Our work
Our office is responsible for the independent oversight and scrutiny of government agencies and some non-government organisations that provide services to the people of NSW.
Our core work is complaint handling, however we also have other functions relating to scrutinising systems, monitoring and review of community services, reviewing the implementation of legislation and providing training and education to agencies.
To find out more about the different areas of our work, please see below.
Auditing covert operations
We review government compliance with legislation in relation to controlled or ‘undercover’ operations, telecommunications interceptions and surveillance devices as well as covert and criminal organisation search warrants. Learn more
Community & disability services
We handle complaints about a range of community service providers. We also review the delivery of community services and oversee the handling of allegations of a child protection nature made against employees of all government and certain non-government agencies. Learn more
Custodial services
People in custody, or offenders in the community, can complain to us about problems with Corrective Services NSW, the privately run correctional centres at Junee and Parklea, Justice Health, NSW Police, Juvenile Justice or any other NSW government agency. Learn more
Local government
We handle complaints about the conduct of councillors, council employees and the administrative conduct of the council itself. Learn more
Police
We oversee the way the police complaints system works – both through reviewing investigations of individual complaints and checking that the processes police use to resolve complaints are working fairly and effectively. Learn more
Public interest disclosures
We are responsible for promoting public awareness and understanding of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 and for monitoring its operation. Learn more
State government
We deal with complaints about NSW government agencies or employees. Learn more
Employment-related child protection
We oversee and monitor the investigation of, and management response to, child abuse allegations and convictions against employees of certain government and non-government agencies. Learn more
State universities
We deal with complaints about all public universities in NSW. Learn more