Judi Jones appointed new Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

The Board of the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Limited today announced the appointment of Ms Judi Jones as the new Ombudsman. 

Ms Jones will assume responsibilities in March 2016 and will succeed Mr Simon Cohen, who has taken up a senior role with the Victorian Government. 

In making the announcement, Ms Patricia Faulkner AO, the Chair of the Board of the TIO, noted Ms Jones’ extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution, management and the law and welcomed her to the role. 

“The Board of TIO Limited has conducted a wide-ranging search and recruitment process to identify the next Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. Judi Jones is a clear leader in alternative dispute resolution, as well as possessing exceptional management skills, having overseen her organisation being named among the top employers in New Zealand for the past five years.” 

Ms Jones has held the position of Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner in New Zealand since 2002. As the inaugural ombudsman, she established the scheme which is now the largest in New Zealand and is fully funded by the electricity and gas industry. 

“I am delighted to be taking up this role, and look forward to working with staff and the industry in continuing TIO’s work of resolving complaints in a way that is fair and independent,” Ms Jones said. 

Ms Jones has a wealth of experience gained from working in organisations in New Zealand, such as the Advertising Standards Complaints Board and the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre. In New Zealand, she sits on the Security and Reliability Council for the electricity industry, is Chair of the Advertising Standards Complaints Appeal Board, is a former chair of the Consumers' Institute and served on the electricity industry's Grid Security Committee. 

Ms Jones holds a law degree and a Masters in Business Studies with Distinction in dispute resolution. She is currently the Chair of ANZOA, the peak body in Australia and New Zealand for ombudsmen working in industry-based, parliamentary and statutory ombudsman offices. Ms Jones also has a long-standing involvement with ANZEWON, the Australia & New Zealand Energy and Water Ombudsman Network.  

Background

Established in 1993 and provided for under Commonwealth legislation, the TIO scheme is operated by Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Limited and is independent of industry, the government and consumer organisations. 

The TIO scheme provides an independent, accessible and fair dispute resolution service for small business and residential customers who have a complaint about their telephone or internet service in Australia. 

The Ombudsman exercises specific quasi-judicial powers to investigate and determine complaint matters and is the Chief Executive Officer of the TIO, responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the company.