CHAPTER 8How the Ombudsman helped people

The Trade Recognition Authority (TRA) refused Ms A's application to have her trade qualifications recognised on the basis that she had not provided some relevant employment records. Ms A requested a review and pointed out that she had provided the relevant records. Her review was not successful. Reasons were not given in the review notification letter from the TRA.

The TRA's response to our enquiries was significantly more detailed than that provided to Ms A. The TRA told us that Ms A's employment records did not include the dates on which she commenced and finished employment; and the area of work for which she was seeking trade qualification recognition was categorised differently in Australia than in her country of origin. Had Ms A been given this information when her application was initially refused, she would have been in a position to reapply and supply that information.

The TRA conceded that Ms A may have been disadvantaged in seeking a review because of the lack of detail in the original reasons and agreed to reconsider the application and any additional supporting documents. The matter was decided in Ms A's favour and her professional qualifications were recognised.

Ms B complained to our office when she had difficulty meeting her tax debt due to personal and financial circumstances. We advised Ms B about the range of options available to her, and suggested that she consider seeking a review of the debt and suspension of the general interest charge. We also advised Ms B that the Australian Taxation Office sometimes gives full or partial relief from tax debts on the grounds of serious hardship, and told her where to obtain a debt relief application form. Finally, we suggested Ms B consider obtaining professional advice on debt and financial management.