/sites/default/files/styles/featured_extra_small_high_resolution/public/2020-08/annual_report_cover_2018-19_0.jpg?itok=9iOKVZgo
/sites/default/files/styles/featured_extra_small_portrait_high_resolution/public/2020-08/annual_report_cover_2018-19_0.jpg?itok=1HOSgE4j

How we can help

Our office has three main roles. We accept:

  • complaints to the Ombudsman

  • complaints to the Commissioner

  • applications for a review of an FOI decision

Make a complaint

Ombudsman complaints

In general, the Ombudsman accepts and (where appropriate) investigates complaints about how the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the National Boards handled a notification or registration matter. Complainants commonly raise concerns about Ahpra’s communication, delay and what information was considered by a National Board when it made a decision.

The Ombudsman can also assist with complaints about how an accreditation authority handled a matter. This could include complaints about the accreditation of an education provider or program of study, or the assessment of an overseas qualified practitioner.

We can also assist with complaints about the delivery of a specialist medical college’s training program or the assessment of a specialist international medical graduate.

The Ombudsman can consider complaints about how a matter was handled, not whether Ahpra, a National Board, an accreditation authority or a specialist medical college’s decision about a matter was right or wrong.

Commissioner complaints

The Commissioner accepts and (where appropriate) investigates complaints about how Ahpra, a National Board, an accreditation authority or a specialist medical college has used personal information, including alleged breaches of privacy.

The Commissioner can decide what should be done, and if compensation should be awarded, if a breach of privacy by Ahpra, a National Board, an accreditation authority or a specialist medical college is found to have occurred.

Freedom of Information (FOI) review services

The Commissioner also receives applications for a review of a decision made by Ahpra under federal FOI legislation.

The Commissioner can decide whether Ahpra’s decision should be:

  • affirmed
  • varied, or
  • set aside and a fresh decision made.
Make a complaint

Make a complaint to the Ombudsman and Commissioner or learn more about how to lodge a complaint.

Apply for FOI review

Find out more about how to apply for review of Ahpra's FOI decision.

  • Ombudsman complaints

    Our office provides a free and independent complaint handling service for the public and health practitioners.

  • Commissioner complaints

    Our office provides a free and independent complaint handling service for the public and health practitioners.

  • FOI review

    Find out more about our FOI review powers.

We strive for fair and positive change in the regulation of registered health practitioners for the Australian community
Learn more about us
Our complaint handling work in 2023–24
1,787
approaches received
691
complaints to the Ombudsman received
40
Freedom of Information matters received
12
privacy complaints received

Find out more

  • Ombudsman complaints

    The Ombudsman can assist with complaints about how Ahpra and the National Boards have handled notification or registration matters, personal information and FOI requests. We also can also assist with concerns about accreditation authorities and specialist medical colleges.

    Read more

  • Commissioner complaints

    The Commissioner can assist with complaints about how Ahpra, the National Boards or accreditation authorities and specialist medical colleges, have collected, used or disclosed personal information.

    Read more

  • FOI review

    We can conduct a review of a 'Freedom Of Information' decision made by Ahpra.

    Read more

  • About us

    Learn more about our vision, purpose and values.

    Read more

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call on 1300 795 265