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How the Ombudsman can help you

If you think you have been unfairly treated by an Australian Government agency you can complain to the Ombudsman's office. We can investigate complaints about:

Agencies


This includes Australian Government agencies responsible for services such as pension and child support payments, immigration matters and postal services.

Services


We can investigate services delivered by most private contractors for the Australian Government, such as the Job Network, Welfare to Work and immigration detention centres..

Freedom of information


Freedom of information (FOI) including delays in processing FOI requests and complaints about FOI charges

Australian Federal Police


We oversee complaint investigations conducted by the AFP to ensure proper and adequate action and if necessary investigate further.

Defence Force


The Ombudsman is also the Defence Force Ombudsman and investigates complaints from serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force.

Immigration


The Ombudsman is also the Immigration Ombudsman with responsibility for reviewing the cases of long-term detainees.

Taxation


The Ombudsman is also the Taxation Ombudsman in relation to complaints about the Australian Taxation Office.

We cannot investigate complaints about the actions of government ministers or politicians; private individuals; state or local governments and some government business enterprises; or private businesses (except for some Australian Government contractors); decisions of courts and tribunals; and public service employment disputes (except in the Australian Defence Force).

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