Summary:
Marlo Baragwanath, the current chief executive of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, has been appointed as the next Victorian Ombudsman, succeeding Deborah Glass. Glass, recognized for her proactive and often confrontational approach, has been commended for her independence and integrity efforts during her term. Baragwanath’s new role has been greeted with anticipation for maintaining this “robust independence.” Her background includes working as a Victorian ombudsman policy officer and her tenure as the Victorian Government Solicitor, where she once released sensitive documents under the direction of the then-Labor premier, sparking criticism from opposition members. Integrity organizations like the Centre for Public Integrity, along with political figures, emphasize the importance of the Ombudsman’s independence in promoting governmental transparency and integrity. Premier Jacinta Allan and others have acknowledged Baragwanath’s qualifications for the role, amidst calls for her to address past actions regarding document releases to ensure trust in her capability to uphold the office’s standards.
This is a summary of an article published in The Age by Broede Carmody on February 27, 2024. Read it in full here