Ombudsman's Quarterly Update | Winter 2022
Date posted:
While the cold Victorian winter, continued presence of COVID and the rise in winter ailments is challenging us all, the work of my office is pressing ahead. It is looking like a record winter for Ombudsman public reports, including my recently tabled Annual Plan which sets out our plans for the new financial year, as well as updating on last year’s progress.
That we have been able to achieve so much in the current environment is a huge tribute to my extraordinarily dedicated staff and leadership team.
As some investigations are concluded so do new ones begin: most recently, a third investigation into workers compensation claims management, this time looking at self-insurers. And my investigation into the alleged politicisation of the public service continues, with submissions open until the end of July.
Our recently launched conciliation function is also proving to offer Victorian public organisations (including local government councils) and complainants an efficient and meaningful alternative in resolving their complaints. We've been very pleased with the initial feedback we've received, as we look to promote conciliation as a valuable resolution tool for our office in the future.