IBAC chief Marlo Baragwanath to become Victoria’s new Ombudsman

Jacinta Allan has announced that the boss of Victoria’s anti-corruption watchdog — Marlo Baragwanath — will replace Deborah Glass as the state’s next Ombudsman.

Marlo Baragwanath will be Victoria’s next Ombdusman.

The boss of the state’s anti-corruption watchdog has been appointed Victoria’s next Ombudsman.

Premier Jacinta Allan on Wednesday announced Marlo Baragwanath would replace outgoing Ombudsman Deborah Glass, who has been at the helm since 2014.

Ms Baragwanath will begin her legislated 10-year appointment on March 30.

As the current chief executive of the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), Ms Baragwanath has led the watchdog to deliver major integrity investigations and reports on the government.

She has more than 25 years of legal, integrity and public sector experience and has also previously served as the Victorian Government Solicitor, where she provided strategic legal advice to the public sector.

Outgoing Ombudsman Deborah Glass has been at the helm since 2014. Picture: David Caird

She has also held senior positions in the Office of the Chief Executive at the Victorian Building Authority and as General Counsel at WorkSafe.

Ms Baragwanath’s appointment was recommended to Ms Allan by a selection panel.

“I congratulate Ms Baragwanath on her appointment – with her background in legal and integrity roles across the Victorian public sector, she is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of the Victorian Ombudsman,” Ms Allan said.

“I am confident that she will lead an organisation that continues to focus on improving public administration and ensuring fairness for Victorians in their dealings with the public sector.

“I would also like to acknowledge the service of Deborah Glass over the past decade - leading the organisation as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013 and during the period of IBAC’s establishment, which refocused the VO’s efforts on fairness, while IBAC focused on corruption matters.”

Ms Glass, who last year handed down her report into the politicisation of the public service under Daniel Andrews, has recently taken aim at the state government, warning her office is still hamstrung by secrecy over cabinet documents.

In an interview with The Australian earlier this month, Ms Glass blasted Mr Andrews as having become “increasingly prickly”.