Victorian Ombudsman (VO)

What is the Victorian Ombudsman?

The Victorian Ombudsman is an independent body that looks over government decisions and actions. The Ombudsman takes complaints about Victorian government and public organisations, including Corrections Victoria and Victorian prisons.

You have the right to complain to the Ombudsman about things that are happening in prison. This comes from section 47(1)(j) of the Corrections Act 1986 (Vic).

When can I complain to the Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman takes complaints about:

• Breaches of your rights (for more information on rights in prison, click here)
• Decisions, actions or orders of the prison or prison staff
• Failure by Corrections Victoria or your prison to properly respond to a complaint you have made

Important:

• You must complain to your prison first before the Ombudsman will help you. Enough time will also need to pass since you complained to the prison (usually two weeks or so).
• The Ombudsman cannot investigate complaints if you have already taken the issue to court.
• You need to complain to the Ombudsman within 12 months of the issue.
• The Ombudsman will not deal with complaints about things like staff shortages or the physical condition of the prison – these are issues for the Minister of Corrections.

Use the links on the left side of this page for more information about making a complaint to the Victorian Ombudsman.

• Making a complaint to the Victorian Ombudsman
• What happens after I make a complaint to the Ombudsman?
• What can I do if I am not happy with the Ombudsman’s decision?
• What can I do if I’m not happy with how the Ombudsman staff treated me?

Diagram of Victorian Ombudsman process: