Motions

Ombudsman

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (14:22): I seek leave to move a motion without notice in respect of the recommendation contained in the report of the Statutory Officers Committee.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I move:

That a recommendation be made to Her Excellency the Governor to appoint Ms Emily Strickland to the Office of the Ombudsman and that a message be sent to the House of Assembly transmitting this resolution and requesting its concurrence thereto.

On 20 July this year, Mr Wayne Lines informed Her Excellency the Governor that he would be resigning from the position of Ombudsman, with the resignation to take effect from 31 December. In August this year, the Statutory Officers Committee accepted an offer from the Attorney-General's Department to assist in undertaking a recruitment process to advertise, shortlist and interview candidates for the position. The selection panel was convened and the position was advertised in mid-September.

In late October, the selection panel provided the committee with a shortlist of three applicants, all of whom held the required knowledge, skills and expertise to perform the role. The committee met to interview the shortlisted applicants and has resolved to recommend unanimously the appointment of Ms Emily Strickland to the position of Ombudsman.

Ms Strickland has extensive experience in public law in South Australia, New South Wales and the UK, in areas such as planning, native title, treasury and the Office of the Ombudsman in South Australia, including seven years as Deputy Ombudsman. I commend the motion to the council.

Motion carried.