State / Territory Ombudsman Complaint
Residents who have a complaint about the conduct or decisions of a state or territory government agency — including police, housing, corrections, local councils, and public hospitals — can lodge a free complaint online with their relevant state or territory Ombudsman.
Issuing authority
Victorian Ombudsman (VIC); Queensland Ombudsman (QLD); Ombudsman SA (SA); Western Australian Ombudsman (WA); Ombudsman Tasmania (TAS); Ombudsman NT (NT); ACT Ombudsman (ACT)
Official source
ombudsman.vic.gov.auCost
Free
Deadline
Varies by state — generally the Ombudsman expects complaints to be lodged within 12 months of becoming aware of the issue.
How to apply
- Identify the relevant Ombudsman for your state or territory: VIC ombudsman.vic.gov.au, QLD ombudsman.qld.gov.au, SA ombudsman.sa.gov.au, WA ombudsman.wa.gov.au, TAS ombudsman.tas.gov.au, NT ombudsman.nt.gov.au, ACT ombudsman.act.gov.au
- Before lodging, complain directly to the agency first — most Ombudsmen require you to have already tried to resolve the matter with the agency
- If the agency response is unsatisfactory or you have not received a response within a reasonable time, proceed to the Ombudsman
- Complete the online complaint form on the relevant Ombudsman's website (all seven jurisdictions have online forms); alternatively call or write
- Describe what happened, which agency was involved, how it affected you, and what you have already done to resolve it
- Attach supporting documents such as correspondence, decisions, and reference numbers
- Submit the form and await acknowledgement — the Ombudsman will assess the complaint, which may result in investigation, referral back to the agency, or a finding
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