Chapter 1
Ombudsman's review
Introduction
The primary function of the Ombudsman's office is to handle complaints and enquiries from members of the public about government administrative action. The objective, captured in the office's outcome, is that 'administrative action by Australian Government agencies is fair and accountable'. We meet that objective by helping people to resolve complaints, by fostering improved public administration and by focusing on integrity and legislative compliance in agency administration.
The idea of an ombudsman–like office—someone to safeguard citizens in their dealings with government—has been seen in one form or another in a number of civilisations. The first modern ombudsman office was created in Sweden in 1809. By the 200th anniversary, worldwide there were more than 140 statutory ombudsman offices at the national or sub–national level with oversight of public authorities.
In Australia, the Commonwealth Ombudsman's office has been in operation since 1977. Since then the office has dealt with hundreds of thousands of complaints about all areas of government.
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