Changes to Victoria's integrity system make it easier to complain
Date posted:New laws for Victoria's integrity agencies, including the Victorian Ombudsman, came into effect on 1 July 2016.
The Ombudsman can now take complaints over the phone. Previously, complaints had to be in writing. This change makes our office more accessible, as well as saving people time and unnecessary paperwork.
We can now also share more information with:
- government agencies and local councils to help them improve their practices
- other integrity agencies, such as the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC).
The Ombudsman can now table public reports when Parliament is not sitting.
In addition, the Ombudsman has greater discretion in deciding:
- whether to investigate a protected disclosure (whistleblower) complaint
- whether to discontinue an investigation.
The Ombudsman welcomes these changes, which update how the office operates and improve its capacity to deliver fairness.