This page sets out processes and services that may be helpful to you.
Witness information and support
Who is a witness?
A witness is a person involved in a NACC investigation, someone who refers information to the NACC, or someone subject to or impacted by the NACC’s functions or powers.
Why do witnesses need support?
Being a witness can be stressful. Our evaluation process takes time, and our investigations can run for a long time and may impact day-to-day life.
While everyone’s experience is different, some witnesses may experience:
- anxiety, worry or fear
- difficulty concentrating or sleeping
- feelings of shame or embarrassment
- difficulty coping with uncertainty
- withdrawal from other people or social events.
It is important to be mindful of overall health and wellbeing during interactions with the NACC and access supports that are available.
Where can I get support?
NACC Witness Liaison team
Our dedicated Witness Liaison team can help witnesses access support and information during the evaluation and investigation periods, including:
- information about NACC processes and what to expect during your interactions with the NACC
- help accessing mental health support
- support during an interview or hearing process.
The Witness Liaison team does not provide legal advice or counselling.
The Witness Liaison team is available from 8:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
Email witnessliaison@nacc.gov.au or call the NACC on 1300 489 844 and ask to speak to a Witness Liaison Officer.
NACC external witness counselling provider
Witnesses also have access to free counselling and mental health support through the NACC’s independent support provider.
This support is optional, confidential and delivered externally to the NACC.
The counsellors employed by the NACC’s external provider have experience supporting people who are involved in investigations, complaints processes and legal matters.
They understand the issues faced by witnesses who may be giving evidence or involved in investigations.
Registered health providers
Support is available through registered health providers, for example:
- general practitioners (GP)
- workplace employee assistance programs (EAP)
- psychologists, psychiatrists or mental health practitioners.
Crisis support services
If someone's life is in immediate danger call 000 or visit a hospital emergency department.
Many of the reports the NACC receives involve issues that may cause distress. We encourage you to seek support when and if you need it.
Free crisis support is available from:
- 13YARN – 13 92 76
- 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
- QLife – 1800 184 527
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
For more crisis support services, including local services, visit Medicare Mental Health’s website or search state/territory-wide mental health triage services.
Complaint processes
Commonwealth agency and department complaint-handling processes
Agencies and departments have established complaint-handling processes that can usually be found on their website. Most will offer reviews of decisions or offer a better explanation of their decision.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman
Once you have completed the relevant agency or department complaint-handling steps, and where you remain dissatisfied, the Commonwealth Ombudsman may be able to help resolve the issue by investigating the process the organisation has followed.
The NACC Inspector
The NACC is overseen by an independent Inspector. The Inspector will investigate corruption issues and complaints about the NACC, and also look at how the NACC uses its powers. For more information, see Accountability and Reporting.