Mr Colin Neave AM was today formally appointed as the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Minister for the Public Service and Integrity Gary Gray said today Mr Neave had an impeccable record in senior leadership roles in the law, consumer affairs and government administration.“The Office of Ombudsman is a critical part of our system of government accountability,” Mr Gray said.

“It plays a key role in ensuring that Australians receive the public service that they deserve.”@@

“His experience in public administration and in complaint resolution means he is well placed to ensure the Office of the Ombudsman is held in the highest regard by the Parliament and the community.”

Mr Neave is currently President of the Administrative Review Council, Vice Chair of the Australian Press Council, Chairperson of the Legal Services Board of Victoria and Chairman of the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.  He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2005 for service to public administration and to the banking and finance industry, particularly through dispute resolution.

Previously Mr Neave has served as the Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service and as the Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman.  He has held senior management positions in the public sectors of several jurisdictions including as Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, Managing Director of the Legal Aid Commission of NSW, Secretary of the Victorian Attorney-General’s Department and Director-General of the South Australian Department of Public and Consumer Affairs.

Mr Neave’s appointment is for a period of five years commencing on 17 September 2012.  It fills a vacancy created by the resignation of the former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Mr Allan Asher.

Mr Gray expressed his thanks to Ms Alison Larkins, Deputy Ombudsman, for her leadership while acting as Commonwealth Ombudsman, and to the staff of the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman for the important work they do.

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

Media contact:
John Arthur (Gary Gray) 0408 991 261
Media 02 6276 3759
Follow the Ombudsman on twitter

Date of release: 16 August 2012

Skip to main content
    0 results available.
      0 results available.
      language assistant menu topper outer language assistant menu topper inner

      Read documents in your language

      If you need more translations, please contact us via: 1300 362 072 or ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

      16 Aug 2012: Appointment of Commonwealth Ombudsman

      Mr Colin Neave AM was today formally appointed as the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

      Minister for the Public Service and Integrity Gary Gray said today Mr Neave had an impeccable record in senior leadership roles in the law, consumer affairs and government administration.“The Office of Ombudsman is a critical part of our system of government accountability,” Mr Gray said.

      “It plays a key role in ensuring that Australians receive the public service that they deserve.”@@

      “His experience in public administration and in complaint resolution means he is well placed to ensure the Office of the Ombudsman is held in the highest regard by the Parliament and the community.”

      Mr Neave is currently President of the Administrative Review Council, Vice Chair of the Australian Press Council, Chairperson of the Legal Services Board of Victoria and Chairman of the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.  He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2005 for service to public administration and to the banking and finance industry, particularly through dispute resolution.

      Previously Mr Neave has served as the Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service and as the Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman.  He has held senior management positions in the public sectors of several jurisdictions including as Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department, Managing Director of the Legal Aid Commission of NSW, Secretary of the Victorian Attorney-General’s Department and Director-General of the South Australian Department of Public and Consumer Affairs.

      Mr Neave’s appointment is for a period of five years commencing on 17 September 2012.  It fills a vacancy created by the resignation of the former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Mr Allan Asher.

      Mr Gray expressed his thanks to Ms Alison Larkins, Deputy Ombudsman, for her leadership while acting as Commonwealth Ombudsman, and to the staff of the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman for the important work they do.

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

      Media contact:
      John Arthur (Gary Gray) 0408 991 261
      Media 02 6276 3759
      Follow the Ombudsman on twitter

      Date of release: 16 August 2012