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      If you need more translations, please contact us via: 1300 362 072 or ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

      Latest from the Ombudsman
      Image of a blue box with State of the Health Funds Report on it in white lettering
      Annual report
      25 Mar 2025
      State of the Health Funds Report 2023-24

      The 20th Annual State of the Health Funds Report, relating to the financial year 2023–24.

      Better practice guide
      25 Mar 2025
      Automated Decision Making Better Practice Guide - March 2025

      This guide is a practical tool from the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman to assist agencies with designing automated systems.

      Investigation report
      17 Mar 2025
      Without Judgement - Services Australia - Improving the interface between Child Support and victim-survivors

      The Commonwealth Ombudsman has published an investigation into Services Australia and its decision-making process in handling Ms H’s concerns about family violence

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

      What's the complaint process?

      Making a complaint can be daunting. Here's what to expect.

      Overview Before you make a complaint
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      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) arrow Law enforcement agency oversight arrow Private Health Industry oversight arrow Monitoring places of detention - OPCAT arrow Industry updates arrow