Investigations and reports by the Ombudsman have led to transformational changes in public administration. Discover the history of the NSW Ombudsman, written by Dr Lisa Murray, public historian.
It took a decade of debate before the NSW Ombudsman was established in 1975 to be the citizen’s impartial arbiter.
A key function of the Ombudsman is to improve public administration.
Explaining decisions, minimising red tape, and monitoring access to government information are all pillars supporting fairness, government transparency and accountability.
The Ombudsman’s oversight of public authorities includes ensuring citizens are treated lawfully and fairly.
The NSW Ombudsman has been tasked over the years with some important audit and monitoring functions.
The Ombudsman has set the standards for independent scrutiny, fairness and accountability.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and pay our respects to all Elders past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.
Artist: Jasmine Sarin, a proud Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman.