Council complaint statistics

Complaint statistics for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2024-2025 (XLSX, 43 KB).

It is important to recognise that the volume of complaints does not necessarily reflect the seriousness of the issues raised. Additionally, complaint numbers may be influenced by coordinated campaigns targeting councils or individual councillors, often centred around a single contentious matter.

Where there is no evidence of serious misconduct or maladministration, and concerns relate primarily to the merits of a council decision, the Office of Local Government (OLG) will generally not pursue an investigation.

An investigation may arise from a single complaint or from multiple complaints relating to one or more issues. It can also cover complaints made across a broad timeframe, including those lodged over a number of years.

The Local Government Act 1993 allows councils a significant degree of autonomy in their day-to-day activities. Under the legislation, neither the Minister for Local Government nor OLG has the power to intervene in the day-to-day operations of councils.

July 2024 to June 2025 NSW report

OLG received 1801 complaints in 2024-25, compared to 1242 in 2023-24.

These complaints were spread over 115 councils. There has been a substantial increase in complaints about councils this year compared to previous years, with 20% of complaints relating to financial management concerns.

Councillor misconduct

Pecuniary interest

In 2024-25 OLG received 40 allegations concerning breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions outlined in Councils’ codes of conduct.

Of these, 1 allegation was referred to the OLG by a third-party integrity agency.

Other councillor misconduct complaints

In 2024-25 OLG received 40 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councillors.

Of these, 7 allegations were referred to the OLG by third-party integrity agencies.

Three investigations were initiated under the misconduct provisions during the 2024-25 period. Two investigations resulted in findings of misconduct against the councillor. One investigation remains ongoing.

Two misconduct matters were determined by the Deputy Secretary during the 2024-25 period. One matter resulted in the suspension of a councillor for a period of 3 months, and an order to apologise for the misconduct. The councillor appealed the Deputy Secretary’s decision at the NCAT. On 10 July 2025, the NCAT confirmed the Deputy Secretary’s decision.

The second matter also resulted in the suspension of the councillor for a period of 3 months, and an order to apologise for the misconduct. The councillor appealed the Deputy Secretary’s decision at the NCAT. On 19 February 2026, the NCAT issued a decision, which is being examined by OLG.

Political donation complaints

In 2024-25, OLG received one allegation of breaches of the political donation provisions of councils’ codes of conduct. A review of the evidence determined that the complaint did not constitute a breach.

S430 Investigations

A s430 investigation into Upper Hunter Shire Council was finalised during the 2024-25 period.

A s430 investigation into Liverpool Council remained ongoing during the 2024-25 period.

A s430 investigation into New England County Council trading as New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) was authorised during the 2024-25 period, and remains ongoing.

Reports on completed s430 investigations can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Public inquiries

The public inquiry into Liverpool City Council was ordered during this period.

Details of Liverpool City Council public inquiry can be found at Liverpool City Council.

Complaint statistics for the July 2023 to June 2024 comparison against the July 2022 to June 2023 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2023-2024 (XLSX, 39 KB).

It is important to note that the number of complaints is not an accurate indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised, nor does it accurately reflect matters where the council or individual councillors may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue.

Where there is no evidence of serious misconduct or maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about the merits of a particular decision, the Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

The Local Government Act 1993 allows councils a significant degree of autonomy in their day-to-day activities. Under the legislation, neither the Minister for Local Government nor OLG has the power to intervene in the day-to-day operations of councils. 

July 2023 to June 2024 NSW report

OLG received 1242 complaints in 2023-24, compared to 1143 in 2022-23. These complaints were spread over 112 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents an increase but is a consistent number against complaints received in previous years.

Councillor misconduct

Pecuniary interest

In 2023-24 OLG received 32 allegations concerning breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions outlined in Councils’ codes of conduct.

Of these, 4 allegations were referred to the OLG by third-party integrity agencies.

Other councillor misconduct complaints

In 2023-24 OLG received 40 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councillors.

Of these, 5 allegations were referred to the OLG by third-party integrity agencies.

Three investigations were conducted under the misconduct provisions during the 2023-24 period relating to:.

• the alleged inappropriate actions and comments made by a councillor during council meetings and on social media
• the alleged failure to manage a conflict of interest, disclosure of confidential information, and misuse of the councillor’s position
• the alleged disclosure of confidential information on a public website.

Five misconduct matters were determined by the Deputy Secretary during the 2023-24 period. The outcomes of those matters were:

• In one matter, the Deputy Secretary found that a councillor had engaged in misconduct by failing to declare their interests in their written disclosure of interest returns. Due to the minor nature of the breach, it was determined that no further action was warranted. This outcome was supported by the Secretary.
• One matter resulted in the suspension of a councillor for a period of 3 months.
• One matter resulted in the suspension of a councillor for a period of 1 month and counselling.
• One matter was referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
• One matter was discontinued due to insufficient evidence to establish that the councillor had engaged in misconduct.

