What we can investigate

The Ombudsman has the power to investigate complaints about government authorities, which include:

All Victorian government departments:

Business and Innovation
Education and Early Childhood Development
Health
Human Services
Justice
Planning and Community Development
Premier and Cabinet
Primary Industries
Sustainability and Environment
Transport
Treasury and Finance.

Specified entities, including a range of statutory bodies, such as:

WorkSafe Victoria
Transport Accident Commission
School Councils
Universities and other tertiary institutions
VicRoads
Selected Professional Boards eg. Legal Services Board.

Actions by staff of local councils in relation to matters such as:

enforcement of parking, building or planning regulations
nuisance control
rate and service charges
liability claims against Council
drainage matters
roads, construction, maintenance and closures
contracts or agreements with Council
building matters
planning and subdivisions permits, advertising and zoning.

A complaint may be made by any person or body of persons.

Before complaining to the Ombudsman, you should first try to resolve your complaint with the organisation concerned.

The Ombudsman does not give legal advice and you do not need a lawyer to complain to the Ombudsman.

If you are unsure as to whether your complaint can be considered, please contact the Ombudsman for advice.