Victorian Ombudsman

I saw the ABC Four Corners episode on 27/7/20 whereby the Victorian State Ombudsman, Deborah Glass gave a rare insight into her disappointment/anger about shoddy unethical Work Cover practices in regards to Worker Compensation Claims. As stated by Deborah Glass under the current provisions of the State Legislation the Ombudsman Office can only offer an opinion on any matter that is brought (presented) before them. To put it simply, an opinion that of an Ombudsman may equate to nothing, especially if nobody within our Democratically elected Government (State/Federal) takes no notice or better still takes no decisive action. Moving along, there are more tooth less tiger Governments Departments out there within our so called Democracy. For instance, State Insurance Regulatory Authorities. Perhaps they can investigate these matters and at the same time keep themselves in a job, without any real impact or any effective conclusions. What about an Independent (State) Government inquiry on these matters. That would mean a (hand picked) rebirth of some or our illustrious retired Members of the Judiciary. Obviously, not Pro Bono. But the Big Kahuna would be to have a Royal Commission, surely that would set the cat amongst the pigeons and keep our tabloid/newspapers ticking over. After countless hours and countless Tax payers dollars, the reality is that an elected Government doesn't have to adhere to the entirety or even part of the recommendations provided by the Commissions findings. But as history has proven, an elected Government can conveniently select what suits them and not what suits the Aussie Battler. To me, all of the above is something reminiscent straight out of the former BBC episodes of 'Yes Minister' Here are some of the focal points emphasized in relation to the ABC episode of Four Corners, concerning Work Cover issues/Work Cover claims for compensation.
Shoddy: Unethical: Dr Shopping: Systematic abuse: Scandalous practices: Employees bankrolling: Unjust: Unreasonable; Immoral: Stress/ Mental Health. Now to put the icing on the cake, the various CEO's of these Insurance companies and their hand picked Board Members are literary rolling in it, not just by way of remuneration I guess. I have been a victim of this flawed system myself. The bottom line is that the whole process isn't Independent and can never be for as long as our Democratically elected Governments allow this to be the CASE. As one person said on the episode, Its you against the 'SYSTEM'. Good honest/dedicated hardworking people will continue to suffer as a consequence. As a Country we pride ourselves continually that we have a so called Democracy and it is this very System that is being used against people who are only reaching out for HELP.i give Deborah Glass the current sitting Member of the Victorian State Ombudsman Office 5 STARS for her Courage in raising the short falls in this sad and flawed System.that exists. Good Luck to all those who are battling 'The SYSTEM'...

Waste of time. Easier and quicker to take a second job, save 100k and sue whichever government organisation you've got an issue with.

Don’t waste your time. Wish I’d read the reviews first. An utterly useless and corrupt service that shouldn’t exist as it only serves to give hope to those it does not care to protect.
More tax payer dollars wasted on a bogus service set up as a front so the public think government organisations can be held accountable when in fact that is depressingly not the case at all. Such is life.

Under impressed with this service. Supplied dispute details and photographs to clearly demonstrate building regulations had been overlooked and that the Bendigo council planning and regulation departments were toothless tigers.

Were helpful in the beginning made me go through the steps to put in complaint eg write letter to x employer (a government Department) about issues, handy with tips on how to get employer to reply to letter but in the end couldn't help me told me it would be best if i go to the fairworks ombudsman

So very very helpful, I am having major issue's with Health Care. They always have been so helpful and friendly, understand me, listen, because I am very stressed at the moment.
They have helped me so much, I cannot thank your agency enough.
I do not know where I would be without you
Thankyou for your understanding, patients and for helling me as much as you have
I appreciate it more than you woukd ever know

A complete waste of time, closed the case straight away. No reply to my email, just ignored it. I wasn't even contacted to discuss what process I had already gone through.
I had tried to resolve the case on my own without any success something you should've spent some time on and communicate further rather than just send out standard template, case closed!

You need to support the consumer, you make the process to difficult.

Don't reply.

Review your service standards, pick up the phone and call the consumer!

Have some compassion who your meant to be representing, us, the community.
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I will never use this service again and I'm not completing more paper work to refer the matter, once again a total waste of my time.

This is an excellent service if you explain your problem properly. I had a complaint most recently and they sorted.

Spoke with an absolute rude person today whom denied me my right to speak with their supervisor! His name was John. I asked for someone whom obviously could respect my frustration with said complaint and not a person like John whom chose to hold that against me and I was refused my right to deal with another representative. And like all below reviews state this simply is a corrupt governments scam to whitewash legitimate complaints and waste Victorian citizens rights & time. Do not trust the Victorian Ombudsman. I have contacted the Attorney General & Victorian Inspectorate.

Thank you for your assistance it was well worth the call they got my money that was owed to me many thanks

These people are pure gold. Thanks to The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman I was able to resolve my problems with Internode and Optus and voice my fraustration of all the mistreatment of customers and get my rights back, which otherwise would never be possible with all the strongarming imposed on citizens by some big companies.

I have called upon the Victorian Ombudsman twice now to assist in my dealings as a concerned family member with DHHS Child Protection. They have responded quickly and with concern. For this, I cannot speak highly enough of the Ombudsman and the team. Thank you. Sonia Berton

This review is of OVIC. Absolutely disgusting. I was refused a medical record by a hospital to the detriment of my father's health. He is legally entitled to this information under the Freedom of Information Act. This office sat on it for months whilst all the officers take leave and don't seem to ever do a full days work. After a couple of months of agreeing with the hospital (which is not complying with the law), then dismissed the case without basis. The case couldn't be more clear cut. The two officers who did nothing to assist in ensuring my father's access to his medical records were Bruce Rego and Paul Pittorino. A person is entitled to their full medical record, but these two drains on our taxes twisted it and made sure my father may now die early as a result. You can see why they renamed this office from FOI Commissioner to Information Commissioner, their job is to deny you your rights and the office is breaking the law in the process.

Professional, and very helpful.
Public health & housing, they don't sides they actually get to the root of the problem. Then i don't have disagreement, with Dandenong housing worker.just want a healthy home. The Australian way. MOULD IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS TO EVERYONE'S HEALTH. THANK YOU
VICTORIA OMBUDSMAN, I AM A VERY GREATFUL,

I would like to know how I could be in contact with Debra Glass. This is of urgency.
I will do what Greg Harrison has suggested.
And
Me 2 two your comment is valid. I will back you 100%.
I hope the people the ombudsman have hurt are all okay.
Hello, anyone there?

Waste of time and taxpayers money. This organisation is consistently lowering the level of service by their decisions. This organisation doesn't represent the interests of the public.
With all the expertise in there you only have to look my name up on your computer system. And check out the leader even a Councillor is confused with the policies. As previously stated a waste of time and taxpayers money.

Really smart and capable if you get on to the right person. Lots of the lower level employees just don't know anything and want to get you off the phone.

Disappointing customer service experience! Government is wasting tax payer's money by having this organisation open.

Disappointing customer service experience! Government is wasting tax payer's money by having this organization open they helping lawyers to be untouchable and not help the citizens, get government to investigate this organization.

Why did add trals for 3 to 6 months its insane you guys have to change the law for it how would people get job's in the future get terminated all the time not happy