National Student Ombudsman in Darwin

Complaints staff from the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) will be available in Darwin CBD for three days, from 20 to 22 May between 8am and 4pm.

The NSO is a free, independent and impartial service for higher education students. You can talk to them about any complaints or concerns you have about your higher education provider. The NSO accepts complaints from all higher education students – including post-grad and international students.  

The NSO can consider the way the provider has responded to a range of issues including safety and welfare, discrimination, any form of racism, gender-based violence, reasonable adjustments, the fairness and effectiveness of student complaints processes, and course administration.

They can give you advice about complaint processes and speak with you about your complaint in a private area.

Speaking to NSO staff in person

Staff will ensure your wellbeing and privacy are protected throughout the complaints process.

They may ask for information such as:

• Your contact details and student ID number
• Mode of study (online, in person)
• What is the complaint about and how it has come about
• Who has been involved
• Where any relevant incidents or events happened
• What steps have been taken so far to resolve the complaint
• Any relevant contact with the provider or other agencies that may be investigating the complaint
• Consent to contact the provider during the first contact stages – only if you agree
• Any copies of correspondence with the provider - you can provide this at a future date

The NSO cannot make a new decision about your complaint, but they can consider if the decision or action taken by the provider was unreasonable or unfair. Staff will work with you to determine which of the broad range of resolution options are appropriate.

They will communicate outcomes and recommendations with you and your higher education provider.