New Aboriginal Deputy Ombudsman: The key to accountability

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello has today announced a new Deputy Ombudsman will be appointed to provide independent monitoring and reporting on the NSW Government’s delivery of Aboriginal initiatives.

A key commitment in OCHRE— Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment— the NSW Government’s Plan for Aboriginal affairs, is a new accountability framework, including an Aboriginal voice independent of Government  to report on the delivery of its programs.

OCHRE commits to a number of core initiatives including Opportunity Hubs, Language and Culture Nests and Local Decision Making which are being introduced in partnership with a select number of Aboriginal communities.

In 2011 the NSW Auditor General and Ombudsman both released reports on the previous government’s programs for Aboriginal people.

In his report the Ombudsman found, “wasted opportunities stemming from a large amount of funds being spent on a disparate ‘grab-bag’ of programs without adequate accountability”.

“Political cycles are short but this reform looks to the long-term. This model brings monitoring ofOCHRE initiatives within the existing structure of the Ombudsman’s Office, drawing on its knowledge and good standing within Aboriginal communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“This is an Australian first and demonstrates that the NSW Government is serious about being held accountable for its actions.

“No previous government, state or federal, has opened itself up to this level of independent scrutiny regarding its performance on Aboriginal-specific programs.

“Establishing a Deputy Ombudsman position specifically focused on the delivery of major initiatives to Aboriginal people will help to avoid the ‘train wreck’ reports of the past.

“The Ombudsman will be able to make independent recommendations along the way so that issues are identified and resolved earlier.

“It was an Aboriginal leader who advocated most strongly for the Deputy Ombudsman model and I think this reform reflects the NSW Government’s true partnership with Aboriginal communities.

“Given the significant reform we are embarking on, it is inevitable there will be challenges.

“However with regular reports from the Ombudsman, we will be in a far stronger position to make periodic adjustments to ensure long-term outcomes and objectives are met,” he said.

NSW Ombudsman Bruce Barbour welcomed the announcement and said, “Having an Aboriginal person in a statutory role of this type will allow my office to continue to strengthen its work with Aboriginal communities across the state and sends a strong message about the importance of improving the circumstances of Aboriginal people.

Stephen Ryan said that as one of four Aboriginal members of the Ministerial Taskforce he warmly welcomed the reform.

“I strongly support this initiative and congratulate the Minister for delivering on his commitment. The issue of accountability was raised repeatedly by Aboriginal communities across the state during our taskforce consultation.

“It is hoped the creation of the position of Aboriginal Deputy Ombudsman will lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal people, with more regular reports on how well these initiatives are being implemented in Aboriginal communities,” Mr Ryan said.