2007

19 December 2007—Ombudsman investigates DIAC’s notification of decisions and review rights for unsuccessful visa applications

The Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today released a report into the Department of Immigration’s notification of decisions and review rights for unsuccessful visa applications. The report was based on examining a sample of 1,800 notification letters.

19 December 2007—Ombudsman releases report on application of penalties under Welfare to Work

Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today released a report on his office’s investigation into the application of penalties under Welfare to Work.

26 October 2007—Commonwealth Ombudsman releases 30th annual report

Commonwealth Ombudsman Prof. John McMillan reflects on the 30-year history of the office in his 2006–07 annual report.

18 October 2007—Ombudsman recommends amendments to policy guidelines on marriage-like relationships

The Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today released a report on policy guidelines for assessing marriage-like relationships under the social security law.

12 July 2007—Government watchdog celebrates 30 years

Not many public institutions survive 30 years with its core functions virtually unchanged. The Commonwealth Ombudsman reached that milestone this month. Commonwealth Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, said ‘It is a privilege to be Ombudsman during the 30th Anniversary of the office. Much has been achieved over the past 30 years, but a lot still needs to be done to ensure the fundamental right of all Australians to good public administration’.

2 July 2007—End of a chapter: Ombudsman releases final immigration reports

The Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman, Prof. John McMillan, today released his final reports relating to the immigration detention of 247 people during the years 1993 to 2007.

26 June 2007—Report on ACT Watchhouse operations released

22 June 2007—Ombudsman calls for improvements to migration industry watchdog

Acting Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom, today released a report into the complaint-handling process of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA).

18 June 2007—Ombudsman releases report on ADF handling of unacceptable behaviour complaints

Acting Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom, today released a report on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) management of complaints about unacceptable behaviour, such as bullying and harassment.

23 May 2007—Ombudsman releases report on complaint handling in Australian airports

22 May 2007—Update on review of ACT Policing’s watch house operations

Interim Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Andy Hughes and the Acting Commonwealth and Law Enforcement Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom, today released the report of a joint Review of ACT Policing’s Watchhouse operations.

8 May 2007—Update on review of ACT Policing’s watch house operations

17 April 2007—Ombudsman releases report on the ATO’s administration of garnishee action

The report provides observations on themes or issues we identified from the garnishee action complaints received by our office.

10 April 2007—Update on review of ACT Policing’s watch house operations

12 February 2007–Review of ACT Policing’s watch house operations

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty, and the Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman Dr Vivienne Thom, today announced the commencement of a joint review of ACT Policing’s watch house operations.