The third annual meeting of the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance (POA) was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands on 29 and 30 June 2011.

Ombudsmen and government representatives from around the Pacific met to promote international engagement and best practice in the pursuit of good governance across our region.

The meeting was held in Honiara to coincide with the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ombudsman’s Office in the Solomon Islands. Danny Philip, the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, noted in his opening address his government’s support for increasing the accountability and fairness of public administration.

The meeting endorsed a regional approach to dealing with common issues, and developed an action plan for legislative reform, investigation skills training and information sharing. This involves working with the Pacific Island Forum to support Pacific leaders in promoting better governance, transparency and accountability throughout the region.

The two-day meeting was chaired by Allan Asher, the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Representatives from NSW, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Niue, Nauru, Palau and Timor Leste also attended.

“The POA fosters collaborative activity and helps build a consistent approach to complaint-handling and government oversight,” Mr Asher said.

“The meeting is an excellent opportunity for Ombudsmen from across the region to share their perspectives and address issues of regional significance.

“The Pacific has some of the most robust and influential ombudsmen in the world. These organisations play a crucial role in encouraging fair, just and transparent public administration.”

Another outcome of the meeting was an agreement to develop five-year action plans, tailored to the needs of each member country, but based upon regionally identified challenges.

The POA congratulated the Ombudsman of the Solomon Islands, Mr Joe Poraiwai on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his office and thanked him for hosting the meeting. The meeting noted the activity and engagement of his office and its commitment to improving public services for the people of the Solomon Islands.

The members noted with sadness the passing of both Professor Jack Richardson, the first Ombudsman of Samoa, who was also the first Commonwealth Ombudsman, and Daniel Maeke, the first Ombudsman of the Solomon Islands.

The POA was created in 2008, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman has been involved in targeted capacity-building work with many of its members. This work is funded by AusAID and the New Zealand government.

Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

Date of release: 5 July 2011

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      05 Jul 2011: Pacific ombudsmen meet to improve regional governance

      The third annual meeting of the Pacific Ombudsman Alliance (POA) was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands on 29 and 30 June 2011.

      Ombudsmen and government representatives from around the Pacific met to promote international engagement and best practice in the pursuit of good governance across our region.

      The meeting was held in Honiara to coincide with the 30th anniversary celebration of the Ombudsman’s Office in the Solomon Islands. Danny Philip, the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, noted in his opening address his government’s support for increasing the accountability and fairness of public administration.

      The meeting endorsed a regional approach to dealing with common issues, and developed an action plan for legislative reform, investigation skills training and information sharing. This involves working with the Pacific Island Forum to support Pacific leaders in promoting better governance, transparency and accountability throughout the region.

      The two-day meeting was chaired by Allan Asher, the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Representatives from NSW, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Niue, Nauru, Palau and Timor Leste also attended.

      “The POA fosters collaborative activity and helps build a consistent approach to complaint-handling and government oversight,” Mr Asher said.

      “The meeting is an excellent opportunity for Ombudsmen from across the region to share their perspectives and address issues of regional significance.

      “The Pacific has some of the most robust and influential ombudsmen in the world. These organisations play a crucial role in encouraging fair, just and transparent public administration.”

      Another outcome of the meeting was an agreement to develop five-year action plans, tailored to the needs of each member country, but based upon regionally identified challenges.

      The POA congratulated the Ombudsman of the Solomon Islands, Mr Joe Poraiwai on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of his office and thanked him for hosting the meeting. The meeting noted the activity and engagement of his office and its commitment to improving public services for the people of the Solomon Islands.

      The members noted with sadness the passing of both Professor Jack Richardson, the first Ombudsman of Samoa, who was also the first Commonwealth Ombudsman, and Daniel Maeke, the first Ombudsman of the Solomon Islands.

      The POA was created in 2008, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman has been involved in targeted capacity-building work with many of its members. This work is funded by AusAID and the New Zealand government.

      Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

      Date of release: 5 July 2011