The Queensland Government has announced the appointment of respected Integrity Commissioner, Linda Waugh, as the state’s new Ombudsman and Inspector of Detention Services.
Ms Waugh’s appointment as Ombudsman follows more than three decades of experience in public sector integrity and oversight roles in Queensland and across Australia, including senior appointments within the NSW and Victorian Ombudsman offices, overseeing complex investigations and inquiries.
Prior to her appointment as Queensland’s Integrity Commissioner, Ms Waugh served as the Commonwealth Merit Protection Commissioner and was responsible for independent reviews and investigations relating to employment decisions and workplace complaints across the Australian Public Service and Parliamentary Service.
She also has extensive experience working in anti-corruption bodies including the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission/Crime and Misconduct Commission (now the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission).
Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington welcomed Ms Waugh’s appointment.
“Ms Waugh is a highly skilled leader who has dedicated her career to strengthening integrity, accountability and public trust in government,” the Attorney-General said.
“I am confident her extensive experience and understanding of public sector management will be invaluable as she moves into the role of Ombudsman.
“I’d like to thank outgoing Ombudsman Anthony Reilly for his dedication and commitment to public service in the role for over six years and I wish him all the best for his future.
“Restoring integrity is a key priority for this government after it was trashed by Labor, and the role of the Ombudsman is vital to delivering an open, transparent and independent avenue for Queenslanders to raise concerns about government agencies.”
Ms Waugh said she looks forward to building on her experience as Integrity Commissioner to ensure public administration remains fair and accountable for Queenslanders.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Ombudsman,” she said.
“I recognise the vital role the Ombudsman has within the public sector integrity framework in Queensland, and the importance of its work in strengthening public confidence in our public institutions.
“I am grateful to have this opportunity, and I look forward to working with the staff of the Office to continue its good work in strengthening trust in public administration and public sector decision-making.”
Ms Waugh commences a three-year term on 23 November. The Queensland Integrity Commissioner position will be advertised in due course.
