The Federal Government has appointed Allan Asher as the new Commonwealth Ombudsman.

Mr Asher is currently the inaugural chief executive of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.

He previously held positions as the chief executive of EnergyWatch in the UK and non-executive Board Member of the UK Office of Fair Trading. He was also deputy chair of the Consumer Protection Commissioner of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Cabinet Secretary Senator Joe Ludwig said Mr Asher brought a “wealth of experience” to the role of Commonwealth Ombudsman.

“Mr Asher has a strong record of achievement in key executive and statutory appointments in Australia and the UK,” he said.

“This range of knowledge and skills makes Mr Asher well qualified for appointment as the Commonwealth Ombudsman.”

The appointment follows on from the resignation of former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, who is now the Information Commissioner Designate.

Mr Asher’s appointment is for a period of five years commencing 30 August 2010.