PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA 29 June 1984
Professor Jack Richardson AO has been appointed for a
further term as Commonwealth Ombudsman until September 1985.
The reappointment of Professor Richardson reaffirms the
Government's continuing commitment to better government
administration. As the inaugural Ombudsman, Professor Richardson-has made a
valuable personal contribution to ensuring that the office of
the Commonwealth Ombudsman is a respected and effective review
mechanism. His reappointment is a measure of the Government's commitment
to this end.
Professor Richardson has served as Commonwealth Ombudsman
since 1977 when the position was first created.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman was established as an independent
statutory avenue to investigate complaints against the
administrative actions of Commonwealth departments and
authorities. Between 1 January and 31 May this year, the Ombudsman's office
in Canberra and all capital cities have dealt with more than
8,500 written and oral complaints.
Professor Richardson was previously Robert Garran Professor
of Law at the Australian National University.