After assessing a complaint and discussing it with a Senior Investigation Officer, Erin may decide to ask the NSW Government agency what happened and why.  

“While our office can’t overturn the decision of an agency, I can ask questions about why they made a particular decision, assess whether they have complied with their own policies and procedures and decide whether the agency’s action was reasonable,” Erin said.

Public officials (i.e. government employees, and in some circumstances, contractors) may also complain to the NSW Ombudsman about serious wrongdoing in the public sector, and a decision will be made as to whether it is a Public Interest Disclosure (PID).

If the NSW Ombudsman identifies a systemic issue with administrative practice within a government agency, they may make recommendations to improve the agency’s processes and procedures.

The NSW Ombudsman works to improve government and community services for the people of NSW to make sure that everyone receives the right services and fair treatment.

Erin and her colleagues at the NSW Ombudsman are critically important in making sure that we are all treated fairly. They are Champions of the State.