DIFFERENCES of opinion, among both States Members generally and more specifically within ministerial ranks, over the potential introduction of an ombudsman to deal with complaints against the public service remained in evidence during the opening morning’s business in the Assembly.
The topic was to the fore as Assistant Economic Development Minister Moz Scott introduced a report into arrangements for handling complaints and was questioned by her fellow politicians.
Deputy Scott said a public consultation had shown support for the new position, which she said would improve on the significant drawbacks of the existing system by introducing a “robust safeguarding structure” for the handling of complaints.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf and Constable Mike Jackson referred to comments by the government chief executive Dr Andrew McLaughlin about the potential cost to a small jurisdiction. Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache said he believed the new position would have no more “teeth” than the current arrangement, criticising ministers – with the exception of the Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham – for what he described as a failure to respect rulings made as a result of investigations.
Deputy Farnham had earlier stated that he supported the principle of an ombudsperson, but not at any cost, admitting that ministers were “not united” on the subject.
Deputy Inna Gardiner was also critical of the slow pace of the government’s introduction of the new position following support from the Assembly in 2018.
The Chief Minister refuted the charge of slow progress. “Unlike past governments we have kept moving forward,” he said, adding that he believed the “thorough” report would provide useful guidance to the next administration.
