Ombudsman uncovers massive abuses in the judiciary and health!

Ombudsman uncovers massive abuses in the judiciary and health!

The Ombudsman's Office in Austria has published its annual report for 2024, which presents alarming figures and findings on grievances in public administration. In 2024, the institution recorded 23,955 complaints, an increase compared to the 23,124 complaints in 2023. The Ombudsmen Elisabeth Schwetz, Gaby Schwarz and Bernhard Achitz are responsible for examining concerns and complaints that extend to the entire federal public administration, such as noen.at reports.

Of the 24,000 complaints from 2024, around 16,500 fell within the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman, after which 7,500 investigation procedures were initiated. What is particularly striking is that a third of these complaints come from the area of ​​internal security. The focus here is particularly on asylum, settlement and immigration law as well as complaints about the police.

Problems in justice and health

Gaby Schwarz expressed concern about the long processing times in many authorities, which are also exacerbated by an acute shortage of staff. In addition, deficiencies were identified in the basic database of tax returns, which often lead to incorrect submissions. A critical aspect of the reporting is the worrying conditions in Austria's prisons, where staff shortages and overcrowding are commonplace and the rehabilitation of young people in the Gerasdorf prison is made very difficult.

In the health and social sectors, complaints also show a worrying trend. Long Covid patients in particular experience considerable difficulties when it comes to applying for care allowance. They often feel like they are not being taken seriously and struggle with high costs for recommended vaccinations, for example against shingles. There are also clear differences in medical care between the individual federal states, which cause problems when people in need of care move.

Abuse cases and online complaint submission

Another serious issue is the cases of abuse that are dealt with in institutions such as schools for the deaf and mute. Over 500 such cases were treated in 2024, indicating a serious problem in care. The Ombudsman offers those affected the opportunity to submit complaints online and anonymously in order to lower the hurdles for reporting irregularities.

The Ombudsman's Office has the task of auditing all federal, state and municipal authorities, offices and departments in Austria. In Tyrol and Vorarlberg, however, it only acts for complaints about the federal administration, as their own state attorneys act there. It can also take action without a specific complaint if maladministration is suspected. In addition, it controls the exercise of command and coercive power as well as the legality of regulations and participates in petitions and citizens' initiatives addressed to the National Council, as volksanwaltschaft.gv.at explains in detail.