Political donation complaints

In 2023-24, OLG received 2 allegations of breaches of the political donation provisions of Councils’ codes of conduct.

In one matter, a review of the evidence determined that the complaint did not constitute a breach.

In the other matter, the complainant was advised to refer the matter to the NSW Electoral Commission, as it was deemed the more appropriate agency to address the complaint.

S430 Investigations

A s430 investigation into Upper Hunter Shire Council remained ongoing during the 2023-24 period.

In May 2024, a s430 investigation into Liverpool City Council was authorised.

No s430 investigations were completed during this period. Reports on completed s430 investigations can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Public inquiries

No public inquiries commenced during 2023-24. Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2022 to June 2023 comparison against the July 2021 to June 2022 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2022–2023 (XLSX, 47 KB).

It is important to note that the number of complaints is not an accurate indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised, nor does it accurately reflect matters where the council or individual councillors may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue.

Where there is no evidence of serious misconduct or maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about the merits of a particular decision, the Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

The Local Government Act 1993 allows councils a significant degree of autonomy in their day-to-day activities. Under the legislation, neither the Minister for Local Government nor OLG has the power to intervene in the day-to-day operations of councils. 

July 2022 to June 2023 NSW report

OLG received 1143 complaints in 2022–23, compared to 1396 in 2021-22. These complaints were spread over 117 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a decrease but is a consistent number against complaints received in previous years.

Councillor misconduct

Pecuniary interest

In 2022–23 OLG received 34 allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of Councils’ codes of conduct. There was 1 formal investigation of a pecuniary interest matter commenced in this period.

Other councillor misconduct complaints

In 2022–23 OLG received 23 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councillors.

Five investigations were commenced under the misconduct provisions during the 2022–23 period.

Six misconduct matters were determined by the Deputy Secretary during the 2022–23 period. Of those matters determined:

• Three matters were referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT):
  • In 2 matters the Deputy Secretary was satisfied that one councillor had engaged in misconduct by failing to comply with their council’s code of conduct at a council meeting by making intimidating and personals remarks.
  • The 3rd matter was referred to the NCAT because the councillor made threatening contact with a Council official and attempted to impede the consideration of a matter by council.
• Two matters were discontinued following the issuance to council of a Performance Improvement Order by the Minster and resignation of councillors.
• One matter was discontinued because it was determined that there was insufficient evidence available to establish that the councillor was acting in their official capacity as a councillor.

Political donation complaints

No complaints alleging a breach of the political donation provisions were received in this period.

S430 Investigations

The Section 430 investigation into Murray River Council was completed in November 2022 and the report was tabled in the NSW Parliament that same month.

Complaint statistics for the July 2021 to June 2022 comparison against the July 2020 to June 2021 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2021–2022 (XLSX, 48 KB).

It is important to note that the number of complaints is not an accurate indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised, nor does it accurately reflect matters where the council or individual councillors may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue.

Where there is no evidence of serious misconduct or maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about the merits of a particular decision, the Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

The Local Government Act 1993 allows councils a significant degree of autonomy in their day-to-day activities. Under the legislation, neither the Minister for Local Government nor OLG has the power to intervene in the day-to-day operations of councils. 

July 2021 to June 2022 NSW report

OLG received 1396 complaints in 2021–22, compared to 1543 in 2020–21. These complaints were spread over 126 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a decrease but is a consistent number against complaints received in previous years.

Councillor misconduct

Pecuniary interest complaints

In 2021–22 OLG received 35 allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of Councils’ codes of conduct. There was no formal investigation of a pecuniary interest matter in this period.

Other councillor misconduct complaints

In 2021–22 OLG received 26 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councils.

Six investigations were commenced under the misconduct provisions during this period.

The Executive Director determined 1 misconduct matter during 2021–22, where it was determined to counsel the councillor on failure to declare and properly manage a non-pecuniary conflict of interest.

Political donation complaints

No complaints alleging a breach of the political donation provisions were received in this period.

S430 Investigations

Reports on completed s430 investigations can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Public inquiries

One public inquiry into Central Coast Council was finalised in 2021–22. This resulted in the dismissal of the elected councillors and appointment of an administrator until the council elections to be held in 2024.

Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2020 to June 2021 comparison against the July 2019 to June 2020 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2020–2021 (XLSX, 127 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. 

The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2020 to June 2021 NSW report

OLG received 1543 complaints in 2020–21, compared to 899 in 2019-20. These complaints were spread over 123 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents an increase but is a consistent number against complaints received in previous years. OLG also received 21 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2020–21 OLG received 49 allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of Councils’ codes of conduct. There was one formal investigation of a pecuniary interest matter commenced in this period.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2020–21 OLG received 45 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councillors. One complaint alleging a breach of the political donation provisions was also received in this period.

Four investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period.

The Deputy Secretary determined five misconduct matters during 2020–21. One councillor was ordered to apologise and suspended from civic office for a period of one month for inappropriate behaviour towards council staff and fellow councillors.

