The members of the AOB take stock Peter Fichtenbauer as new members of the AOB. Gertrude Brinek, who has been ombudswoman since 2008, was confirmed for a second term of office. Ombudsman Günther Kräuter is responsible for social, nursing and health matters. At the federal level, his investigative authority comprises health, pension and accident insurance as well as matters concerning labour market administration and youth and family. At the Laender level, his area of competence comprises social and health administration, youth welfare, issues concerning persons with disabilities, animal rights and the veterinary sector. As of July 2013, Günther Kräuter has also taken on the position of the Secretary General of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI). The area of competence of Ombudswoman Gertrude Brinek at the federal level comprises administration of the judiciary, the penal system, public prosecution, taxes, fees and duties and preservation of cultural heritage sites. At the Laender level, her area of competence comprises local governments and all communal matters, cemetery administrations as well as communal and municipal transport services. At the federal level, the area of responsibility of Ombudsman Peter Fichtenbauer comprises police law, law relating to aliens and legislation on asylum, national defence, agriculture, forestry and water management, nature conservation and environmental protection, skilled trades and operational facilities, nursery schools, schools and universities. At the Laender level, Peter Fichtenbauer monitors matters concerning traffic and agriculture as well as municipal taxes and levies. In 2013, the AOB had an average of 90 employees who were organisationally assigned to the three areas of responsibility of the members of the AOB, the administration and the International Unit. The appended organisational chart provides the details. 2. The members of the AOB take stock 2.1 Ombudswoman Gertrude Brinek Being able to look back at a successful year is a suitable point to undertake some further-reaching reflections. Again and again I ponder the question: When is the AOB successful? If the authorities make fewer mistakes and the number of complaints goes down? If the number of complaints goes up? If everyone knows about the AOB as an institution where they can turn to with their complaints? 8