What we do
We help agencies within our jurisdiction address problems with their performance. These problems may be uncovered by complaints from the public or by people who work for those agencies. Problems may also come to our attention through our work in scrutinising agency systems, overseeing investigations or reviewing the delivery of services.
We are responsible for keeping the following types of organisations under scrutiny:
- agencies delivering public services – including correctional centres and state-owned corporations
- agencies delivering services to children – including schools and child-care centres
- agencies delivering community services – including services for people with disabilities, people who are homeless and elderly people.
We have other specific functions that relate to:
- the causes and patterns of deaths of children and people with disabilities in care
- decisions made by public sector agencies
- public interest disclosures
- the administration of the Official Community Visitors scheme
- monitoring and assessing designated Aboriginal programs.
Our focus is on improving the conduct and decision-making of those agencies. We use our experience and knowledge to make sure agencies are aware of their responsibilities to the public and act reasonably as well as lawfully. Traditionally we have done this by responding to complaints made to us and recommending action for the agency to take to resolve each complaint.
