Case examples

Case example Seeing double: Identical registration plates issued to two vehicles

Tahni was dismayed to learn another vehicle was on the road with the same license plates as those on her car.

• System failures
• VicRoads

Case example An organisation misused public funds on gifts, alcohol, fines and funeral expenses

A public organisation used taxpayers’ money to pay for staff expenses with no legitimate business reason to do so.

• Misuse of public funds
• anonymous

Case example Food for Thought: Prisoner seeks out culturally appropriate food

In prison, Meena tried to provide her son with culturally appropriate food when he stayed with her.

• System failures
• Prisons

Case example Own goal – School employee uses school funds for private gain

Whilst interstate on a netball tour, Candice purchased groceries for her netball team, valued at $1225.

• Improper conduct
• Department of Education & Training

Case example Delay with compliance certification for new home

Reiko lodged a complaint with the Victorian Building Authority, after delays in receiving a compliance certificate

• Service delays
• Victorian Building Authority

Case example Delayed response to pensioner with leaky roof

Public housing resident Ethel, who was 92 years old and legally blind, was struggling to keep up with maintaining her home.

• Service delays
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Case example Reprieve for Pavel following business closure

Pavel’s business was affected by COVID-19 lockdowns and he applied for a grant through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund.

• Grants and funding
• Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions

Case example Nasty surprise greets pensioner when opening his letterbox

Disabled pensioner Des received a speeding ticket fine via his PO box in town.

• Rates, charges and penalties
• Fines Victoria

Case example Elderly couple in community housing without water and heating for days

An elderly couple living in community housing were left without hot water and heating for five days after an electrician caused the appliances to stop working.

• Public Housing
• Human Rights
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Case example $2k ambulance fee despite never stepping inside an ambulance

$2k ambulance fee despite never stepping inside an ambulance

• Ambulance Victoria
• Ambulance Victoria

Case example Disability pensioner’s $3000 in rent relief win

A woman was denied rent relief after she could not produce a bank statement showing a loss of earnings after a job she was offered was rescinded because of COVID-19.

• Service delays
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
• Public Housing
• Disability
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Case example In hot water: Ombudsman turns the tap on for desperate housing residents

• Service delays
• Department of Families, Fairness and Housing