Our executives

The Governor appoints an Ombudsman on the recommendation of the Premier. The Ombudsman can be appointed for a period of seven years and is eligible for reappointment.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Office of the Ombudsman and the Police Integrity Commission has the right to veto a proposed appointment of an Ombudsman.

Our current executives are:

Ombudsman: Bruce Barbour LLB

Bruce has been the NSW Ombudsman since June 2000. He has 25 years experience in administrative law, investigations and management. Bruce has led the office through significant change and growth, including a merger with the former Community Services Commission in 2002. Bruce is the regional vice president of the International Ombudsman Institute, representing the Australasian and Pacific Region Ombudsman. He has played an active role in reforming that institute and has been involved in projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of existing Ombudsman in the South Pacific. Before his appointment as Ombudsman, Bruce was a senior member of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal and a member of the Casino Control Authority. He was also a former Director of the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

Deputy Ombudsman: Chris Wheeler BTRP MTCP LLB (Hons)

Chris has been Deputy Ombudsman since 1994. He has 25 years experience in complaint-handling and investigations, as well as extensive experience in management and public administration. Chris has responsibility for freedom of information, protected disclosures and Ombudsman publications. He is the sponsor of the Unreasonable Complainant Conduct project and a member of the national research team for the Whistling While They Work project. He has also worked in state and local government, and as a town planner and solicitor.

Deputy Ombudsman: Steve Kinmond BA LLB Dip Ed Dip Crim

Steve has held this position since February 2004. Before that, he was the Assistant Ombudsman (Police) for more than eight years. Steve has had over 13 years involvement in community services, and extensive investigation and management experience. He has also worked as a solicitor and run his own consultancy practice. Steve is the Community & Disability Services Commissioner.

Assistant Ombudsman: Greg Andrews BA (Hons) M Env Loc Gov Law, Graduate Cert Public Sector Management

Greg has over 28 years experience as an investigator and has been an Assistant Ombudsman since 1988. He has extensive experience in management, investigations, education and training. Prior to joining the office, he worked in educational change management, university teaching and research, and legal publishing.

Director: Anita Whittaker PSM BCom

Anita has worked in the NSW public sector for 30 years and has been the manager corporate since 1997. Anita has extensive experience in public sector administration and in financial and human resource management. Anita was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2000 in recognition of her outstanding service and her ongoing contribution to the Ombudsman’s office.