What is a complaint?

The Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (Inspectorate) can only investigate matters relating to council operations and breaches of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act) involving a councillor, a senior council officer or any individual subject to the conflict of interest provisions within the Act; or any individual where the matter relates to electoral provisions.

The types of complaints the Inspectorate will investigate include allegations of:

  • Bribery  and undue influence
  • Conflict of interest
  • Corruption
  • Failure to observe requirements for assembly of councillors
  • Disclosure of confidential information
  • Failure to lodge register of interests within required timeframes
  • Failure to submit campaign returns
  • Gross misconduct 
  • Improper influence
  • Maladministration
  • Misuse of position

Complaints the Inspectorate will not investigate include:

  • Planning permits or building issues (unless there is an allegation of corruption or a breach of the Act)
  • Code of conduct
  • WorkSafe issues including alleged bullying and harassment
  • Rate increases
  • Noise complaints
Where appropriate complaints should first be raised with the relevant council before being lodged with the Inspectorate.

Complaints about council administration including the CEO can be addressed to the Mayor. Complaints about council staff and councillors can be addressed to the CEO.

Complaints Matrix

Please note: this is not an exhaustive list.

If your complaint is about
 It should be directed to
A council employee (not a senior officer)
 Council
Councillor misconduct
 Council
Council policy
 Council
Building or planning permits
 Council
Maintenance of roads
 Council
Noise complaints
 Council
Council decisions
 Council
Freedom of information requests that have not been actioned
 Ombudsman Victoria
Administrative actions of council
 Ombudsman Victoria
An issue where you require Whistleblower Protection
 Ombudsman Victoria
Corruption
 Inspectorate
Misuse of position
 Inspectorate
Bribery and undue influence
 Inspectorate
Conflict of interest
 Inspectorate
Disclosure of confidential information
 Inspectorate
Failure to submit campaign returns
 Inspectorate
Printing and distribution of unregistered election material
 Inspectorate
Failure to lodge register of interest returns within required timeframes
 Inspectorate
Failure to observe requirements for assembly of councillors
 Inspectorate
WorkSafe issues including bullying and harrassment
 WorkSafe

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