without reasonable excuse,— a obstructs, hinders, or resists the Office in the performance of its functions and duties or the exercise of its powers: b refuses or fails to comply with a lawful requirement of the Office: c makes a false statement to, or misleads or attempts to mislead, the Office. A person who commits an offence against this section is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000. 58 Regulations The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations for all or any of the following purposes: a providing for anything this Act says may or must be provided for by regulations: b providing for anything incidental that is necessary for carrying out, or giving full effect to, this Act. Regulations made under this section are secondary legislation ( see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements). 59 Review of Act The Ministry must review the operation and effectiveness of this Act. The review must commence no later than 3 years after the commencement of this Act. The Ministry must prepare a report of the review. The Minister must present the report to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after it is completed. 60 Crimes of Torture Act 1989 not limited Nothing in this Act limits the operation of Part 2 of the Crimes of Torture Act 1989. 61 Repeal of Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 The Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 (1988 No 2) is repealed. 62 Consequential amendments Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 3 as set out in that schedule. 63 Principal Act This subpart amends the Ombudsman Act 1975. 64 Section 13 amended (Functions of Ombudsmen) Replace section 13(7)(d) with: d any decision, recommendation, act, omission, investigation, or other matter that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police may make or carry out to discharge its functions specified in section 15 of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 . 65 New section 17D inserted (Referral of complaint to Office of Inspector-General of Police) After section 17C, insert: 17D Referral of complaint to Office of Inspector-General of Police 1 If, on receiving a complaint under this Act, an Ombudsman considers that the complaint relates, in whole or in part, to a matter that is more properly within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Inspector-General of Police under the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 , the Ombudsman must, as soon as practicable, consult the Inspector-General of Police to determine the appropriate means of dealing with the complaint. 2 As soon as practicable after consulting the Inspector-General of Police, the Ombudsman must determine whether the complaint should be dealt with, in whole or in part, under this Act. 3 If the Ombudsman determines that the complaint should be dealt with, in whole or in part, under the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 , the Ombudsman must, as soon as practicable, refer the complaint or the appropriate part of the complaint to the Inspector-General of Police to be dealt with accordingly, and must notify the complainant of the action that has been taken. 66 New section 21E inserted (Consultation with Inspector-General of Police) After section 21D, insert: 21E Consultation with Inspector-General of Police Despite anything in section 21, an Ombudsman may— a undertake consultation with the Inspector-General of Police holding office under section 10 of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 in relation to any matter, including (without limitation) consultation in relation to a matter that— i arises out of or in the course of an investigation under this Act or any other enactment: ii is within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Inspector-General of Police under the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 , whether or not the matter arises out of a particular complaint made under this Act. b disclose to the Inspector-General of Police any information that the Ombudsman considers necessary for purposes of the consultation. 67 Schedule 1 amended In Schedule 1, Part 2, item relating to Crown entities, replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . 68 Principal Act This subpart amends the Policing Act 2008. 69 New section 17A inserted (Designated member of executive leadership team with responsibility for integrity) After section 17, insert: 17A Designated member of executive leadership team with responsibility for integrity 1 The Commissioner must designate a member of the executive leadership team of the Police as having responsibility for integrity within the Police. 2 The designated member of the executive leadership team must ensure that integrity remains a priority within the Police. 3 For the purposes of this section, member of the executive leadership team means a person who— a is appointed to the executive leadership team; and b reports directly to the Commissioner. 1 Transitional, savings, and related provisions This clause applies to a complaint that is— a made under the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 before the commencement of this clause; and b to be determined on or after the commencement of this clause. The Office must deal with the complaint under this Act, whether or not any action was taken in relation to the complaint before the commencement of this clause. Every employee or officer appointed by the Independent Police Conduct Authority immediately before the commencement of this Act is, on and from that date, an employee or member of the Office on the same terms and conditions that applied to the employee or officer immediately before that date. For the purposes of every enactment, law, contract, and agreement relating to the employment of the employee or member,— a the contract of employment of that employee or member is taken to be unbroken; and b the employee's or member's period of service with the Independent Police Conduct Authority and every other period of service of that employee or member that was recognised by the Independent Police Conduct Authority as continuous service is taken to have been a period of service with the Office. A person to whom subclause (1) applies is not entitled to any compensation just because the person has ceased to be an employee or member of the Independent Police Conduct Authority. On and after the commencement of this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, every reference to the Independent Police Conduct Authority in any contract or other instrument, document, or notice must be read as a reference to the Office. Any proceedings to which the Independent Police Conduct Authority was a party or that it was considering bringing before the commencement of this Act may be brought, continued, completed, and enforced by or against the Office. On the commencement of this Act, the assets and liabilities of the Independent Police Conduct Authority vest in the Office. All residual assets, liabilities, agreements, leases, and licence arrangements of the Independent Police Conduct Authority in existence immediately before commencement vest in the Crown as assets or liabilities of the Office on and after commencement. All information held by the Independent Police Conduct Authority immediately before commencement is transferred to the Office on commencement. All money payable to or by the Independent Police Conduct Authority immediately before commencement becomes payable to or by the Office on and after commencement. Unless the context otherwise requires, anything done, omitted to be done, or to be done by, or in relation to, the Independent Police Conduct Authority is to be treated as having been done, having been omitted to be done, or having to be done by, or in relation to, the Office. The Office must perform the reporting requirements, and comply with the reporting obligations, relating to annual financial statements, annual reports, and audits that the Independent Police Conduct Authority would have performed and complied with under the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988, the Crown Entities Act 2004, the Public Finance Act 1989, and any other legislation. 