Legislation passes Parliament to help students access free support from the National Student Ombudsman

Legislation to secure the ongoing funding of the National Student Ombudsman passed Parliament today.

The National Student Ombudsman Levy Bill 2026 will help students continue to access free support from the National Student Ombudsman.

From 1 January 2027, a levy on higher education providers will fully cover the National Student Ombudsman’s ongoing costs.

The National Student Ombudsman has been funded by the Australian Government during the establishment phase. 

Since being established on 1 February 2025, the National Student Ombudsman has received 7,690 student contacts and resolved 6,016 matters, representing 78% of all matters raised, across 174 of Australia's 219 higher education providers.

It is also improving complaint handling across the sector, with 80% of surveyed providers implementing systems or service improvements following advice from the National Student Ombudsman.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“The National Student Ombudsman has given students a voice when they walk through the gates of our universities.

“Since it opened last year, it’s already worked to resolve thousands of disputes that students had with universities.

“This legislation will make sure students can continue to access the Ombudsman free of charge.

“Most importantly, it will ensure that the work of the National Student Ombudsman continues into the future.”