Ombudsman Western Australia appointed following high-profile resignation

Former Legal Aid WA general manager Bevan Warner has been appointed to the role of Ombudsman WA.

The role has not been permanently filled since former Ombudsman Chris Field went on leave in May, 2024 and resigned in October after a damning report by the Corruption and Crime Commission.

Mr Warner began his career in the WA public sector before becoming general manager of Legal Aid WA.

In 2008 he moved to Melbourne to be managing director of Victoria Legal Aid for 10 years.

More recently, Mr Warner was chief executive officer of community housing and homelessness charity Launch Housing since 2018, resigning in May to return home to Western Australia.

He is appointed on a five-year term, beginning from June 9.

Mr Warner will replace acting Ombudsman David Robinson who will return to his regular role of deputy Ombudsman.

Premier Roger Cook said Mr Warner was a good fit for the role.

“Mr Warner is an outstanding appointment as Western Australia’s Ombudsman. He brings to this independent office a deep understanding of law and justice services and a lifelong commitment to fairness and equity,” he said.

“Mr Warner has championed the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens and upheld the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

“With his experience in leading and reforming large statutorily independent organisations, I am confident the office of the Ombudsman is well placed to meet the needs and interests of Western Australians into the future.”

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints about State Government agencies and reviewing child and domestic violence deaths along with other responsibilities.

Mr Warner’s appointment comes after former Ombudsman of 17 years Mr Field resigned from the role shortly after he was the subject of a damning report by the Corruption and Crime Commission in October.

The report found Mr Field had engaged in “serious misconduct” by unilaterally deciding whether he required to travel overseas or not, billing taxpayers $172,000 for travel in one year.