The NSW Ombudsman is an independent integrity agency that oversees the NSW public sector and investigates complaints regarding most NSW government agencies, local councils, and community service providers.

The object of this Bill is to—
(a) amend the Ombudsman Act 1974 to make minor miscellaneous amendments, and
(b) amend the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993 to make changes consequent on the enactment of the proposed Act and the Disability Inclusion Amendment Act 2022, and
(c) repeal the Ombudsman Regulation 2016.

The amendments in the Bill were requested by the Ombudsman and prepared in consultation with the Ombudsman’s Office. The Bill affects the Ombudsman’s Office, public authorities (including Aboriginal program providers), and the broader public.

This document assesses the Government's 'Statement of Public Interest (SPI)' that makes the case for legislative reform.

The assessment finds that although the policies embedded in the Ombudsman and Other Legislation Amendment Bill are appropriate to address the need for the Bill and will serve the public interest, little of the policymaking process behind the Bill was captured in the Government SPI. The assessors highlight the importance of the SPI as a tool to capture the behind-the-scenes policymaking processes which are not immediately apparent, so that Members may better understand the merits of a bill in resolving an identified problem. The purpose of an SPI is to provide Members with information to make an informed decision on a bill and for the Government to demonstrate sound policy making. Rather than explaining the need for the Bill and why the Bill is the best option to resolve this need, the Government SPI focuses on clarifying the contents of the Bill. The Government SPI should have not only clarified the alternate policy options considered in advance of the Bill, but also the evidence base supporting the Bill’s need and its proposals. 

 Assessment: Insufficient