PM Transcripts

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AIS i A A,
FOR PRESS 17 MARCH 1977
CO1DONWEALTH OMBUDSMAN APPOINTED
I an pleased to inform the House that the Government has
appointed Professor J. E. Richardson, Robert Garran Professor
of Law at the Australian National University, to the position
of Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Professor Richardson's appointment will be for a period of
seven years and he will take up his appointment as soon as
arrangements can be made for his release from the University.
The Government is very pleased that Professor RLchardson has
agreed to accept the position of Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Pro'essor Richardson is a distinguished academic of high
Australian and international standing who will bring to this
off: I'ce the qualities and experience which are necessary to
perform this challenging role. He has administ. ative e. nd
public service experience as well as having had a close association
with this Parliament. He was the Legal Secretary to the
Constitution Review Committee of the Parliament from 1956 to
1959. Professor Richardson has been a Professor of Law at the
Australian National University since 1962 and practised. at the
N. S. W. Bar in 1974 and 1975.
As Ombudsman, his task will be to investigate complaints and
to initiate enquiries concerning administrative actions of
departments and prescribed authorities and make reports regarding
those investigations. The establisnent of the Office is
directed towards ensuring that departments and authorities are
responsible, adaptive and sensitive to the needs of citizens.
I am sure that everyone will welcome Professor Richardson's
appcintment as the first holder of the Office of Commonwealth
Ombudsman. My Government believes that Professor Richardson
has the qualities, experience and capacity to successfully
inaugurate and establish the office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.