HaDSCO is an independent Statutory Authority providing an impartial resolution service for complaints relating to health, disability and mental health services in Western Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories. Service provision covers the public, private, not-for-profit sectors, prison health services and immigration detention centres.

HaDSCO adopts a positive approach to complaint handling as we recognise the inherent value of complaints as opportunities for improvement across the health, mental health and disability service sectors.

Services provided by HaDSCO are delivered to align with the overarching Western Australian state government goals of:

Safe, Strong and Fair Communities.
Supporting our local and regional communities to thrive.

Services provided in the Indian Ocean Territories are delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, through a Service Delivery Arrangement with the Commonwealth.

HaDSCO's Director is Ms Sarah Cowie, and our responsible Minister is the Honourable Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, Minister for Health; Mental Health.

Find out more about what we do in our Annual Report.

HaDSCO operates within two service areas:

Service One: Assessment, negotiated settlement, conciliation and investigation of complaints.

We assist consumers and service providers to resolve complaints.
Facilitate remedial actions.
Identify opportunities for system improvement.

Service Two: Education and training in the prevention and resolution of complaints.

We work collaboratively with our stakeholders to share information about the causes of complaints.
Provide education and training in effective complaint resolution.
Implement initiatives that contribute towards system improvement.

The HaDSCO 2023-27 Strategic Plan sets out the priorities under Service One and Service Two. For more information on our Strategic Plan, please click here.

Governing legislation

Governing legislation includes (but is not limited to):

The Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995.
Part 6 of the Disability Services Act 1993.
Part 19 of the Mental Health Act 2014.

For more information about our governing legislation, please click here.

Our people

At HaDSCO, we pride ourselves on the diverse and rich lived experiences of our staff. Our team members have firsthand experience accessing health, mental health and disability services, both for themselves and in caring for others. This unique perspective allows us to understand the challenges and needs of those we serve. Our team also includes staff with clinical experience. This blend of practical clinical knowledge and personal insight allows us to offer holistic and effective support.

This combination of personal and professional experiences enriches our understanding and enhances our ability to provide compassionate, informed, impartial and effective support to those who bring complaints to our Office and to the range of stakeholders who interface with our services.

Career opportunities

Vacancies are advertised on the WA Government jobs board Jobs WA.

At HaDSCO, we embrace diversity and believe that our best services come from a workplace where varied perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged. We are committed to creating an equitable and diverse workforce and encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, members of our LGBTQIA+ community, women and youth.

If you have any questions relating to job vacancies at HaDSCO, please contact us here.