Jurisdiction and authority

Jurisdiction refers to the specific area over which the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate’s (Inspectorate) authority extends.

The Inspectorate’s jurisdiction is set out in section 223B of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act). The Inspectorate may examine or investigate any matter relating to a council’s operations, council elections or electoral matters, and any possible breaches of the Act. 

The Inspectorate's jurisdiction includes:

  • Councillors
  • Senior council officers
  • A person subject to the conflict of interest provisions within the Act
  • Any individual where the matter relates to electoral provisions within the Act
Where appropriate, complaints should always be raised directly with council first.


Inspectors have the authority to administer oaths or affirmations and require a person to:

  • Produce any document in the person’s custody or control
  • Give all reasonable assistance in connection with an examination or investigation
  • Appear for examination on oath or affirmation and to answer questions unless they have a lawful excuse
Unless a lawful excuse exists, it is an offence to:
  • Refuse or fail to comply with a requirement of an Inspector
  • To give information which you know is false or misleading
  • To make a false statement
  • To refuse to take an oath or affirmation
Any person appearing before the Inspectorate is entitled to be represented by another person.

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