External reviews

In most cases, the Student Ombudsman will be able to help you if you are a domestic student. Approach the Student Ombudsman if your request for review concerns a University decision relating to a grievance you submitted at Bond.

In many cases, the Commonwealth Ombudsman will be able to help you if you are an international student. Please visit the Ombud’s website for more information about what the Ombudsman covers.

If neither the Student Ombudsman (domestic students) nor the Commonwealth Ombudsman (international students) can assist you, have a look at the list of external agencies on this page or in the External Review Procedure. It is likely that one of those listed can help you.

Usually, there is no cost involved in submitting a grievance to an external review agency. However, this may differ depending on the external agency you approach. If you are unsure, you should contact the agency directly for information about any fees or costs that may be involved in the process.

You may submit your request to the Office of Integrity at [email protected] within 20 business days of receiving the decision you would like reviewed.

The request should be no longer than two pages with no more than 10 pages of supporting documentation attached to it.

Please do not simply restate what was included in your review and/or appeal submissions. Instead, your application should clearly address the reasons why you think the review or appeal outcome is unreasonable or wrong.

For more information, please look at clause 4.1.2.1 of the External Review Procedure.

 *note that international students must apply to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The process will differ depending on the nature of the matter referred to the Ombudsman. However, the general process is for the Ombudsman to conduct any enquiries which he or she considers appropriate. This may include accessing information associated with the matter you have not included in your submissions, but which the University has available. Any enquiries or investigations performed by the Ombudsman will be conducted privately and will usually be informal. 

Rest assured that at all times, the Ombudsman will act independently of the University and impartially.

Following the investigation and any enquiries conducted, the Ombudsman may confirm the University’s decision or decide that it was incorrect or unreasonable. If the Ombudsman finds against the University, one or more recommendations may be made. These could include to:

• Reconsider the decision (in full or in part);

• Change or revise a relevant University policy or procedure;

• Provide clarity around the decision or related policy or procedure; or

• Take an alternative but appropriate course of action.

The Student Ombudsman will usually reach a decision within 20 working days of receiving the request for external review.

You will be advised in writing of the outcome of the Ombud’s review (including reasons) through the Office of Integrity. 

You will also be notified, within a reasonable time, of any action that the University plans to take in response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations. Ordinarily, after consideration, the Vice Chancellor will adopt the Ombuds recommendations. Only where there are exceptional circumstances, will the report and/or recommendations be departed from.