La Trobe University > About > Management and organisational structure > University management > University Ombudsman

University Ombudsman

Michael Gay AM became La Trobe University Ombudsman in early 2024, having previously served on the University’s Council until 31 December 2023.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in arbitrating and conciliating disputes following his appointment in 1990 as a Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, latterly the Fair Work Commission, the Tasmanian Industrial Commission and currently as Chair of the Electrical and Communications Industry Disputes Board.

Michael has also many years’ experience working with the International Labour Organisation in Asia and Africa in developing the institutional framework and subsequent training for judges and commissioners of industrial courts and tribunals in developing economies.

As a student in the University’s founding 1967 cohort, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University and a Diploma of Education from Melbourne State College (now the University of Melbourne)

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN?

In accordance with the Ombudsman Statute 2009, the function of the University Ombudsman's Office is to provide all members of the University with access to independent arbitration or conciliation after all internal avenues of appeal or redress have been exhausted.

For this purpose, members of the University are all:

  • enrolled students,
  • graduates,
  • staff,
  • members of Council,
  • residents of Colleges.

Under the Student Complaints Management Policy, the University Ombudsman can also review an outcome provided by Student Complaints.

LIMITS ON THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN’S FUNCTIONS

The University Ombudsman may not conduct a mediation or investigation about:

  • a decision of the University Council or the University Appeals Committee,
  • misconduct by a member of the academic or general staff,
  • a decision regarding academic assessment – in these cases, the Ombudsman may only investigate whether the correct procedures were followed in the making of the decision.

EXTERNAL COMPLAINT AVENUES

If you have a concern about a University Ombudsman decision, you can lodge a complaint with the Victorian Ombudsman.

CONTACT DETAILS

Michael Gay AM
Room 136, Level 1, Peribolos East
Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
Tel: (03) 9479 1897 or (03) 9479 1435

Email the Ombudsman

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about the functions of the University Ombudsman, please see the Ombudsman Statute 2009 and the Student Complaints Management Policy.