The National Investigations Symposium is a biennial event for public sector investigators and complaint-handlers run by the Independent Commission Against Corruption, NSW Ombudsman and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (NSW Division).

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia re-elected Mr Saša Jankovic as Protector of Citizens (Ombudsman). Mr Jankovic was elected for a new five-year term with the consensus of all parliamentary parties.

The Commissioner for Fundamental Rights has asked the Constitutional Court to examine the provisions of the Act on Public Education and to overview the Act on Vocational Training. Failing the necessary preparation period because of the short time until the entering into force of the two Acts the principle of the rule of law might be hurt.

The Seimas Ombudsmen recently published the Annual Report as well as an English summary of the activities of the institution.

Judge (ret) Joseph Shapira has been elected by Israeli Parliament to serve as State Comptroller and Ombudsman of Israel. During the ceremony President Shimon Peres emphasized the importance of the institution: ”Bureaucracy cannot exist without review. The independence of review is of enormous importance."

A conference recently organized by the Albanian Ombudsman and the National Council of Disabled People concluded with the resolution concerning rights of people with disabilities.

As of 23 July 2012, Soledad Becerril Bustamante is the new national Ombudswoman of Spain. Her appointment was approved by both Congress and Senate on 17 and 18 July 2012. Becerril is the first woman to take over this position. She has longstanding experience in the political field. In 1981 she became the first female Minister by assuming the department of culture.