After leading Victoria’s corruption watchdog for the past four years, Marlo Baragwanath has been appointed as the state’s next Ombudsman.
Ms Baragwanath, who’s currently CEO of IBAC, will take over from Deborah Glass as Victorian Ombudsman on March 30, the state government announced on Tuesday.
Her appointment marks a return to the Ombudsman’s office where she began her Victorian public sector career as a policy officer in 2001 after working on the Bristol Royal Infirmary inquiry in the UK into infant deaths during cardiac surgery.
Premier Jacinta Allen said Ms Bargwanath brings more than 25 years of legal, integrity and public sector experience to the VO.
“I am confident that she will lead an organisation that continues to focus on improving public administration and ensuring fairness for Victorians in their dealings with the public sector,” Ms Allen said.
At IBAC, Ms Baragwanath supported the Commissioner and led the commission’s staff in the delivery of major integrity investigations and reports.
She also oversaw a review of the watchdog’s approach to witness welfare and developed a strategic plan to ensure IBAC delivered on its mandate.
She was previously Victorian Government Solicitor, leading a period of reform and capacity building in the state’s public sector.
Ms Baragwanth has also held senior roles in the Office of the Chief Executive at the Victorian Building Authority and as General Counsel at WorkSafe.
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