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The Ombudsman Act 1976 empowers the NSO to deal with complaints about a higher education provider’s action.

This is done in a range of ways including by referring the complaint to the provider for investigation, using alternative dispute resolution or restorative engagement processes, or investigating.

Following an investigation, the National Student Ombudsman can provide a report with in-depth recommendations.

The NSO can also investigate higher education providers’ actions on the NSO’s own initiative (i.e. not in response to a specific complaint) and offer providers advice and training on handling complaints.

Information about the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s other jurisdictions is available on the Commonwealth Ombudsman website.