La Trobe University > About > Management and organisational structure > University management > University Ombudsman

University Ombudsman

Michael Gay AM became La Trobe University Ombudsman in early 2024, having previously served on the University’s Council until 31 December 2023.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in arbitrating and conciliating disputes following his appointment in 1990 as a Commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, latterly the Fair Work Commission, the Tasmanian Industrial Commission and currently as Chair of the Electrical and Communications Industry Disputes Board.

Michael has also many years’ experience working with the International Labour Organisation in Asia and Africa in developing the institutional framework and subsequent training for judges and commissioners of industrial courts and tribunals in developing economies.

As a student in the University’s founding 1967 cohort, Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts from La Trobe University and a Diploma of Education from Melbourne State College (now the University of Melbourne)

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITY OMBUDSMAN?

The function of the University Ombudsman's Office is to provide all members of the University with access to independent arbitration or conciliation after all internal avenues of appeal or redress have been exhausted.

For this purpose, members of the University are all:

  • enrolled students
  • graduates
  • staff
  • members of Council
  • residents of Colleges

The University Ombudsman

Michael Gay AM
Room 136, Level 1, Peribolos East
Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus
Tel: (03) 9479 1897 or (03) 9479 1435

Email the Ombudsman

Please view La Trobe University's Policies and Procedures website for more information.