How the Austrian Ombudsman Board is structured

The Ombudsman Board is headed by three Ombudspersons who are elected by the National Council for a six years term and can be reappointed once. They are sworn in by the President of the Republic of Austria. The Ombudspersons are independent in the performance of their duties.

A prerequisite for working as an Ombudsperson is knowledge of the organisation and functioning of the administration as well as in the field of human rights.

The current Ombudsperons are Christoph Luisser, Gaby Schwarz and Bernhard Achitz. They were elected by the National Council for the term of office until 30 June 2031. The chairmanship of the Ombudsman Board changes every year at the end of June. The current Chair of the AOB is Ombudsperson Christoph Luisser.

The AOB has around 90 employees. Around half of them are lawyers who investigate the complaints. 
The organisational chart of the AOB provides an overview of the responsibilities and contact options.

Commissions

On 1 July 2012, the Austrian Ombudsman Board set up six commissions. These were extended on 1 July 2021 by a Federal Commission for the Penitentiary System and Forensic Institutions. The commissions monitor all facilities in which people with and without disabilities are at risk of being subjected to ill-treatment, inhumane treatment and measures that deprive them of their liberty.

Human Rights Advisory Council

The Human Rights Advisory Council advises the Ombudspersons in their tasks to protect and promote human rights.