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Government and the Law › Justice
What is the Ombudsman in Australia?
- A government minister responsible for complaints
- An independent official who investigates complaints about government agencies and ensures fair treatment
- A court judge who handles minor civil disputes
Why this is the correct answer
An Ombudsman is an independent official appointed to investigate complaints from members of the public about government agencies and officials. Their role is to ensure that government bodies act fairly, lawfully and reasonably. The Ombudsman can recommend remedies but generally cannot force agencies to act.