INDEPENDENT COMPLAINTS COMMISSION

A high-powered independent Complaints Commission established by the Rann Government will begin investigating Health and Community Services complaints next week.

“For the first time in South Australia an independent commission will now delve into the heart of complaints across the public and private sectors.” says Health Minister Ms Lea Stevens.

Ms Stevens says the Commission will be a catalyst for improving services and accountability using its unprecedented powers to make system-wide recommendations.

“We’re knocking down the barriers because it’s vital that the Commission be able to investigate all areas of the health and community services sector which often cross paths" she said, adding that

“South Australia’s Commissioner carries the widest and most comprehensive powers of any other Commissioner in Australia with the ability to force extensive cooperation including the hand-over of documents.

Other Commissioners also have no say over the full extent of community services.

“The Commissioner will not only assess these cases, but also help parties negotiate a mutually acceptable outcome and has the option of making recommendations for change.”

South Australia’s Complaints Commissioner also has the power to identify and instigate investigations into a range of cases or system issues where no public complaints have necessarily been lodged.

The Act establishing Commissioner Leena Sudano’s powers allows her to start taking complaints from the public next Tuesday (October 4^th).