Linda Waugh has been appointed as Queensland’s new Ombudsman and Inspector of Detention Services.
She has been the state’s Integrity Commissioner for the past three years, providing advice on ethics and integrity issues to members of parliament, their staff, senior public servants, and statutory office holders.
Earlier in her career, Ms Waugh served as the Commonwealth Merit Protection Commissioner.
In that role she was responsible for independent reviews and investigations related to employment decisions and workplace complaints across the Australian Public Service and Parliamentary Service.
Ms Waugh also has extensive experience working in anti-corruption bodies including the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission/Crime and Misconduct Commission (now the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission).
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said Ms Waugh was a highly skilled leader who had dedicated her career to strengthening integrity, accountability and public trust in government.
“I am confident her extensive experience and understanding of public sector management will be invaluable as she moves into the role of Ombudsman,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I’d like to thank outgoing Ombudsman Anthony Reilly for his dedication and commitment to public service in the role for over six years and I wish him all the best for his future.”
Ms Waugh said she was deeply honoured to be appointed Ombudsman.
“I recognise the vital role the Ombudsman has within the public sector integrity framework in Queensland, and the importance of its work in strengthening public confidence in our public institutions,” she said.
Ms Waugh will start her three-year term on November 23, 2026.
The role of the Queensland Ombudsman is to provide a free, independent, and fair way to investigate complaints about the administrative actions and decisions of Queensland government agencies.
