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Commonwealth Ombudsman Appointment

The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Media Release

I am pleased to announce that Mr Iain Anderson has been appointed as Commonwealth Ombudsman. Mr Anderson replaces Mr Michael Manthorpe, who retired from the role last year.

Mr Anderson is a highly experienced public servant with 31 years of service - 24 of those in Senior Executive Service positions.

Mr Anderson's experience extends across a variety of Commonwealth departments and agencies and across a wide range of legal and social policy areas. Mr Anderson is currently a Deputy Secretary at the Attorney‑General's Department. He will commence his appointment as Ombudsman on 1 August 2022.

On behalf of the Australian Government I congratulate Mr Anderson on his appointment and wish him well as he undertakes the important role of providing assurance that Australian government entities are acting with integrity. I also take this opportunity to thank the Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman, Ms Penny McKay, for acting as Ombudsman while the selection process to fill the vacancy was conducted.

Mr Iain Anderson

Mr Anderson holds a Bachelor of Economics (1987) and a Bachelor of Laws (1990) from the University of Sydney. His 31 years in the Australian Public Service has included roles with the Australian Government Solicitor, the Australian Customs Service, the Australian Taxation Office and the Attorney-General's Department.