Media release

5 December 2006

Appointment of additional Ombudsman

Mel Smith, a policy and political adviser and former holder of senior state sector appointments, has been appointed as an additional Ombudsman for six months.

A notice of motion endorsing his appointment will be put before the House this week and, if approved, the House will recommend that the Governor-General make the appointment.

The Speaker and Chair of the Officers of Parliament Committee, Hon Margaret Wilson, said the need for an additional Ombudsman had arisen because of the high workload of the Office of the Ombudsmen.

Mr Smith has previously served as an additional Ombudsman for 3½ years up until June 2003.

He takes up this position on 11 December, 2006.

ENDS