HaDSCO is established under the Health and Disability Services (Complaints) Act 1995. The Office also has responsibilities under Part 6 of the Disability Services Act 1993 to manage complaints relating to the provision of disability services and responsibilities under Part 19 of the Mental Health Act 2014 to manage complaints about mental health services.

HaDSCO has two service areas:

• Service 1: Assessment, negotiated settlement, conciliation and investigation of complaints; and
• Service 2: Education and training in the prevention and resolution of complaints.

The Director of HaDSCO has a statutory reporting function to the Honourable Roger Cook MLA Deputy Premier; Minister for Health; Mental Health. HaDSCO also reports to the Honourable Stephen Dawson MLC, the Minister for Environment; Disability Services for matters relating to the disability services jurisdiction.