Commonwealth Ombudsman

The ACT Ombudsman has developed two information sessions specifically for religious designated entities. These sessions online between 30 April and 22 May 2024. Each session will take approximately two hours. If you would like further information please email ACT@ombudsman.gov.au

Today the Commonwealth Ombudsman, ACT Ombudsman and Inspector-General of Taxation / Taxation Ombudsman published best practice principles for re-raising and notifying people about older debts in: How to tell people they owe the government money. bit.ly/3VxHNNx

The Commonwealth Ombudsman published a report on law enforcement's use of covert electronic surveillance. It highlights findings with the access to stored communications, telecommunication data, industry assistance and international production orders. bit.ly/3vcBCUG

Members of the #AustralianNPM made a joint response to the report of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture’s 2022 Australian visit. Where not yet done, all governments should appoint, legislate and resource NPMs: bit.ly/3Vo5Zlz #TorturePrevention #HumanRights #OPCAT

Commonwealth Ombudsman, NPM Coordinator and head of the Commonwealth NPM, Iain Anderson will be presenting at the 2024 OPCAT Symposium next week in Hobart, Tasmania to discuss OPCAT in Australia and abroad #OPCAT #TorturePrevention #NPM #AustralianNPM #HumanRights

Iain Anderson, Commonwealth Ombudsman recently spoke on a panel as part of an online conference organised by the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism in Malaysia on the occasion of the launch of C4’s report Structuring the Malaysian Ombudsman Office.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman’s investigation finds that aspects of the Department of Home Affairs’ and the Australian Border Force’s policies and procedures are not appropriate to ensure timely removal from immigration detention. ombudsman.gov.au/__data/assets/…

Members of the #AustralianNPM made a joint statement on the report of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture’s 2022 visit. All governments should appoint, legislate and resource NPMs: bit.ly/41u1nLR #TorturePrevention #HumanRights #OPCAT

The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman’s quarterly update for July-September 2023 is now online. The report includes discussion of complaint statistics and Defence Health’s system upgrade. bit.ly/46ZvM5y

Today the Defence Force Ombudsman published a report on an own motion inquiry ‘Defending Fairness - Does Defence handle unacceptable behaviour complaints effectively.’ To read the report: bit.ly/3NiNRob

Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), Australian Federal Police (AFP), New South Wales Police (WA Police) and Victoria Police (VIC Police) between 1 January to 30 June 2023. Report: bit.ly/3t4vYmm

Today we published ‘Accountability in Action: identifying, owning and fixing errors’ − our investigation report into Services Australia’s and the Department of Social Services’ response to addressing the impacts of unlawful income apportionment. bit.ly/4a45amH

Members of the #AustralianNPM made a submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture’s thematic report on current issues and good practices in management. Our submission highlights key issues related to #OPCAT bit.ly/3GnqRAS

Iain Anderson had the pleasure of meeting Malaysia’s Auditor General, Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, and discussing the complementary nature of their roles in upholding integrity in the civil service and opportunities for future cooperation between 🇦🇺& 🇲🇾.

Iain Anderson recently visited Malaysia. He made a courtesy call to YB Tuan Ramkarpal Singh Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law & Institutional Reform. Excellent discussion on furthering links between 🇦🇺& 🇲🇾’s institutions to progress reform priorities.

This week the Commonwealth Ombudsman had the privilege of attending the Australasian Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) conference in Melbourne. This year’s conference was themed Through The Ombudsman Looking Glass: Now And Into The Future. Read more here: bit.ly/3shopbs

Today the Commonwealth Ombudsman published ‘Defence Abuse Reparation Scheme – Insights and observations’. To read the report: ombudsman.gov.au/__data/assets/…

Our Annual Report 2022-23 is out now! Full details from the year are found here: ombudsman.gov.au/__data/assets/…

#OmbudsDay2023 aims to educate and raise awareness about the history and practices of the ombuds profession and the various ombuds models, their roles, the services they offer, and the value provided. Check out our website for more info: ombudsman.gov.au

Happy International Access to Information Day 2023! This year’s theme is digital inclusion: connecting people to information. To learn more and find useful resources, check out the official OAIC website: bit.ly/3ZvNT17 #AccessToInfoDay #RightToKnow #openaccess #ACTFOI