Chief Ombudsman
Summary
The Chief Ombudsman is appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the House of Representatives, serving a renewable 5-year term. The office is an Officer of Parliament and investigates complaints about administrative decisions and actions by central government departments, local authorities, and other public organisations listed in the Ombudsmen Act. The Chief Ombudsman has statutory powers to require production of documents and to examine persons on oath. Removal requires an address of the House of Representatives for stated cause. Reports are presented to Parliament and published without pre-publication review.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ombudsmen Act 1975 (1975 No 9)
- Citation
- 1975 No 9
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
Central government departments, local authorities, and other organisations listed in Schedule 1 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975; investigates complaints about administrative decisions and actions