Ombudsman Western Australia

What you can complain about

If you think you have been treated unfairly by a Western Australian State Government department or authority, or a local government, we may be able to help you.

Who you can complain to us about

We can investigate complaints about nearly any public authority, which includes:

• State Government departments, statutory authorities, boards and corporations;
• Western Australia Police Force and its members, where the complaint relates to a matter of administration. The Corruption and Crime Commission deals with other complaints about the Western Australia Police;
• Local governments (cities, towns and shires); and
• Many other public sector bodies and office holders.

From 1 February 2025, the National Student Ombudsman takes complaints about higher education providers such as universities.

You can complain about any decision, action or inaction by public authorities but only if:

• The complaint is related to a matter of administration - the decision making practices and actions of public authorities in providing their services to the public; and
• The matter affects you personally.

In certain circumstances we can receive complaints from a representative of the person affected. Find out more information about using representatives on the Making your complaint page.

What you cannot complain to us about

There are some things we are unable to help you with. The Ombudsman cannot deal with complaints about:

• Private individuals or businesses (like banks, finance companies and shops);
• Parliament, its committees, members and staff;
• Judges, magistrates or coroners;
• Courts and the State Administrative Tribunal;
• Commissioners of any court;
• The Governor and members of the Governor's establishment;
• Decisions made by Cabinet or by Ministers of the Crown; and
• Those bodies listed in the Schedule 1 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1971.

Unless there are special circumstances, the Ombudsman cannot investigate:

• Complaints more than 12 months old; or
• Complaints which you can take to a court or tribunal.

Making your complaint

Go to the Making your complaint page for information about how to make your complaint.