What issues does the ombudsman deal with?

The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about actions and decisions of Australian Government agencies to see if they are wrong, unjust, unlawful, discriminatory or just plain unfair. The Ombudsman also seeks remedies for those affected by administrative deficiency, and acts to improve public administration generally.

Why would you go to the ombudsman?

An ombudsman is an independent service that can help you deal with an unresolved complaint you might have with an organisation. Ombudsman services are also called alternative dispute resolution (ADR) schemes.

How does the ombudsman investigate a complaint?

The Ombudsman relies on agencies to cooperate in resolving problems. When an investigation establishes that an error has occurred, the Ombudsman investigation officer will consider whether the agency should take action to remedy the problem.

Is the Ombudsman decision final?

Our decisions are final and there is no appeal. You can apply to the High Court to challenge an Ombudsman’s decision because it is legally flawed – this is called judicial review – but you have to act quickly and you may need to take advice, for example from a solicitor, law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau.

How much does Ombudsman cost?

When you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by a bank or other financial company, or if its unfairness has put you in financial hardship, and it doesn’t resolve the complaint to your satisfaction, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. For you, this service is free.

Does the ombudsman really help?

An ombudsman is a person who has been appointed to look into complaints about companies and organisations. Ombudsmen are independent, free and impartial – so they don’t take sides. You should try and resolve your complaint with the organisation before you complain to an ombudsman.

How much does ombudsman cost?

Does the Ombudsman really help?

What powers do the Ombudsman have?

The Ombudsman has the right to summon persons and papers (i.e., to require the attendance of witnesses and to have access to information) and absolute privilege to protect his or her reports. These powers are analagous to the powers of a High Court Judge.

Can the Ombudsman award compensation?

A mistake can affect your customer practically or emotionally, as well as financially. For this reason, we can award fair compensation to recognise other types of non-financial impact or loss, for any of the following: distress.

Who pays for an ombudsman?

Ombudsman Services is free to consumers. We are funded by the fee a company that is signed up to our scheme pays to have each complaint reviewed. This covers the cost of us handling the case. This has no bearing on our decisions.

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