‘Battle for Independence’: Outgoing Ombudsman Speaks on Relationship With Labor Government

After 10 years in the job, Victoria’s retiring Ombudsman says ‘enlightened governments’ need to take brave steps and lead public opinion.

Four Victoria police officer can be seen on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 30, 2023. Susan Mortimer/The Epoch Times

“Real reform was, and is still, needed in the wider justice sector,” according to outgoing Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass, who presented her final report to Parliament on March 25 after 10 years overseeing the integrity of the state’s public sector.

She was particularly critical of the government’s tough-on-crime approach to the justice system, after it last week reneged on its pledge to institute a presumption of bail for children.