The pdf Ombudsman Act 2017 (1.83 MB) allows the Ombudsman and his or her investigation team to refer complaints that it cannot investigate onto other Government agencies such as the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) or the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for cases that may involve an act of misconduct or misappropriation of funds by a public body or public officer. Cases that may involve corruption by a public body or public officer may be referred to agencies such as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) or the Police (RSIPF).

An advantage of the OOSI referral mechanism is that it helps people who don't know what institution to refer complaints to, to come to the OOSI to do referrals on their behalf.