24Form of complaint

24 Form of complaint (1) A complaint may be made: (a) orally (either in person or by any form of distance communication); or

Health and Community Services Complaints Act 1998 16 (b) in writing signed by the complainant. (2) A complaint must disclose: (a) the name and address of the complainant; and (b) sufficient details of the matter of the complaint to enable the complaint to be assessed. (3) The Commissioner must ensure that assistance is given to a person to make a complaint if the person requests assistance. (4) If a complaint is made orally, the complainant must confirm the complaint in writing as soon as practicable after it is made unless the complainant satisfies the Commissioner that there are good reasons for not doing so. (5) If a complainant is unable to confirm a complaint in writing, the Commissioner must ensure that the complaint is reduced to writing and a copy is provided to the complainant. (6) A complainant must notify the Commissioner of a change of his or her name or address as soon as possible after the change. (7) The Commissioner may require a complainant to provide his or her name and address if the Commissioner becomes aware that the complainant has changed his or her name or address without notifying the Commissioner. (8) A complaint is not to be taken to have been received until the information required by subsection (2) is received.