Commonwealth Ombudsman

Latest from the Ombudsman

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Public Statement

Public Statement - Aged Care Star Ratings

Star ratings don’t help people make informed decisions about aged care

Inquiry into the use and governance of artificial intelligence systems by public sector entities

Submission by the Commonwealth Ombudsman

Joint statement

Reintroduction of spit hoods for children in the NT is not the answer

Joint statement by members of the Australian NPM

Common Topics:

How we can help you How to make a complaint Australian government agency complaints Careers

I want to complain about

An Australian Government agency

ASIC Services Australia the NDIS The Australian Federal Police Immigration and detention

A private company

Education Providers Health insurers Postal operators

Wrongdoing within the APS (whistleblowing)

Public interest disclosure (for current or former staff in Australia Public Service)

We’re free and impartial, and here’s how we’ve helped

When complaints are brought to our attention we look at all sides of the story. Here are some real-life examples of the types of complaints we receive and the actions we’ve taken.

Compensation for a parcel seized by overseas customs authority

Australia Post rejected a compensation claim for an overseas package that held up overseas customs authority for several months.
Upon our review, Australia Post agreed to pay the compensation claim in full.

Fee refund after withdrawing from concurrent study

An overseas student asked for their private education provider to refund course fees paid, after withdrawing from concurrent study.
After our investigation, the provider agreed to pay a refund, update its written agreement and amend processes for accepting students in concurrent study.

Refund for unused private health policy

Health provider refunded health cover fees for an unused policy.

Information for industry and agencies

Public interest disclosure (whistleblowing) Law enforcement agency oversight Private Health Industry oversight Monitoring places of detention - OPCAT Industry updates