50 years pursuing fairness for NSW 1975–2025

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.

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The need for an Ombudsman

It took a decade of debate before the NSW Ombudsman was established in 1975 to be the citizen’s impartial arbiter.

Brick wall Ombudsman2

Fairness and accountability

A key function of the Ombudsman is to improve public administration.

From Annual Report 1998 99 p 166

Upholding open government

Explaining decisions, minimising red tape, and monitoring access to government information are all pillars supporting fairness, government transparency and accountability.

FOI guidelines

Protecting human rights

The Ombudsman’s oversight of public authorities includes ensuring citizens are treated lawfully and fairly.

Inmates in Goulburn Gaol photographer Lynch Mitchell Library State Library of NSW

Oversight and monitoring

The NSW Ombudsman has been tasked over the years with some important audit and monitoring functions.

Ombudsman staff David Watson and Wayne Kosh

Promoting integrity

The Ombudsman has set the standards for independent scrutiny, fairness and accountability.

Julie Mc Crossin
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Journey Together artwork

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.