CHAPTER 8 | promoting good administration

Introduction

Through its complaint handling and investigation work, the Ombudsman's office comes into contact with most aspects of Australian Government. We are well placed to spot problem areas in government decision making and the options for change. A distinct role of the Ombudsman, defined in our strategic plan for 2003–04, is to play a role in promoting good administration by 'contributing to public discussion on administrative law and public administration' and 'fostering good public administration that is accountable, lawful, fair, transparent and responsive'.

This chapter looks at some of the ways in which the Ombudsman has pursued these objectives during 2003–04. Particular themes that are taken up are submissions by the Ombudsman to external inquiries and reviews, own motion investigations conducted by the office, and the development of the Ombudsman's international program. Similar work undertaken by the office in giving addresses to conferences and seminars is listed in an appendix to this report.

'… fostering good public administration that is accountable, lawful, fair, transparent and responsive.'