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APOR Conference Delegates
Perth hosted international and interstate delegates from Ombudsman institutions in the Australasian and Pacific region in November 2017. The 29th Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region Conference was themed Connections in our Australasian-Pacific Region.
The Australasian and Pacific Ombudsman Region (APOR) is a chapter of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI). The IOI, established in 1978, is the global organisation for the cooperation of more than 170 independent Ombudsman institutions from more than 90 countries worldwide. Members of APOR include ombudsmen from the Commonwealth and every state and territory of Australia, the New Zealand Ombudsman, Hong Kong Ombudsman, the Control Yuan, Taiwan and Ombudsman from the Pacific Island nations of the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, the Kingdom of Tonga and Vanuatu.
“The Conference explored the present and future challenges and opportunities for the institution of the Ombudsman in the Australasian and Pacific Region in enhancing citizens’ redress, undertaking major investigations intended to improve the administration of the laws of Parliament, supporting the rule of law as well as working collaboratively with developing nations in our region”, said the Western Australian Ombudsman Mr Chris Field. “As Second Vice President of the IOI and Ombudsman of Western Australia, I was absolutely delighted to welcome my valued colleagues to our wonderful city and great state.”
Importantly, the Conference included a session on engagement with First Peoples. “This session considered the criticality of service delivery and engagement by Ombudsman offices that comprehensively acknowledges, deeply respects and fully supports the unique history, culture and circumstances of First Peoples”, said Mr Field.
The Conference was part of a three day program, commencing with delegates being welcomed to Western Australia at a Reception at Parliament House hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Peter Watson MLA on Monday 27 November 2017, followed by the Conference on Tuesday 28 November and a business meeting and optional investigations training program on Wednesday 29 November.
Click here to view the program, presentations and photos from the Conference.
Source: Western Australian Ombudsman
