How to make a complaint about councillor conduct

You can register a complaint about possible councillor misconduct by contacting the chief executive officer of the local government to which the councillor in question belongs. View the local government directory.

You can also register a complaint about possible councillor misconduct by contacting the tribunal in writing, by telephone, fax or email. Contact the tribunal.

More detailed information is available on the department’s website about the complaints process.

What should you include in your complaint?

Include as much relevant detail as possible. You must include your contact details for information to be followed up and validated. If in any doubt or if you require any advice, more information is available on the types of complaints webpage or contact the tribunal.

Where possible, please include:

• the name of the councillor and the local government area to which they belong
• details of relevant events - where and when they occurred (include dates and times)
• who else was involved
• the names of possible witnesses or other people who may be able to back up your claims
• any evidence to support your complaint
• if you have reported the suspected misconduct to any other agency
• what action or outcome you would like to see as a result of your complaint.

As each complaint is unique, we understand that not all of the above will be relevant to your particular complaint. However, you need to include as much information as possible to allow us to assess your complaint thoroughly.

Anonymous complaints

In most cases anonymous complaints cannot be progressed as validation is necessary. For clarification purposes, it is necessary to provide your name and a contact number at the very least. This will allow our investigation units to correspond with you as necessary, to seek clarification or request additional information.

Confidentiality

The confidentiality of witnesses and information is respected at all times. However, our ability to keep your information confidential may be limited depending on the seriousness of the suspected misconduct, freedom of information legislation and other legal processes.