Australian Ombudsman report trends

Reports from Australian ombudsman agencies indicate varying trends in consumer and taxpayer grievances.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) noted a 6.5 per cent decrease in overall complaints regarding phone and internet services during 2025-26. However, compensation claims rose significantly, with claims for financial loss increasing by 60.7 per cent and non-financial impact claims rising by 22.7 per cent. Mobile phone issues, specifically dropouts, were a primary driver of dissatisfaction. The TIO is now advocating for minimum reliability standards and baseline compensation.

In contrast, the Australian Tax Ombudsman reported a 74 per cent increase in complaints regarding the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) over the previous year. Taxpayer Ombudsman Ruth Owen attributed this surge to difficulties with debt collection, interest charges, and payment delays linked to cost-of-living pressures. While the ombudsman recorded 2,376 complaints in the six months leading to September, an ATO spokesperson noted they received 1,358 complaints, stating the ombudsman’s figures include matters resolved without ATO involvement or state tax issues.