Former Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier has been appointed by Parliament to become an Ombudsman and will
become the new Chief Ombudsman when Dame Beverley Wakem retires later this year.
Parliament sat under extended hours provisions this morning to make a number of appointments
MPs praised both Dame Beverley and Judge Boshier for their work, though Opposition MPs expressed ongoing concern about
the government’s attitude to the Official Information Act and the underfunding of the Ombudsman.
Dame Beverley was appointed as an Ombudsman in 2005 and has been Chief Ombudsman since November 2007. Dame Beverley has
indicated her intention to resign towards the end of 2015.
Judge Peter Boshier currently is a Law Commissioner.
A motion was approved on a voice appointing Judge Boshier as an Ombudsman for 5 years, from 10 December 2015, and upon
taking up the office of Ombudsman, be appointed as Chief Ombudsman from the date the incumbent Chief Ombudsman vacates
the position.
Other motions passed on a voice vote were:
Greg Mark Schollum be appointed as the Deputy Controller and Auditor-General for 5 years from 28 September 2015.
Dianne Mary Macaskill and Simon Murdoch be appointed as members of the Independent Police Conduct Authority, for three
years.
Dame Linda Holloway be reappointed as Chair, Tangimoana Habib reappointed as a member and Carolyn McIlraith appointed as
a member of the Abortion Supervisory Committee for three years.
MPs then began debating the third reading of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill
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