The Ombudsman SA 2025-26 Annual Report reveals a significant increase in matters received and resolved compared with previous years, and a strong focus on influencing systemic improvement in public administration.

Ombudsman SA completed 5,150 matters in 2025-2026, an 8.7% increase from 2024-25; formally resolved 60 matters, compared with 48 the previous year; investigated 70 issues, a fourfold increase on 2024-25; issued 65 formal recommendations, an increase from 13; and finalised 248 external review applications under the Freedom of Information Act.

“These achievements highlight the commitment and dedication of our staff, as well as the important gains that have been made through our business and process improvement programs,” Ombudsman Emily Strickland said.

Importantly, Ms Strickland said that her office had established a clear, strategic focus on matters that influence systemic change.

“The complaints to our office, when substantiated, provide opportunities to deliver lasting, systemic improvement in public administration that ensure South Australians have a fairer, leads to better services for many South Australians.

“The case studies highlighted in this year’s annual report demonstrate how one person’s experience can lead to genuine, lasting change; indeed, often the motivation of complainants is ‘I don’t want this to happen to others’.

“By way of example: one woman’s experience means that female prisoners now have access to early medication terminations; a vulnerability framework now informs state taxation recovery practices; new policies ensure that university credit cards are used appropriately; and the Housing Trust has implemented improved processes where the condition of a property affects a tenant’s health.”

Ms Strickland said community outreach work undertaken by Ombudsman SA had not only helped raise awareness of the Ombudsman’s role but has also delivered a direct link with peak bodies and service providers to advocate on systemic issues experienced by vulnerable South Australians.

“A key focus for us this year has been on connecting with First Nations communities, children and young people in care or detention, and adults in custody.”

In line with previous years, the agencies subject to the highest number of complaints have been the SA Housing Trust, the Department for Correctional Services, SA Police and the Department for Child Protection.

Other trends from 2025-26 have included a 15% increase in complaints about local government and a 35% increase in complaints alleging misconduct and maladministration.

The Ombudsman’s Annual Report for 2025-26 can be found at www.ombudsman.sa.gov.au/publications/annual-reports.