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

      Quick Exit (ESC)
      Latest from the Ombudsman
      Report
      04 Aug 2026
      Post Visit Summary - Northern Alternative Place of Detention (APOD)

      The Commonwealth National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) conducted two visits to the Northern Alternative Place of Detention (APOD), the first on 17 and 19 June 2025 and the second on 11 February 2026.

      Page
      27 Jul 2026
      Complaint Handling Forum

      The CHF returns for 2026. The Future is Now: AI, evolving expectations and fresh perspectives in complaint handling. Tickets are now available – don’t miss your chance to explore...

      Public Statement
      20 Jul 2026
      Ombudsman Statement - Managing Complaints

      An update from the Ombudsman about the management of complaints at the Office.

      Common Topics:
      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
      Video

      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