Independence
Jurisdiction
Powers
Accessibility
Procedural fairness
Accountability
These are things that the public is entitled to expect from any office called an Ombudsman.
Language matters. An Ombudsman is not an advocate. An Ombudsman is not a regulator. If it's not an Ombudsman, don't call it one.
Six essential criteria
The importance of correct use of the name Ombudsman was strongly promoted in 2008 by Commonwealth Ombudsman and ANZOA Member, Professor John McMillan, in his paper: What's in a name? Use of the term 'Ombudsman'.
ANZOA's policy statement on what is requi red of an office that is called an Ombudsman sets out six essential criteria that the public are entitled to expect of any office described as an Ombudsman (independence, jurisdiction, powers, accessibility, procedural fairness and accountability).
Since 2010, ANZOA has campaigned widely for correct use of the name. This ongoing campaign has included letters to the heads of all Australian State and Commonwealth departments and all Members of Parliament and submissions on a number of 'ombudsman' proposals.
From ANZOA's 2010 Campaign for correct use of the name
ANZOA media release
Public confidence demands Ombudsmen are the real deal
Borrowing credibility: who is an Ombudsman?
Ombudsman term must be protected
