The Ombudsman are an independent authority that helps the community in its dealings with government agencies. This Bill will protect the use of the name "Ombudsman" by restricting its use to persons appointed under the Ombudsman Act 1975 or a public sector department or organisation responsible for the administration of the Ombudsman Act 1975.

The Bill replaces section 28A of the Ombudsmen Act 1975. This amendment will uphold public confidence in, and understanding of, the role of the Parliamentary Ombudsmen by ensuring that the role is not undermined or diminished by confusion over the status of any entity using the name “Ombudsman” in New Zealand.

The Chair is keen to hear the public’s thoughts on this bill. You can make a submission on the Parliament website.

Tell the Governance and Administration Committee what you think

Send your submission on the bill by midnight on 21 June 2019

For more details about the bill:

• Read the full content of the bill

• Get more details about the bill

• What’s been said in Parliament about the bill?

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