Victorian Ombudsman

Victorian Ombudsman We promote fairness, integrity and respect for human rights. We hold the Victorian public sector accountable to the people of Victoria.

To lodge your complaint online, visit our website. The Victorian Ombudsman takes complaints about Victorian local councils, and State Government departments and agencies. This is a free, fair and independent service. The office also looks at whether people’s human rights have been respected and protected. The Ombudsman can also start investigations into government bodies in the public interest, ev

en without a complaint. The Victorian Ombudsman is Deborah Glass OBE. She was appointed in March 2014 for a term of 10 years. Deborah is committed to ensuring fair and reasonable decision making in the Victorian public sector, and to improving public administration. She holds a firm belief in public sector integrity and the protection of human rights. Deborah was raised in Melbourne where she studied law at Monash University. She worked in banking and regulation in Switzerland and Hong Kong before moving to the United Kingdom. In 2001, she joined the UK Police Complaints Authority, and in 2004 became a Commissioner with the new Independent Police Complaints Commission of England and Wales (IPCC). She was the Commissioner responsible for London, and for many high profile criminal and misconduct investigations into police conduct. Deborah was appointed IPCC Deputy Chair in 2008, carrying operational responsibility for the IPCC's regional Commissioners, and was awarded an OBE for her service in the New Year Honours List in 2012. She is also a member of the Australian and New Zealand Ombudsman Association (ANZOA).

Limited spots are available in September for our half-day workshop 'Good complaint handling'. Hone your complaint handli...
04/09/2026

Limited spots are available in September for our half-day workshop 'Good complaint handling'. Hone your complaint handling with advice informed by the Australian Standard.

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Date and time: Thursday 17 September 2025, 9.30am to 1pm
Mode: Online via Zoom
Audience: Frontline complaint-handlers and their managers, in public service, not-for-profits and community organisations
Price: $401.50
Find out more → visit our website.

This October for World Ombudsman Day, join us for an engaging conversation with key Ombudsman services. We’ll be joined ...
02/09/2026

This October for World Ombudsman Day, join us for an engaging conversation with key Ombudsman services. We’ll be joined by Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and Australian Financial Complaints Authority, discussing a range of topics including:

✅ The role of an Ombudsman
✅ How we can help
✅ Common themes in complaints
✅ The role of fairness

This conversation will equip community leaders, advocates and service providers with more information about the services available to assist their community to seek help if they need it.

Friday 16 October, 12pm – 1.20pm, Whittlesea Community Activity Centre

This event is free to attend, but registrations are required.

To find out more or to register, visit → https://events.humanitix.com/focused-on-fair-ombudsman-services-your-rights-and-navigating-the-complaints-process

Earlier this week, we were pleased to join the Luminous in the Neighbourhood Lantern Parade, a celebration of Victoria’s...
28/08/2026

Earlier this week, we were pleased to join the Luminous in the Neighbourhood Lantern Parade, a celebration of Victoria’s multicultural communities hosted by AMES Australia.

Celebrating belonging and connection, participants gathered at Birrarung Marr fo the parade, and then enjoyed performances and presentations from Newa Pucha Nepalese band, Kaiga Tuvalu Victoria Youth Group and Estrela do Mar Inc.

Over generations, multiculturalism has been intertwined with Victoria’s history, and the diverse communities that call Victoria home today have made a significant contribution to the culture, economy and way of life in this state.

Each year, Parliamentary Ombudsmen from Australia and New Zealand meet to share insights, challenges and priorities for ...
26/08/2026

Each year, Parliamentary Ombudsmen from Australia and New Zealand meet to share insights, challenges and priorities for each jurisdiction. Last week, we hosted the annual meeting and were joined by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, New Zealand Ombudsman, Queensland Ombudsman, NSW Ombudsman, SA Ombudsman, WA ombudsman and Tasmanian Ombudsman.

The meeting provided an opportunity to hear directly from each Ombudsman about their experiences and to exchange ideas on shared issues our offices face.

Pictured: Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson, New Zealand Ombudsman John Allen, Acting Queensland Ombudsman Angela Pyke, NSW Ombudsman Paul Miller, SA Ombudsman Emily Strickland, Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath, WA Ombudsman Bevan Warner and Tasmanian Ombudsman Grant Davies.

