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Ombudspersons Luisser, Schwarz and Achitz were sworn in by the President of the Republic
On 1 July 2025, the new Board of the Austrian Ombudsman institution was sworn in by the President of the Republic, Alexander Van der Bellen. As of 1 July, the Austrian Ombudsman Board consists of Mr. Christoph Luisser, Ms. Gaby Schwarz and Mr. Bernhard Achitz. Ombudsperson Luisser will hold the institution’s chair for the next twelve months.
Responsibilities remain the same
The new Ombudsperson Christoph Luisser will be responsible for matters concerning the police, aliens and asylum law, monument protection, agriculture, forestry and water management, nature and environmental protection, trade and industrial facilities, kindergartens, schools, universities, transport, municipal taxes and agricultural matters.
At federal level, Ombudsperson Gaby Schwarz examines the penitentiary system, taxes and fees, the duration of court proceedings and at the public prosecutors' offices, European and international affairs and national defence. At the regional level, she examines municipal administrations and all municipal matters (e.g. regional planning, housing and building law, provincial and municipal roads), as well as cemetery administration. The fight against violence against women is also one of her focal points, as women's rights are human rights.
Ombudsperson Bernhard Achitz investigates matters relating to health, pension and accident insurance, as well as the labour market administration and the areas of youth and family. Issues relating to persons with disabilities, but also topics such as minimum income, basic services and healthcare administration, as well as youth welfare, animal welfare and veterinary matters, also fall within his remit. Mr. Achitz is also responsible for the settlement of pensions for victims of children’s homes and he is the Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).
Source: Austrian Ombudsman Board, Austria
