Our Services
We provide independent and accessible complaint-handling, review and advisory services to assist in ensuring that the national regulatory framework for early childhood education and care is accountable, responsive and fair.
The Education and Care Services Ombudsman investigates complaints made about administrative actions taken by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Administrative actions are any action taken or not taken by ACECQA (including its contractors) in relation to ACECQA’s duties, functions or powers.
The National Education and Care Services Freedom of Information Commissioner conducts reviews of Freedom of Information decisions made by ACECQA or a State or Territory Regulatory Authority and investigates complaints about how those agencies are carrying out their responsibilities under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982.
The National Education and Care Services Privacy Commissioner investigates complaints about interferences with privacy by ACECQA or a State or Territory Regulatory Authority.
We act as an impartial third party throughout an investigation of a complaint or a review. We do not act as an advocate for either complainants or the agencies that are the subject of the complaint.
We use procedures that are fair to everyone concerned. We will provide clear explanations about what we can and cannot do and for any decision we make. We will keep you informed of the progress of your complaint.
Where appropriate we try to resolve your complaint through facilitating conciliation. The aim of conciliation is to resolve the issues through discussion and negotiation, allowing parties to reach their own agreement on the outcome.
Our services are free.
Our Service Charter sets out our standards of service in more detail.