Dr Grant Davies has been appointed as Tasmania’s new Ombudsman, with his role officially beginning on July 14.
The appointment, made by the Governor in May, sees Davies also taking on several other key statutory positions, including Health Complaints Commissioner and Energy Ombudsman.
Davies succeeds Richard Connock, who did not seek reappointment and was appointed after a thorough recruitment process.
Media release – Department of Justice, 30 June 2025
Appointment of Ombudsman
Dr Grant Davies has been appointed as Tasmania’s new Ombudsman.
The appointment as Ombudsman was made by the Governor in May, with Dr Davies to commence in the role on 14 July.
Dr Davies will also hold a number of other statutory positions including Health Complaints Commissioner, Energy Ombudsman, Custodial Inspector, National Preventive Mechanism, Principal Official Visitor, and Coordinator of the Official Visitor Program.
As Dr Davies appointment arrangements were finalised during the caretaker period, the Attorney-General consulted both the Labor and Greens leaders prior to this announcement.
Dr Davies brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in public service, particularly in leading complaints resolution and statutory organisations. He has served as the South Australian Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner since 2018.
Dr Davies is also an Associate Professor at Flinders University and has previously held the position of Director of Projects at Safer Care Victoria.
He holds a PhD in Applied Ethics from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Arts in Research – Applied Ethics from Queensland University of Technology, and is currently undertaking a Juris Doctor through the University of Southern Queensland.
From 2009 to 2017, Dr Davies served in various capacities at the Office of the Health Services Commissioner, including Health Services Commissioner, Acting Health Services Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner.
Earlier in his career, Dr Davies held roles such as Investigations Manager at the Office of the Aged Care Commissioner and Principal Review Officer at the Office of the Commissioner for Complaints. He has also worked with the Department of Human Services Victoria and Queensland Health.
In addition to his professional roles, Dr Davies has been actively involved in various non-executive appointments and advisory boards, including the Australian Health Review, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care and the Research Centre for Palliative Care Death and Dying at Flinders University.
Dr Davies’ extensive experience and commitment to integrity and public service will greatly benefit the Ombudsman’s office and the Tasmanian community.
Dr Davies has been appointed to these important statutory roles following the decision of current Ombudsman, Mr Richard Connock, to not seek reappointment, and an extensive recruitment process conducted by the Department of Justice.
I would like to thank Mr Connock for his significant service and great contribution to Tasmania, and for continuing to perform these roles until Dr Davies commences on 14 July.
– Kristy Bourne, Secretary
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