You don’t need to use an AI tool like ChatGPT to make a complaint. We’d rather hear what happened directly from you, usi...
21/08/2026

You don’t need to use an AI tool like ChatGPT to make a complaint. We’d rather hear what happened directly from you, using your own words.

We just need to understand:
— what happened
— which Victorian government agency or organisation was involved
— how it has affected you
— what you have already tried to do about it

AI can sometimes overcomplicate your complaint. You don’t need to use legal references, perfect language or formal writing, and there are services available if you need help communicating.
For more information about using AI, visit our website → ombudsman.vic.gov.au/using-artificial-intelligence-ai-tools-to-make-a-complaint/

Last week, we joined Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) and Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for ombudsma...
16/08/2026

Last week, we joined Energy and Water Ombudsman (Victoria) (EWOV) and Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for ombudsman regional events in Shepparton and Wangaratta. We meet with stakeholders and communities across the region, listened to complaints and heard firsthand about the issues facing locals across Victoria.

A big thank you to everyone we met, and to those who made this week possible. We enjoyed the opportunity to connect, listen and learn more about the priorities and opportunities across the region. We look forward to continuing the conversation.

Today, on International Youth Day, we celebrate the voices of young people in Victoria and across the world. Every day, ...
12/08/2026

Today, on International Youth Day, we celebrate the voices of young people in Victoria and across the world.

Every day, young people across Victoria engage with public services – everything from public schools and universities to public hospitals and family services. Young people have a right to be heard and to have their voices meaningfully considered in decisions that affect their lives.

If you think you’ve been treated unfairly by a Victorian public organisation, you can make a complaint to us. You don’t have to be over 18 and you can ask someone you trust, such as a family member or carer, to help you make your complaint.
To make a complaint:

— Online complaints portal → https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/complaints/

— Phone → 1800 806 314

— Translating and Interpreting Service → 131 450

— National Relay Service → Choose preferred NRS channel then 1800 806 314

We’ll be in Shepparton and Wangaratta next week to connect with community members and provide information about our serv...
05/08/2026

We’ll be in Shepparton and Wangaratta next week to connect with community members and provide information about our services.

You’ll be able speak directly with representatives from VO and other key ombudsman ser-vices about your concerns, complaints or questions relating to government services, ener-gy, water and telecommunications. No appointment needed – just real help, right here in the community.

SHEPPARTON
Monday, 10 August 2026
📍 Rumbalara Football Netball Club
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Tuesday, 11 August 2026
📍 South Shepparton Community Centre
Meet Ombudsman Services
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

WANGARATTA
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
📍 Pangerang Community Hub
Meet Ombudsman Services
🕛 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

All events are free. Come along to learn more about our services, ask questions, and meet the team. We look forward to seeing you there.

Today we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – acknowledging the incredible culture,...
04/08/2026

Today we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – acknowledging the incredible culture, strength, and resilience of First Nations children across the country.

On Children’s Day, we are reminded to listen to First Nations children and empower them to share their stories while strengthening their connections to culture, community and Country.

If you’re concerned about how a government agency has treated a child or young person you can contact the Victorian Ombudsman.

Anyone can make a complaint. You do not need to be over 18, and you can ask someone you trust, such as a family member or carer, to help you make a complaint.

To make a complaint:

— Online complaints portal → https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/complaints/

— Phone → 1800 806 314

— Translating and Interpreting Service → 131 450

— National Relay Service → Choose preferred NRS channel then 1800 806 314 https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-call-numbers-and-links

15/07/2026

On Friday, the Victorian Ombudsman joined the NAIDOC Week March, celebrating 50 years of Deadly.

Hear some reflections on the day from our First Nations Complaints Manager Maddison Laws.

NAIDOC Week has been a great opportunity for us to show our commitment to supporting the rights of First Nations people and for our staff to reflect and to learn, inspiring us as we work towards our vision of building a fairer Victoria for all.


16m

Address

Level 2, 570 Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 6:30pm
Thursday 7am - 6:30pm
Friday 7am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+611800806314

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