What went wrong with Australia’s investigation into innocent terrorism suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef? And how can we prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future? Do we need a better model for conducting public enquiries? What would a new model look like?

The answers to these questions and the issues they raise will be examined at a national public integrity conference to be hosted by Commonwealth Ombudsman Professor John McMillan in Canberra on 23-24 September 2009.

‘We are very fortunate to have attracted a diverse, highly experienced and distinguished group of experts to speak at the conference,’ Professor McMillan said. ‘Collectively, they cover the full spectrum of complaint handling organisations and possess a deep understanding of the contemporary challenges faced by integrity agencies.

‘I am particularly looking forward to the insights of our keynote speaker, the Hon. John Clarke QC, who led the inquiry into the case of Dr Haneef.’

Other speakers will discuss—from their various perspectives—the challenges and changes to complaint handling in our changing world, and future agendas for public integrity agencies to safeguard best practice in government and public administration. For example, topics to be explored will include:

‘The conference represents a unique opportunity for policy makers, program administrators, legal practitioners, investigators, community advocates, complaint-handling officers, political advisers and others to tap into Australia’s leading experts in this field, participate in discussions on topical issues and contribute to the formulation of solutions,’ Professor McMillan said.

Experts presenting at the conference include the: Commonwealth Ombudsman; Chair, House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; Chief Ombudsman, Financial Ombudsman Service; Aged Care Complaints Commissioner; Inspector of Transport Security; Coordinator-General for Remote Indigenous Services; Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security; President, Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals; CEO, Australian Council of Social Service; NSW Ombudsman; and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University of Technology’s Business School.

For more information or to register for the Good > Better > Best: Changes in public integrity conference, visit www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/about-us/events/good-better-best/.

Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

Date of release: 6 September 2009

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      What went wrong with Australia’s investigation into innocent terrorism suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef? And how can we prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future? Do we need a better model for conducting public enquiries? What would a new model look like?

      The answers to these questions and the issues they raise will be examined at a national public integrity conference to be hosted by Commonwealth Ombudsman Professor John McMillan in Canberra on 23-24 September 2009.

      ‘We are very fortunate to have attracted a diverse, highly experienced and distinguished group of experts to speak at the conference,’ Professor McMillan said. ‘Collectively, they cover the full spectrum of complaint handling organisations and possess a deep understanding of the contemporary challenges faced by integrity agencies.

      ‘I am particularly looking forward to the insights of our keynote speaker, the Hon. John Clarke QC, who led the inquiry into the case of Dr Haneef.’

      Other speakers will discuss—from their various perspectives—the challenges and changes to complaint handling in our changing world, and future agendas for public integrity agencies to safeguard best practice in government and public administration. For example, topics to be explored will include:

      • managing expectations, delivering outcomes and measuring client satisfaction
      • a psychological perspective on the spectrum of complainant behaviours
      • special inquiries—when they should be conducted; what powers they should have; who they should be able to summons; and what produces the best results
      • which outreach methods work best with the most disadvantaged, disaffected and vulnerable members of our community
      • the competing interests of openness in a secret world.

      ‘The conference represents a unique opportunity for policy makers, program administrators, legal practitioners, investigators, community advocates, complaint-handling officers, political advisers and others to tap into Australia’s leading experts in this field, participate in discussions on topical issues and contribute to the formulation of solutions,’ Professor McMillan said.

      Experts presenting at the conference include the: Commonwealth Ombudsman; Chair, House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee; Chief Ombudsman, Financial Ombudsman Service; Aged Care Complaints Commissioner; Inspector of Transport Security; Coordinator-General for Remote Indigenous Services; Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security; President, Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals; CEO, Australian Council of Social Service; NSW Ombudsman; and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University of Technology’s Business School.

      For more information or to register for the Good > Better > Best: Changes in public integrity conference, visit www.ombudsman.gov.au/pages/about-us/events/good-better-best/.

      Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

      Date of release: 6 September 2009