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National Student Ombudsman Update:
The National Student Ombudsman commenced operations on 1 February 2025. For more information visit nso.gov.au.
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      If you need more translations, please contact us via: 1300 362 072 or ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

      National Student Ombudsman Update:
      The National Student Ombudsman commenced operations on 1 February 2025. For more information visit nso.gov.au.

      OPCAT Advisory Group (OAG)

      While the Office’s independence is key to its monitoring functions under OPCAT, we value the role of civil society in informing our approach.

      In early 2020, the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman established a civil society advisory group, the OPCAT Advisory Group (OAG), to provide expert advice and guidance to the Office about its functions and responsibilities as the Commonwealth NPM and the NPM Coordinator.

      The OAG is chaired by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and currently comprises the following members:

      • Mr Paris Aristotle AO – CEO, Foundation House
      • Dr Eddie Cubillo – descendant of the Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrernte peoples; lawyer and legal academic
      • Ms Lorraine Finlay – Human Rights Commissioner
      • Ms Carolyn Frohmader – human rights advisor
      • Ms Anne Hollonds – National Children’s Commissioner
      • Emeritus Professor Neil Morgan AM – former Inspector of Custodial Services (Western Australia)
      • Emeritus Professor Bronwyn Naylor OAM – RMIT University; co-founder of the Australian OPCAT Network
      • Ms Yvette Zegenhagen OAM – Executive Director External Engagement, Australian Red Cross

      The Ombudsman may also invite – as guests or permanent members – representatives to advise on issues affecting different groups including children, people with disability, people of diverse gender and/or sexuality, and the elderly.

      The OAG is governed by terms of reference.



      OAG meetings

      The Ombudsman convenes OAG meetings twice a year, and the OAG publishes a communiqué summarising its discussions after each meeting:

      The Ombudsman also consults other civil society stakeholders and continues to build and maintain ongoing dialogue with a wide variety of interested representatives from civil society beyond the OAG.