News

Over 60 participants attended this year’s first Public Interest Disclosures Practitioner Forum on 1 May 2013. Our staff presented a number of sessions on a range of topics.

On 24 April 2013 we facilitated a roundtable meeting with representatives from university unions including the National Tertiary Education Union and the Australian Higher Education Industrial Association. The purpose of the meeting was to get the unions’ perspective on the way allegations of serious staff misconduct are currently dealt with in universities; and to facilitate a frank discussion about any issues identified in this area.

NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour appeared before a hearing of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Ombudsman, Police Integrity Commission and the Crime Commission on 11 April 2013. The Committee is inquiring into the ways in which the integrity bodies it is responsible for measure and report on their performance. More information about the inquiry, including the Ombudsman’s submission and transcript of evidence, can be accessed at the Committee’s inquiry webpage.

We are a partner agency sponsor of the fourth Australian Public Sector Anti-Corruption Conference (APSACC), which will be held from 26 to 28 November 2013 at the Hilton Sydney. Early bird registration opens 1 May 2013. Go to www.apsacc.com.au to register online.

On 4 April 2013 Mr Steve Kinmond, Deputy Ombudsman and Commissioner for Community and Disability Services appeared before the Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations. This inquiry is being conducted by the Family and Community Development Committee in Victoria. Mr Kinmond provided evidence on how the NSW Ombudsman keeps under scrutiny the systems for preventing reportable conduct and handling reportable allegations and convictions involving employees of agencies under our jurisdiction.