Complaining About Government Maladministration

Helping individuals seek relief against unfair administrative treatment, unnecessary delays, inaction and improper decisions by government departments and public authorities through appropriate complaint and grievance mechanisms.

Where these disputes usually start

Most people who contact us about a complaint against a government department are dealing with one of a familiar set of problems. Recognising which one applies to you is the first step towards the right remedy.

• ▸Ombudsman complaints & proceedings
• ▸Complaints of maladministration
• ▸Grievances against government departments & public authorities
• ▸Unreasonable delays, inaction & failure to decide
• ▸Unfair, arbitrary or improper administrative decisions
• ▸Government service-related grievances
• ▸Denial or withholding of lawful rights and benefits
• ▸Abuse or misuse of administrative authority

Questions clients ask us most often

A government department has treated me unfairly and I don't know where to complain. Can you help?

Yes. We review your complaint and the action taken by the government department and identify the appropriate forum. Where the matter falls within the Ombudsman's jurisdiction, we help prepare and file the complaint and represent you through the process.

A government department is delaying my case without giving me a reason. What can I do?

Unnecessary delay or failure to act can sometimes amount to maladministration. We review your documents and previous correspondence and advise you on the appropriate complaint or representation to have the matter addressed.

How do I challenge a wrong administrative decision?

We review the decision, the reasons given by the department and the available record to determine what remedies may be available. Depending on the circumstances, we can assist with a representation, Ombudsman complaint or other appropriate legal proceedings.

Getting advice on your own situation

Every matter turns on its own facts, documents and timing. We answer 14 further questions on this subject — including costs, likely duration, the documents to bring and what happens after you contact us — on our Ombudsman & Public Grievance page.