"Mr Neave brings extensive experience at a high level in both government and business and I am confident that the Council will greatly benefit from his leadership," McClelland said.

Neave has been the Chief Ombudsman of the Financial Ombudsman Service since July 2008, having commenced as the Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman in 1996, and is also the chairperson of the Victorian Legal Services Board and chairman of the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.

He has held a number of senior positions including secretary of the Victorian Attorney-General's Department, managing director of the New South Wales Legal Aid Commission, deputy secretary of the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department, commissioner for Consumer Affairs in South Australia and company secretary of AMI Toyota Ltd.

"Mr Neave's appointment will ensure the important role of the Council in promoting discussion about how administrative law and practice can respond to the challenge of ensuring fair and open government," McClelland said.

The Government expects to announce further appointments to the Council in the near future.