The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman has released its corporate plan for the next four years, anticipating a continuation of its long-standing roles and an expansion of its oversight of activities by law enforcement Agencies.
In the 2021-22 Corporate Plan: Financial Years 2021–22 to 2024–25 and prior to his retirement in July, former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Michael Manthorpe (pictured) said the Office’s goal was to ensure the integrity and influence the improvement of public administration.
“In recent times, we have been particularly attuned to individual complaints and complaint themes that relate to the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, for so long as the pandemic is with us, I anticipate we will continue to place an emphasis on this area,” Mr Manthorpe said.
“While complaint handling is a core component of our work, so too is the investigation of systemic issues through broader investigations, as are the range of other audit, inspection and oversight roles we fulfil,” he said.
“We hold Agencies to account, but seek to do so in a way that is constructive and fair.”
Mr Manthorpe said the Office’s functions were to be expanded this financial year to oversee the use of the new Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 and Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (International Production Orders) Act 2021 by law enforcement Agencies.
The former Ombudsman said the Agencies relied on a wide range of covert and intrusive tools to do their work and the Ombudsman’s Office would play a vital role to maintain public trust that the tools were being properly deployed.
“I take this opportunity to thank my Deputy, Penny McKay, the Office’s senior leadership team and all of our hardworking staff for their commitment to preparing and fulfilling this Corporate Plan,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to undertake the role of Commonwealth Ombudsman for the last four years,” Mr Manthorpe said.
The Office’s 14-page Corporate Plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
