Complaints and support

Inclusive SA wants to ensure that people living with a disability are safe, supported and have access to the best care possible.

Abuse and neglect of vulnerable people is a prevailing community, social, health and workforce issue. It is the critical role of the community to work together to recognise and fight against abuse and neglect of vulnerable people.

The tragic case of Ann Marie Smith shocked the community and highlighted significant gaps in the system for people living with disability.

As a result, the South Australian Government, through the Social Affairs Cabinet Committee (SACC), tasked the Department of Human Services (DHS) to investigate and transform the current complaint practices.

Now you can lodge a complaint in a confidential manner, if you are concerned about how you or someone you know is being treated.

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What is abuse?

Abuse can be deliberate or unintentional action, or lack of action, carried out by a person who you or someone you know trusts, who have caused distress and/or harm to a person who may be vulnerable, or may have lost or damaged property or assets.

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What does abuse look like?

The behaviours and signs of abuse can include, but are not limited to:

• physical abuse: being hit or injured on purpose, restraining someone inappropriately.
• emotional abuse: intimidation, threats, humiliation, extortion, racial, verbal or psychological abuse.
• sexual abuse: involvement in a sexual activity which is unwanted or not understood, unwanted sexual attention.
• neglect: not providing food, clothing, attention or care. Withholding of aids or equipment (continence, walking, hearing, glasses), putting someone at risk of infection, failure to provide access to appropriate health or social care.
• financial abuse: the theft or misuse of money, property or personal possessions and includes any pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance.

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How to make a complaint

Are you concerned about how you or someone you know is being treated?

If life is in danger, phone 000 (triple zero) to speak with police or ambulance services.

For non-urgent police matters phone 131 444.

One-Page Guide to Making a Report (PDF 53.8KB)

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Disability care, aged care and hospital complaints

NDIS supports and services complaints

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Phone 1800 035 544

Aged care provider complaints

Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Phone 1800 951 822

Hospital or health care service complaints

Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner (HCSCC)

Phone 1800 232 007

Abuse or neglect of an adult - discuss concerns or make a report

For adults aged 65 years and over, 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and adults of any age living with a disability who may be vulnerable:

SA Abuse Prevention Phone Line

Phone 1800 372 310

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Help to make a complaint (advocacy groups)

Advocacy Groups

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS)

Phone 1800 700 600

Disability Advocacy and Complaints Service of South Australia (DACSSA)

Phone (08) 7122 6030

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National Relay Service and Interpreting Services

National Relay Service

• Voice Relay 1300 555 727
• TTY 133 677
• SMS relay 0423 677 767

Translating and Interpreting Service

Phone 131 450

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