Ombudsman Act 2001
  Our Accountability

Ombudsman Act 2001

The Ombudsman Act 2001 (the Act) was introduced on 4 December 2001 and signified a new era for the Queensland Ombudsman. In summary, the Act:

• Recognises a dual role for the Ombudsman to remedy complaints about administrative actions and to assist agencies to improve their decision-making and administrative practice
• Facilitates informal investigation and resolution of complaints
• Empowers the Ombudsman to use investigative powers if necessary
• Provides for the independence of the Office
• Deals with a number of other important operational aspects.

The Act builds upon the basic vision of the former Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1974, which gave the Ombudsman responsibility to investigate complaints concerning the administration of public agencies and recommend remedial action if required. It does this by recognising a broader role to also help agencies to improve the quality of their decision-making and administrative practice.

Ombudsman Act 2001 (PDF format 503k)

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Our Accountability

The Ombudsman reports to Parliament through the Law, Justice and Safety Committee (LJSC). LJSC's role is to:

• Monitor and review our performance
• Report to the Legislative Assembly on any relevant matter
• Examine Annual Reports and provide comment if necessary
• Report to Parliament any changes in the Office's functions, structures and procedures considered desirable.  

Our Accountability Framework

The following arrangements are in place to assist LJSC carry out its role of monitoring and reviewing our Office:

• Two meetings are held between LJSC, the Ombudsman and senior officers each year; one when the budget is being framed and again after the annual report is tabled 
• Prior to the meetings, the Ombudsman provides a written response to questions on notice from LJSC, and these and other issues are discussed at the meeting
• The Ombudsman provides responses to LJSC's requests for information as they arise. 

A strategic review of the Office must be conducted at least every five years. The terms of reference for such reviews are determined by the Governor-in-Council, who also appoints a reviewer following consultation with the Premier, LJSC and the Ombudsman.

The Committee's contact details are: 

        Law, Justice and Safety Committee
        Parliament House 
        George Street, Brisbane, Qld, 4000

        Tel:     07 3406 7307 
        Fax:    07 3406 7070
        Email: ljsc@parliament.qld.gov.au  
        Web:  http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/LJSC

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