Sick of long waiting lists for advocacy? Get help now.

Get Started Now Get Started Now

Home › Get Advocacy Support › Disability Advocacy Services › Edu Guides › Resolution Appeals And Next Steps › Det Complaints And Appeals

EDUGUIDE 3C — COMPLAINTS & APPEALS

DET Complaints & Appeals Guide

A clear, step-by-step guide to lodging complaints or appeals with the Department of Education when local processes fail to resolve safety, learning or wellbeing concerns.

Start the DET Process Start the DET Process
← Back to All EduGuides
← Back to Pathway 3 — Resolution, Appeals & Next Steps

When to Use the DET Complaints & Appeals Process

This pathway is designed for situations where a concern cannot be resolved at the school or SEIL level. DET Complaints & Appeals is appropriate when:

  • the school has not followed DET policies or legal obligations
  • safety, wellbeing, discrimination or exclusion concerns remain unaddressed
  • reasonable adjustments have been refused, ignored or inconsistently implemented
  • procedural fairness has not been followed
  • communication has broken down or responses are not provided within reasonable timeframes
  • a decision is unreasonable, unsafe or unsupported by evidence

DET Complaints & Appeals — Step-by-Step

1. Document the History

DET needs a clear record of what happened and why the concern has escalated beyond the school.

  • timeline of events
  • meeting notes, emails and requests
  • Procedural Fairness Test
  • 2E Adjustment Audit
  • relevant plans (IEP, support, behaviour or risk)

2. Identify the Breach or Concern

DET decisions hinge on clarity. State the issue simply.

  • policy not followed
  • procedural fairness not provided
  • adjustments refused or not implemented
  • safety or wellbeing risks unmanaged
  • discrimination concerns
  • unreasonable or unexplained decision

DET responds most effectively when the concern is specific.

3. Submit a DET Complaint

Complaints can be made through the online DET portal, by email, or by phone. Written complaints are clearer and easier to track.

  • attach your evidence bundle
  • clearly state the issue, impact, and what you’re requesting
  • request acknowledgment and a case officer

Keep a copy of whatever you submit.

4. Meet or Communicate With the Case Officer

Case officers focus on restoring compliance, fairness and safety.

  • keep communication polite and factual
  • restate concerns only if asked
  • provide missing documents promptly
  • ask for clear next steps and expected timelines

5. If the Response Is Insufficient — Request an Appeal

Appeals are for decisions or outcomes that remain unreasonable, unsafe or inconsistent with DET policy.

  • state why the decision is incorrect or incomplete
  • specifically reference DET or legal obligations
  • submit any missing or new evidence
  • ask for a fresh review by someone not involved in the original process

Complaint & Appeal Scripts (Copy & Adapt)

1. DET Complaint Script

Subject: DET Complaint — [Student Name] Dear DET Complaints Team, I am lodging a formal complaint regarding [Issue] which is affecting [learning/safety/wellbeing]. Attempts to resolve this at the school and SEIL level have not addressed the concern. Key points: • [brief dot points] Attached: • Procedural Fairness Test • 2E Adjustment Audit • timeline and communication history • relevant plans or documents I am requesting: [review / meeting / guidance / intervention / oversight] Thank you for your assistance. Kind regards, [Your Name]

2. Appeal Script

Subject: Request for Appeal — [Student Name] Dear DET Appeals Team, I am requesting an appeal of the decision made on [date] regarding [issue]. My concern is that the decision: • did not follow DET policy, or • did not consider the evidence provided, or • does not meet safety, wellbeing or adjustment obligations Reasons for appeal: [dot points referencing specific issues] Attached is all relevant documentation including: • original complaint • DET response • communication records • supporting evidence I am requesting a fresh review by a decision-maker not involved in the original process. Thank you for your time. [Your Name]

Ready for the next step?

The next EduGuide helps you prepare a trauma-informed, supported Reintegration & Return-to-School Plan.

Continue to 3D — Reintegration & Return-to-School Plan →