2 Administrative provisions In this schedule, board member means a board member of the Office other than the Inspector-General. A person holds office as the Inspector-General for an initial term (which must not be more than 5 years) that the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the House of Representatives, specifies in the person’s appointment. A person holding office as the Inspector-General may be reappointed for 1 further term not exceeding 3 years. A person holds office as a board member for an initial term (which must not be more than 3 years) that the Governor-General, on the recommendation of the House of Representatives, specifies in the person’s appointment. A person holding office as a board member may be reappointed for 1 or more further terms not exceeding 3 years each. Unless they have died, resigned, or been removed, a person holding office as the Inspector-General or a board member continues to hold office until either of the following occurs, even if the term for which they were appointed has ended: a the person is reappointed: b the person’s successor is appointed. The Inspector-General or a board member may resign (at any time) by written notice to the Governor-General. A notice of resignation must state the date on which the resignation takes effect. If the office of the Inspector-General becomes vacant, the vacancy must be filled by the appointment of a successor in accordance with section 10(1)(a) . If the office of a board member becomes vacant, the vacancy must be filled by the appointment of a successor in accordance with section 10(1)(b) . Subclause (4) applies if— a the office of the Inspector-General or a board member becomes vacant while Parliament is not in session, or is vacant at the close of a session; and b the House of Representatives has not recommended an appointment to fill the vacancy. When this subclause applies, the vacancy may, at any time before the commencement of the next session of Parliament, be filled by the appointment of a successor by the Governor-General in Council. An appointment made under subclause (4) lapses and the office again becomes vacant unless, before the end of the 24th sitting day of the House of Representatives following the date of the appointment, the House confirms the appointment. The Inspector-General or a board member may be removed or suspended from office by the Governor-General, acting on an address from the House of Representatives, for any of the following: a incapacity: b bankruptcy: c neglect of duty: d misconduct. At any time when Parliament is not in session, the Inspector-General or a board member may be suspended from office by the Governor-General for any of the reasons specified in subclause (1)(a) to (d) , but a suspension under this subclause does not continue in force beyond 2 months after the beginning of the next session of Parliament. The Inspector-General and board members must be paid, out of public money and without further appropriation than this clause,— a salaries at the rates determined by the Remuneration Authority; and b allowances (if any) determined by the Remuneration Authority. The Inspector-General and board members are entitled to receive from the funds of the Office the actual and reasonable costs for travelling and other expenses that relate to the performance of their functions. The Inspector-General and board members must each give written notice to the Minister of all financial and other interests that they have or acquire that could conflict with the proper performance of their functions. 3 Consequential amendments In the heading to section 317, replace Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 with Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 . In section 317, replace Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 with Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 . In section 35(4)(l), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 9, definition of other investigating authority , replace paragraph (l) with: l the Office of the Inspector-General of Police established under section 7 of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 : Replace section 72(a) with: a the publication by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, under section 52(1)(b) of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 , of a report that includes a particular of the death; and In section 3(1), repeal the definition of Independent Police Conduct Authority . In section 3(1), insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: Inspector-General of Police includes any employee of the Inspector-General of Police. In section 3(1), definition of official agency , paragraph (i), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 78A(2), definition of relevant office , paragraph (e), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 16, definition of National Preventive Mechanism , paragraph (b), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In Schedule 1, Part 3, replace the item relating to the Independent Police Conduct Authority with: Inspector-General of Police In Schedule 1, replace the item relating to the Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 with: Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 s 38 In section 4(1), repeal the definition of Independent Police Conduct Authority . In section 4(1), insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: Inspector-General of Police means the office established under section 7 of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 Replace section 10(2)(h) with: h the Inspector-General of Police. In section 4, repeal the definition of Independent Police Conduct Authority . In section 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: Inspector-General of Police means the office established under section 7 of the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 In section 13(3)(a), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 161(3)(e), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 161(4), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 228(3)(m), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 2(1), definition of official information , after paragraph (n), insert: o does not include any working document or internal record, or any other information, document, or thing, that is held by a person carrying out work under the Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 in the course of an investigation under that Act In Schedule 1, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: Office of the Inspector-General of Police In section 56(5)(m), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 75(1)(d), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In section 208(1)(d), replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . In Schedule 2, item relating to Police, replace Independent Police Conduct Authority with Inspector-General of Police . Replace section 53(2)(c)(vi) with: vi the Inspector-General of Police and the board of the Inspector-General of Police; or In Schedule 4, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order: The Inspector-General of Police and the board of the Inspector-General of Police In Schedule 4, repeal the item relating to the members of the Independent Police Conduct Authority. In section 49(2)(c),— a replace Independent Police Conduct Authority, with Inspector-General of Police, ; and b replace Independent Police Conduct Authority Act 1988 with Inspector-General of Police Legislation Amendment Act 2026 .