New private health insurance ombudsman appointed

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12 April 2008

I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government has appointed Samantha Gavel as the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman.

The Office of the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman is a key element of the Government’s continuing commitment to protect the interests of private health insurance consumers.

Ms Gavel brings considerable knowledge and expertise to the role, having acted continuously in the position since August 2006. She has been with the organisation since 1997, and was previously the Director of Policy and Compliance with the office. She has previously acted as Private Health Insurance Ombudsman in 2000 and 2003.

As ombudsman, Ms Gavel’s responsibilities include investigating and conciliating complaints about privately insured health care, providing advice to the health insurance industry, the Government and consumers, and publishing independent information about private health insurance and the performance of health funds.

Ms Gavel’s substantive appointment began on 1 April 2008 for a three-year period.

Media contact: Mark Ward - 0437 125 938