The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, is visiting Brisbane today to open new Brisbane premises.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman’s new offices at 53 Albert Street are located with a number of other complaint handling agencies, at one central Brisbane address.

‘The co-location of our new offices is a clear demonstration of the close and cooperative working relationship between complaint-handling agencies in Australia,’ Professor McMillan said.

‘We strive to remove all barriers— real or perceived— to access to our services. Our new premises offer the practical advantage of a shared shopfront where people will be seamlessly referred to the agency best able to help them.

‘Our new offices also provide our investigation officers with better facilities to meet the rising demand for our services,’ the Ombudsman said.

In the last financial year, more than 6000 approaches were made to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office by Queensland residents. In this financial year to date, there has been a 32 per cent increase in approaches by Queenslanders, compared to a national increase of 19 per cent.

If you think you have been unfairly treated by an Australian Government agency, talk to the Ombudsman’s office—visit 53 Albert Street, Brisbane or phone 1300 362 072, Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman also works to improve government accountability and responsiveness to the public by educating departments and agencies about complaint handling.

In the recently published Better practice guide to complaint handling, the Ombudsman identifies five key elements to effective complaint handling: culture, principles, people, process and analysis. The guide is available online at www.ombudsman.gov.au.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Professor John McMillan, contact:

Media 02 6276 3759
Media@ombudsman.gov.au

Date of release: 6 May 2009