From time to time you may have concerns regarding:

• your school or college course enrolment;
• assessment decisions made as part of your course;
• communication problems experienced by you, your family or agent;
• your accommodation arrangements;
• the payment of fees; or
• other matters to do with your international student program.

Dealing with Your Concerns

It is always best that you deal with your concern directly with the Department of Education staff with responsibility for that area. This means that if you have concerns with:

• your or your child's learning program you should first speak with the teacher or school principal;
• your enrolment with Tasmanian government schools, tuition fees, and visa compliance you should first speak with Student Contact Officer;
• your homestay, you should first speak with your Homestay Host and if you still have concerns you should speak with your Homestay Coordinator;
• communication with you, your family or agent, you should first speak with your teacher or principal concerning educational matters, and with International Services Office for all other matters.

You may choose to take a friend to assist you in discussing matters in these situations.

If you are unable to achieve an outcome which addresses your concerns then you are able to enter into a formal Complaints and Grievances process.

Complaints and Grievances

If you have a complaint or grievance about the educational and welfare or related services provided by the school that you attend, or that your child attends if you are a parent, please follow the School Community Grievance Procedures.

If you have a complaint or grievance about your school or college or about staff at International Services Office that is not resolved according to the School Community Grievance Procedures, you may seek assistance in resolving the matter by contacting Department of Education, Conduct and Investigations unit. The Conduct and Investigations staff will arrange for an independent investigation and hearing of your complaint.

If you have any problems or concerns about the programs, teachers or support staff, contact:

Conduct and Investigations Unit
Fax: +61 3 6233 7896
Tel: +61 3 6233 7583
Email: Conduct.and.Investigations@education.tas.gov.au

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please contact the Tasmanian Ombudsman’s Office.