What we do

The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) is an independent statutory authority providing an impartial complaint resolution service for complaints about health, mental health, and disability services (outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme) in Western Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories*.

Our service reach includes the public, private and not-for-profit health sectors, prison health services, and health services in immigration detention centres in Western Australia and the Indian Ocean Territories.

Our functions are set out in governing legislation, including but not limited to:

HaDSCO's main functions under these Acts are to:

  • Manage complaints by negotiated settlement, conciliation, or investigation.
  • Review and identify the causes of complaints.
  • Provide advice and recommendations for service improvements.
  • Educate the community and service providers about complaints management.
  • Explore broader issues of health, disability and mental health care which arise from complaints.
  • Work in collaboration with the community and service providers to improve health, disability, and mental health services.
  • Publish the work of the Office.
  • Issue Interim Prohibition Orders and Prohibition Orders under the Code of conduct for certain health care workers.
  • Perform any other function conferred on the Director by our guiding legislation or any other written law.

* Services provided by HaDSCO in the Indian Ocean Territories are delivered in partnership with the Australian Government, through Commonwealth funding support.

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 report complaints and the many stakeholders who interface with our services.

HaDSCO's Director is Ms Sarah Cowie, and our responsible Minister is the Honourable Meredith Hammat MLA, Minister for Health; Mental Health.

Last Updated: 16/03/2026