23 Jul 2010: Appointment of the Commonwealth Ombudsman

The Government has today announced the appointment of Mr Allan Asher as the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Cabinet Secretary, Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, said Mr Asher brings a wealth of experience, intellectual rigour, leadership and independence to the role of Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Mr Asher’s appointment is for a period of five years commencing 30 August 2010.

“Mr Asher has a strong record of achievement in key executive and statutory appointments in Australia and the United Kingdom”, Senator Ludwig said.

Mr Asher is currently the inaugural Chief Executive of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network. Mr Asher has previously been Chief Executive of EnergyWatch (UK), non-executive Board Member of the Office of Fair Trading (UK), and Deputy Chairperson and Consumer Protection Commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

“This range of knowledge and skills makes Mr Asher well qualified for appointment as the Commonwealth Ombudsman”, Senator Ludwig said.

Through the investigation of complaints by members of the public about the administrative actions of Australian Government agencies, the Commonwealth Ombudsman plays an important role in ensuring fairness and accountability in our democratic system of government.

Mr Asher’s appointment fills a vacancy created following the resignation of the former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, to take up an appointment as the Information Commissioner Designate. Senator Ludwig expressed his thanks to Mr Ron Brent, Deputy Ombudsman, who has been acting as Commonwealth Ombudsman since 8 March 2010.

Mr Asher’s appointment follows an open merit based selection process, in accordance with the Guidelines established by the Government in 2008.

Minister Ludwig’s Media Contact: Israel Machuca 0408 134 851 or (02) 6277 7600

Date of release: 23 July 2010