Phil Clarke retires and incoming Queensland Ombudsman, Anthony Reilly, pays tribute

17 Jul 2020 News

 
Phil Clarke retired as Queensland Ombudsman on 9 July after almost 10 years of service.

The new Ombudsman, Anthony Reilly, thanked Mr Clarke for his service to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Queensland community.

“As Ombudsman, Phil Clarke made a very great contribution to improving fairness in public administration in Queensland.  

“His clear focus on delivering independent and timely investigations of administrative decision-making resulted in many improvements in public sector management. 

“Under Mr Clarke’s guidance, the Office also substantially increased its delivery of training and advisory services, particularly to regional areas of Queensland,” said Mr Reilly.

In 2013, the Office of the Ombudsman became responsible for Public Interest Disclosure (PID) oversight. Mr Clarke oversaw the review of the PID Act, development and introduction of new PID standards and the creation of an Australian best-practice PID reporting database. 

“Through his leadership, focus on service delivery and commitment to innovation, the broader public sector has a much better understanding of the contribution effective management of complaints and PIDs makes to integrity and good public administration”, said Mr Reilly.

Phil Clarke commenced as Queensland Ombudsman in January 2011. He was appointed to the role after a lengthy career in the Queensland public service that included leadership roles in the departments of education and training (1994-2004), emergency services (2005-2006), local government (2006-2009) and justice and attorney-general (2009-2010).

Last updated: Friday, 31 July 2020 11:40:24 AM