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We produce a variety of resources to assist organisations with complaint handling and improving public administration. Browse our resources below.
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A map of automated decision-making in the NSW Public Sector: A special report to Parliament
Guidance
A map of automated decision-making in the NSW Public Sector (ADM mapping report) is a special report under section 31 of the Ombudsman Act 1974 and an initiative by the NSW Ombudsman to increase visibility in the use of automated decision-making systems (ADM systems) across the NSW public sector.
You have a problem - Easy English
Brochure
Find information on how to complain to the NSW Ombudsman written in Easy English.
Machinery of government changes and maladministration risks
In Focus
In this edition of In Focus, we highlight aspects of MoG changes that relate to agencies’ administrative conduct, with a particular focus on maladministration risks agencies should watch out for.
Having trouble with unlawful development activity?
Fact sheet
The fact sheet explains how to find out if approval was required or granted. It also covers how your local council can assist when you think there is possible unlawful development. It explains what to do if you are unhappy with the council’s response and how the NSW Ombudsman can help you.
Formal investigations summary report 2022-23
Case studies
The NSW Ombudsman Formal investigations summary report 2022-23 is a summary of completed investigations by the Office from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023.
Detrimental action offences and how to refer evidence of detrimental action offences
Guidance
Despite an agency’s duty to assess and manage the risk of detrimental action occurring, there may nevertheless be instances where a detrimental action offence takes place. If this happens, agencies are required to refer evidence and information to certain agencies under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act).
Assessing and managing the risk of detrimental action
Guidance
People who disclose wrongdoing need to be confident they will be protected from detrimental action against them as a result of their disclosure. Such detrimental actions include bullying, harassment, denial of a promotion or workplace benefit, and dismissal.
Entities and individuals providing services and exercising functions on behalf of an agency under contract or as volunteers
Guidance
This guideline provides guidance to agencies who engage contracted entities, individual contractors and volunteers to provide services on behalf of an agency or to exercise the functions of an agency.
Reporting to the Ombudsman
Guidance
Agencies are required under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) to report certain information about the voluntary public interest disclosures (PIDs) they have received, and how they have dealt with those voluntary PIDs, in an annual return to the Ombudsman.
Updating the makers of voluntary PIDs and providing supports
Guidance
It is important for people who report serious wrongdoing to understand how an agency will manage their report and to receive regular updates as the matter progresses.
PIDs to Ministers, Members of Parliament and journalists
Guidance
The Public Interest Disclosures Act 2022 (PID Act) recognises that it is in the public interest for public officials to be able to report serious wrongdoing to Members of Parliament (MPs) or journalists where other reporting channels have failed to effectively deal with issues in a timely manner.
Maintaining confidentiality when dealing with voluntary PIDs
Guidance
Having mechanisms in place to protect the identity of people who make a public interest disclosure (PID) is key to encouraging people to report serious wrongdoing and creating a positive speak up culture.
