The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, announced today that the Governor-General has approved the appointment of Dr Vivienne Thom as Deputy Ombudsman, effective from 1 March. Dr Thom has been Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint and Commissioner of Patents and Registrar of Designs at IP Australia.

In welcoming the appointment, Prof. McMillan said that Dr Thom has had extensive experience in public administration and administrative decision-making and review. ‘ Dr Thom brings to my office a wide range of skills and experience which will enable her to make a strong contribution to a dynamic leadership team in the Ombudsman’s office’, Prof. McMillan said.

‘Dr Thom will bring particular talents to my office’, Prof. McMillan added. ‘At the Royal Australian Mint, Dr Thom demonstrated her expertise as the Chief Executive Officer of a dynamic organisation with both a strong business focus and significant community service obligations. She has shown the ability to develop and promote creative programs, taking advantage of business opportunities while complying with government policies and legislation. At IP Australia, Dr Thom was responsible for deciding and adjudicating individual cases in accordance with legislation. Another of her priorities was business improvement to ensure excellent and consistent customer service. These skills will be of great value to the Ombudsman’s office.’

Prof. McMillan, who was appointed Commonwealth Ombudsman in March 2003, noted that for nearly 30 years, the Ombudsman has been an effective mechanism for resolving complaints from the public about administrative actions of Australian Government departments and agencies.

‘The senior leadership group in the office is well placed to continue to respond to the challenges in redressing individual grievances and contributing to the overall improvement of public administration’, Prof. McMillan said.

Dr Thom’s appointment adds a second Deputy Ombudsman position to the office. Mr Ron Brent, the other Deputy Ombudsman, was appointed in June 2003.

Date of release: 16 February 2006

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      The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, announced today that the Governor-General has approved the appointment of Dr Vivienne Thom as Deputy Ombudsman, effective from 1 March. Dr Thom has been Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint and Commissioner of Patents and Registrar of Designs at IP Australia.

      In welcoming the appointment, Prof. McMillan said that Dr Thom has had extensive experience in public administration and administrative decision-making and review. ‘ Dr Thom brings to my office a wide range of skills and experience which will enable her to make a strong contribution to a dynamic leadership team in the Ombudsman’s office’, Prof. McMillan said.

      ‘Dr Thom will bring particular talents to my office’, Prof. McMillan added. ‘At the Royal Australian Mint, Dr Thom demonstrated her expertise as the Chief Executive Officer of a dynamic organisation with both a strong business focus and significant community service obligations. She has shown the ability to develop and promote creative programs, taking advantage of business opportunities while complying with government policies and legislation. At IP Australia, Dr Thom was responsible for deciding and adjudicating individual cases in accordance with legislation. Another of her priorities was business improvement to ensure excellent and consistent customer service. These skills will be of great value to the Ombudsman’s office.’

      Prof. McMillan, who was appointed Commonwealth Ombudsman in March 2003, noted that for nearly 30 years, the Ombudsman has been an effective mechanism for resolving complaints from the public about administrative actions of Australian Government departments and agencies.

      ‘The senior leadership group in the office is well placed to continue to respond to the challenges in redressing individual grievances and contributing to the overall improvement of public administration’, Prof. McMillan said.

      Dr Thom’s appointment adds a second Deputy Ombudsman position to the office. Mr Ron Brent, the other Deputy Ombudsman, was appointed in June 2003.

      Date of release: 16 February 2006