Former Deputy Ombudsman Emily Strickland has today been appointed as the next Ombudsman, following an extensive recruitment process to fill the vacancy left by the imminent departure of Wayne Lines.

Ms Strickland’s extensive legal background includes a decade with the Ombudsman’s office, where she ultimately served as Deputy Ombudsman. Ms Strickland is currently the Registrar of the Screening Unit in the Department of Human Services which oversees working with children and disability employment checks.

Following an open application process, Ms Strickland’s appointment was recommended by State Parliament’s Statutory Authorities Review Committee – which comprises two Government MPs, two Opposition MPs and one independent MP – and was endorsed by both houses of Parliament.

Ms Strickland’s seven-year appointment begins on 1 January 2024.

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Attributable to Kyam Maher

Emily Strickland’s extensive background includes ten years at the Ombudsman’s office – including more than six as Deputy Ombudsman.

She also practised as a lawyer in the UK, NSW and SA, including as a Senior Solicitor within the Crown Solicitor’s Office Native Title Section, and served for a period as Acting Commissioner for Equal Opportunity.

Ms Strickland’s breadth of experience will serve her well as she undertakes her duties as our state’s Ombudsman.

I would also like to thank outgoing Ombudsman Wayne Lines who, over the past nine years, has held Governments to account with independence and rigour.

I wish he and his wife all the best for the challenging time ahead for them both, and thank him for his willingness to stay on until the end of the year, despite these tragic personal circumstances.