The National Assembly has a new Ombudsman bill from Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab. This bill aims to make the Office of the Ombudsman more independent and give it greater powers to hold public offices accountable.
If lawmakers pass this bill, the office will have an executive director, a deputy ombudsman, and needed staff. The prime minister must appoint the executive director under the Public Service Act. This person will manage the office day-to-day and handle all money matters as the accounting officer under section 8 of the State Finance Act.
The president will pick both the ombudsman and deputy based on the Judicial Service Commission's recommendations. The law clearly states that anyone serving as an ombudsman cannot do paid work outside their main job or accept money for any tasks beyond their official duties.
The bill explains that the ombudsman can investigate issues on their behalf or when people bring complaints. They must also check any reports about children or when someone violates a child's human rights.
If lawmakers pass this bill, the office will have an executive director, a deputy ombudsman, and needed staff. The prime minister must appoint the executive director under the Public Service Act. This person will manage the office day-to-day and handle all money matters as the accounting officer under section 8 of the State Finance Act.
The president will pick both the ombudsman and deputy based on the Judicial Service Commission's recommendations. The law clearly states that anyone serving as an ombudsman cannot do paid work outside their main job or accept money for any tasks beyond their official duties.
The bill explains that the ombudsman can investigate issues on their behalf or when people bring complaints. They must also check any reports about children or when someone violates a child's human rights.
