Latest news
3 November 2009
Ombudsman releases Annual Report
The Ombudsman tabled his annual report for 2008-2009 on 22 October 2009. The report outlines everyday problems that would not have been solved without our involvement. It highlights cases that we were able to resolve quickly and easily, as well as looking into broader systemic issues that can impact on large parts of our community. Click on the links below to access the report and the Ombudsman’s media releases:
NSW Ombudsman annual report 2008-2009
NSW Ombudsman Annual Report 08-09 media releases
Change to the structure of the NSW Ombudsman
To address ongoing budgetary constraints, changes to our work processes and broader public sector structural changes, the Ombudsman implemented changes to the structure of the office. We now have four branches: Human Services Branch, Public Administration and Strategic Projects Branch, Police and Compliance Branch and Corporate Branch. The new structure came into effect on 1 October 2009. Click on the link below to view an organisation chart outlining the new structure:
Ombudsman staff overseas
Several senior staff from our office have recently travelled overseas to share the experience of our office. Deputy Ombudsman Chris Wheeler has just returned from Canada, where he conducted a number of training courses in dealing with unreasonable complainant conduct. This is the second time Chris has been invited to Canada, with oversight agencies keen to develop more effective approaches to unreasonable complainant conduct. Assistant Ombudsman (Police) Greg Andrews travelled to Jakarta as part of an ongoing AusAid funded project to support the Ombudsman Commission of Indonesia.
Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign
This year we have again become a sponsor for the Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign to celebrate International Day of People with a Disability. The campaign is a NSW Government initiative to celebrate the achievements of people with a disability. It is held in November and December each year. As part of the event, we have invited a Don’t DIS my ABILITY ambassador to address our staff. For further information about Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, click on the link below:
8 October 2009
Report into the death of Ebony
The Ombudsman has tabled a special report to Parliament entitled The death of Ebony: the need for an effective interagency response. The report outlines the contact five government agencies had with Ebony and her family over a six year period leading up to her death at the end of 2007. Click on the link below to access the report.
The death of Ebony: The need for an effective interagency response to children at risk
8 October 2009
Commonwealth Ombudsman national conference
The Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman both presented papers at the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s recent national conference. The Ombudsman took part in a joint session entitled Openness in a secret world. He was joined on the panel by Senator Mark Dreyfus and Inspector General for Intelligence and Security, Mr Ian Carnell. The Deputy Ombudsman spoke about unreasonable complainant conduct as part of a session entitled Being difficult or experiencing difficulty.
Plenary Session 3: Openness in a secret world
8 October 2009
Legal Officer working in Vanuatu
As part of our work with the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance (POA), Brendan Delahunty from our office is completing a three month placement with the Vanuatu Ombudsman. Brendan will be based in Port Villa from September to December, helping the staff of the Vanuatu Ombudsman to assess complaints and providing broader advice around the operation of the office. Brendan’s placement is fully funded by the POA.
8 October 2009
Information Commissioner now online
The Information Commissioner’s website is now up and running. The web address is: www.informationcommissioner.nsw.gov.au.
25 September 2009
Contacting the Information Commissioner
The Information Commissioner’s office is currently being established, with a website expected to be operational in a few weeks. News about the Information Commissioner can be accessed at: http://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/prem/foi_reform_-_open_government_information. If you want to contact the Information Commissioner, you can send an email to Information_Commissioner@agd.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 194 210.
18 August 2009
Ombudsman speaks at DVLO Conference
On 11 August, the Ombudsman delivered the keynote address at the NSW Police Force’s Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Conference. The Ombudsman took advantage of the opportunity to speak with frontline police to dispel some of the myths surrounding the work of the Ombudsman’s office. He also outlined some of the ways in which the office works with police to improve the service they provide to the people of NSW. The Ombudsman used part of the session to take questions from attendees, discussing topical issues such as recent developments aimed at targeting domestic violence, changes to the child protection system and concerns around privacy. Click on the link below to access the Ombudsman’s speech.
2009 Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Conference
18 August 2009
Child Protection Forum
On 31 July, we hosted a child protection forum at our office. These events are designed to provide those working in child protection in the workplace with practical advice and guidance. During the forum, Child Protection Division Manager Natasha Mewing outlined our findings following research into trends and patterns in the sexual abuse of students by school employees.
18 August 2009
Community Outreach Forum in Bankstown
On 30 July, we hosted a community outreach forum in Bankstown. This was the first community outreach forum to be held in a metropolitan area, following their success in regional centres. The event was targeted at those working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. We received positive feedback from those who attended, and we plan to conduct similar forums in and around metropolitan centres in the future.
18 August 2009
Speeches available online
A number of speeches by the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman are now available online. Click on the link below to access the speeches
4 August 2009
New guidance for local government complaint handlers
We have been working with the Department of Local Government to produce a detailed practice note providing guidance on complaint handling for council staff. The Minister for Local Government Barbara Perry welcomed the release of the guidelines, and commented that “it is essential that residents and ratepayers concerns are taken seriously.” Click on the link below to access the practice note:
Complaints management in councils
4 August 2009
APSAC Conference
Deputy Ombudsman Chris Wheeler and Jennifer Agius from our General Division presented during sessions at the Australasian and Pacific Anti Corruption Conference (APSAC), held in Brisbane from 28-31 July. Chris spoke about the challenges of managing protected disclosures, as well as leading a day-long session on integrity in the public sector. Jennifer spoke about the role of Ombudsman in handling complaints from inmates in correctional centres. For more information about these and other sessions during the conference, click on the link below to the APSACC website:
APSAC Conference 2009 — Taking responsibility, fighting complacency
4 August 2009
New online complaint form
As part of our review of our website, we have redesigned our online complaint form. The new-look form will be easier for those making a complaint. It will also allow us to sort and allocate online complaints more efficiently.
4 August 2009
Police Integrity Agency Forum
Several staff from our office attended the Police Integrity Agency Forum, hosted by the Crime and Misconduct Commission in Brisbane on 27 July 2009. During the forum, Cross Agency Team Manager Julianna Demetrius gave a presentation on our work on policing in aboriginal communities and domestic violence.
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