Following the recent provincial elections, all newly elected councilors are reminded of their legal obligation under Section 31(2)(a) of the Leadership Code [Cap.240], which states: “A leader must file an Annual Return with the appropriate authority within two (2) months after becoming a leader”.
The Office of the Ombudsman recently held an induction program for the newly elected councilors of Shefa Province. The event took place on 21 August 2025 and was designed to help the councilors better understand their important roles as leaders. The program aimed to build their capacity to serve their constituents effectively and responsibly.
The Office of the Ombudsman would like to inform all members of the public and Government agencies that our temporary Office at the Korvan Community Health Centre located at the Independence Park (opposite Vila East School) is officially close for service.
The Office is now relocated to the main head office in town opposite former Ministry of Finance.
On 25th to 26th June 2025, a two days’ workshop was conducted by representatives of Chief Ombudsman namely Mrs. Megan Robins (the Acting Manager, International Development and Engagement), Mrs. Grace Taylor (Senior Advisor, International Development and Engagement), Mr. Stuart McGilvray (Legal Advisor) and Ms. Renee Vaioleti (Investigator, International Development and Engagement).
Section 26 of the Leadership Code Act is all about making sure government leaders do not misuse their position and power when it comes to awarding of government contracts.
Port Vila, 6 February 2025 – The Office of the Ombudsman has announced a temporary relocation of its operations from Ombudsman Haus on Rue Pasteur to the Govan Building, opposite Vila East School, effective 3rd February 2025. This move is intended to ensure continued access to its services while the Port Vila City Centre undergoes clearance for public accessibility. Once the area is deemed safe, the Ombudsman’s Office will resume its operations at its original location.
The Ombudsman's Office of Vanuatu is delighted to announce the forthcoming visit of New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier, scheduled from August 9th to August 12th, 2023. With a distinguished career as a Judge, Chief Ombudsman Boshier assumed his role in December 2015, bringing to the position a wealth of experience and commitment to justice.
The Ombudsman Office of Vanuatu has completed an extensive enquiry into the appointment of Wade Evans as the Acting Principal of the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) and the subsequent suspension of Charley Mandava and Johnny Garae, members of the VIT staff. A public report summarizing the findings of the enquiry has been issued, highlighting several key points.
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr Hamlison Bulu is reminding all persons classified as Leaders pursuant to Article 67 of the Constitution and section 5 of the Leadership Code Act, and other Acts of Parliament to file their 2022 annual returns before the 1st of March 2023 to avoid further legal consequences.
Four leaders who were supposed to go on trial today for failure to file their 2020 Annual Returns to the Ombudsman changed their pleas from not Guilty to Guilty before Justice Aru today 20th of July 2022.
