Adding further to the confusion surrounding the state of play, the minister's office confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Downes was actually expected to hand his report to ASADA's chief executive and not the minister.
However, ASADA's chief executive Aurora Andruska is due to finish up at the end of next week. There has been no announcement of a replacement or even an interim chief.
"Announcements will be made at the appropriate time," a spokesman for the minister told AFL.com.au.
ASADA did not respond to AFL.com.au's inquiries on Tuesday before the time of publishing.
The federal minister, who is responsible for overseeing ASADA, commissioned Mr Downes in February to conduct an examination.
Mr Downes was tasked with reviewing ASADA's processes and helping to bring its investigation into matters relating to the AFL and NRL to a conclusion.
In his statement on February 3, Minister Dutton declared 'the Downes report' should be completed "as soon as possible, but no later than the end of April 2014."
"The review process will assist ASADA in finalising its investigations, but does not in itself guarantee finalisation on a fixed date," he said.
But with the end of the month just one day away the minister's office would not confirm that the report would not be made public.
The minister's spokesman said: "The report will be subject to legal privilege and will remain confidential,"
It's been more than 14 months since Essendon self-reported and the so-called 'blackest day in sport' media conference in Canberra.
As it stands, no AFL players or club officials have been handed infraction notices.
Behind the scenes of one of the greatest Grand Finals
Join us for exclusive access to the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final between Collingwood and Brisbane
Must Watch
02:21
AFLW Top Five: Finals week three best moments
The best moments from an action-packed week three of finals of the 2023 NAB AFLW season
19:59
'It’s a blur': AFLW B&F champ Conti on her big win
AFLW Best and Fairest Monique Conti joins Sarah Black and Lucy Watkin on Credit to the Girls to discuss the celebrations after her win, why she loves the Tigers and how basketball has shaped her football
03:09
The moment Conti was crowned AFLW's No.1
Richmond gun Monique Conti dominates to win the AFLW best and fairest award
Next Up
Magpie heartbreak: Forward set to miss 2024 after ACL tear
Dan McStay is likely to be sidelined for all of next season after suffering a knee injury during training
Lions back young duo against Roos' three-pronged attack
Shannon Campbell is confident inexperienced pair Jennifer Dunne and Poppy Boltz will hold up against North Melbourne's tall trio
Hawks spearhead almost fit again, ex-Sun still slowed by knee
Mitch Lewis could return to full training before Christmas after a promising start to pre-season