Focus Areas
For the first time in 2025/26, we are adopting a new approach to sharpen our focus on key areas where we can make the greatest difference to improve public administration and protect human rights in pursuit of our vision that Victoria is fair.
What are we focusing on?
Drawing on our data and other intelligence including stakeholder consultation, we have identified five thematic Focus Areas, each led by the Ombudsman or a Deputy, to proactively direct extra attention, resources and expertise:
| Focus Area | Lead |
|---|---|
| Housing and Cost of Living | Marlo Baragwanath, Ombudsman |
| First Nations | Marlo Baragwanath, Ombudsman |
| Climate Change and Natural Disasters | Andrew Adason, Deputy Ombudsman |
| Closed Environments | Dan Nicholson, Deputy Ombudsman |
| Local Government | Kerryn Ellis, Deputy Ombudsman |
These areas reflect important and emerging spheres of public life and administration where our strategic oversight, guidance, engagement and understanding can have the most meaningful impact at this time.
Our approach to improving public administration and protecting human rights in each area will take different forms and leverage different responsive and proactive tools, for example:
- Investigative activity can expose systemic issues and create an evidence-based platform for change through recommendations and public scrutiny.
- Targeted education can build capacity and encourage good administrative practice, which in turn can reduce complaints.
- Policy and intelligence outputs can consolidate data and insights into compelling narratives to inform public discourse and influence reform without the need to investigate.
- Internal capability-building can equip us with the right skills and knowledge to serve our communities more effectively.
Each focus area will be underpinned by a tailored action and engagement plan, outlining goals, projects and success measures for the year to come.