Complaints |
All ABA Australia certified members, professional, and supporter members are required to abide by the Code of Professional Practice. Breaches of the Code can be investigated by ABA Australia when a complaint is received.
ABA Australia certified members, professional, and supporter members must abide by ABA Australia’s standards and policies, and decisions made by the ABA Australia Board, its committees and other Board delegated authorities. The ABA Australia Code of Ethical Practice ("the Code") is the core document which informs and guides the ethical practices of professionals in the field of behaviour analysis.
Making an Ethics Complaint
ABA Australia takes ethical concerns very seriously. If you have concerns about the conduct of one of our members, you can make a formal ethics complaint. All complaints are treated with fairness, transparency, and confidentiality.
Our Ethics Committee reviews complaints to ensure members uphold the ABA Australia's Code of Ethical Practice.
Who Can Make a Complaint?
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Members of the public
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Clients and families
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Other professionals
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ABA Australia members
How to Make a Complaint
Step 1: Access the Complaint Form
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Download the Ethics Complaint Form (see below).
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If you cannot access the form online, please contact us at admin@auaba.com.au, and we will send you a copy.
Step 2: Provide Details of Your Concern
On the form, please include:
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The name(s) of the individual(s) you are raising concerns about.
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A clear description of what happened.
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Approximate dates and locations of the incident(s).
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Any outcomes you are seeking.
Step 3: Attach Supporting Information
You may include documents, emails, audio, or video evidence that supports your complaint.
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For large files, please contact us first so we can provide a secure upload option.
Step 4: Submit Your Complaint
You can submit your completed form and any evidence by:
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Email: admin@auaba.com.au
What Happens Next?
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Acknowledgement: You will receive written confirmation once your complaint has been received.
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Review: The Ethics Committee will review your complaint and may contact you for more information.
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Outcome : You will be informed in writing of the Committee’s decision and any actions taken.
Important Notes
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Complaints can only be reviewed if the individual was an ABA Australia member at the time of the alleged conduct.
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If a matter falls outside our jurisdiction, we will provide information about other relevant organisations, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
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All complaints are handled in strict confidence.
If you’re unsure whether your concern falls under our jurisdiction, we encourage you to contact us at admin@auaba.com.au for guidance before submitting a complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Who can make a complaint?Anyone can make a complaint, members of the public, families, clients, professionals, or ABA Australia members. What types of complaints does ABA Australia handle?We review complaints about the professional conduct of our members when they are alleged to have breached the ABA Australia's Code of Ethical Practice. Examples include:
What if the behaviour analyst is not a member of ABA Australia?ABA Australia operates under a professional self-regulation model. This means that behaviour analysts voluntarily choose to become members with us to have their training and supervision formally recognised. Because this model is not legislated, people can practise as behaviour analysts in Australia without being ABA Australia members. In those cases, we do not have jurisdiction to investigate. If the individual you are concerned about is not a member of ABA Australia, we will provide you with information about other relevant organisations such as the:
Will my identity remain confidential?Yes. Complaints are treated with strict confidentiality. Your identity and personal information will not be disclosed outside the Ethics Committee except where required by law. What outcomes can result from a complaint?Depending on the findings, outcomes may include:
How long does the process take?Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the complaint and evidence provided. You will receive:
What evidence should I include?You can provide documents, emails, reports, or audio/video recordings. If files are large, please contact us at admin@auaba.com.au so we can provide a secure way for you to share them. What if I’m not sure my concern qualifies as a complaint?If you are unsure, we encourage you to contact us at admin@auaba.com.au before submitting. We can guide you on whether your concern falls under our jurisdiction and, if not, direct you to the appropriate organisation. |