Consultation on a National Student Ombudsman

The Australian Government is consulting on a National Student Ombudsman

Date opened
Date closed

The Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education proposes the establishment of a National Student Ombudsman to provide an accessible and trauma-informed pathway for escalated student complaints about their higher education provider.

The Department of Education is consulting on the design of a National Student Ombudsman for further consideration by Education Ministers.

A National Student Ombudsman is proposed to bring together complaints handling functions from a number of different bodies into one single organisation and provide a mechanism for all higher education students to raise complaints about their higher education provider's policies, procedures and decisions.

A National Student Ombudsman would have a role in investigating and resolving student complaints and making recommendations on how higher education provider decisions or processes could be improved.

Read the Draft Action Plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education.

Higher education students who are not satisfied with their university or higher education provider can make a complaint to the ombudsman in their home state or territory. 

Read more at StudyAssist website.

This consultation has now closed.

Please contact governance.consultation@education.gov.au for more information.

For information, support and advice about domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit the 1800respect website. This is a free, confidential service available 24/7.