A further councillor was reprimanded and had their right to be paid their councillor fees or other remuneration to which they would otherwise have been entitled suspended (without being suspended from civic office) for inappropriate behaviour while representing their council at a conference.

Another councillor was reprimanded for sending an email containing incorrect information, making improper and disrespectful comments and unsubstantiated allegations.

Another 2 councillors were counselled and reprimanded respectively for failing to properly disclose and manage conflicts of interest.

Public inquiries

One public inquiry into Central Coast Council was commenced during 2020–21 and is continuing.

Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2019 to June 2020 comparison against the July 2018 to June 2019 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2019–2020 (XLSX, 38 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed. 

July 2019 to June 2020 NSW report

OLG received 899 complaints in 2019–20, compared to 819 in 2018–19. These complaints were spread over 107 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a small increase but is a consistent number against complaints received last year. OLG also received seven complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2019-20 OLG received 46 allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Model Code of Conduct for local councils in NSW. There was 1 formal investigation of a pecuniary interest matter commenced in this period.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2019–20 OLG received 50 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. Six complaints alleging a breach of the political donation provisions were also received in this period.

Six investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period.

The Deputy Secretary determined 3 misconduct matters during 2019–20. One councillor was suspended from civic office for a period of three months for acting dishonestly in relation to a matter in which he had a conflict of interest. The councillor lodged an appeal of the decision with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which was dismissed by the Tribunal in May 2020.

A further councillor was reprimanded, directed to participate in training and had his right to be paid any fee or other remuneration suspended for a period of two months for improperly attempting to influence a council official in the exercise of an enforcement discretion and ignoring the policy regulating the interaction between councillors and council staff. This decision is subject to appeal which has not been heard as at 30 June 2020.

Another councillor was reprimanded for participating in a matter in which he had a significant conflict of interest.

Public inquiries

One public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council was finalised in 2019–20. This resulted in the dismissal of the elected councillors and appointment of an administrator until the council elections to be held in 2024.

The public Inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council continued during the reporting period.

Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2018 to June 2019 comparison against the July 2017 to June 2018 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2018–19 (XLSX, 54 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2018 to June 2019 NSW report

OLG received 819 complaints in 2018–19, compared to 823 in 2017–18. These complaints were spread over 112 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a consistent number against complaints received last year. OLG also received eight complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2018–19 OLG received 31 allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). There was one formal investigation of a pecuniary interest matter referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) in this period.

There was one pecuniary interest matter determined by NCAT during 2018–19. The councillor was found to have breached the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act by participating in a matter at a council meeting in which he had a pecuniary interest. The councillor was reprimanded.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2018–19 OLG received 46 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. One complaint alleging a breach of the political donation provisions was also received in this period.

Ten investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period.

The Departmental Deputy Secretary determined two misconduct matters during 2018–19. One councillor was reprimanded for inappropriately interacting with a council employee. The other councillor was directed to apologise to a council employee and a councillor, to cease engaging in the misconduct and was suspended for a period of 2 months for committing an act of disorder at a council meeting and for an inappropriate interaction with a council employee.

Public inquiries

One public inquiry into Balranald Shire Council was commenced in 2018–19.

The public Inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council continued during the reporting period.

Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2017 to June 2018 comparison against the July 2016 to June 2017 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2017–18 (XLSX, 56 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2017 to June 2018 NSW report

OLG received 823 complaints in 2017–18, compared to 811 in 2016-17. These complaints were spread over 113 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a consistent number against complaints received last year (an increase of 1.4%). OLG also received 20 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2017–18 OLG received 25 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). One complaint was also received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint. There was one formal investigation of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Act commenced in the period.

There was one pecuniary interest matter determined by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) during 2017–18. The councillor was found to have breached the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act for failing to declare pecuniary interests in annual returns. The councillor was reprimanded and lost the right to payment as a councillor for a period of two months.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2017–18 OLG received 37 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. One complaint alleging a breach of political donation provisions was also received in this period. Two investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period. NCAT determined two misconduct matters during 2017-18. The Chief Executive determined one misconduct matter during the period.

In the two matters that were determined by the NCAT, the outcome was the reprimand of both councillors. One councillor was reprimanded for making allegations of corruption and conflicts of interests at a council meeting and where the allegations were republished on a Facebook © page administered by the councillor. The other councillor, a former councillor at the time of the decision, was reprimanded for being disrespectful to a fellow councillor.

The Chief Executive determined one misconduct matter where the councillor was ordered to provide an apology to a staff member, cease engaging in the misconduct and was suspended from civic office for a period of one month for his aggressive and argumentative behaviour that was designed to intimidate and frustrate a council staff member.

Two matters were referred to NCAT for its consideration during this period.

Public inquiries

One public inquiry into Blue Mountains City Council was commenced in 2017–18. Details of previous public enquiries can be found at inquiries and investigations.

Complaint statistics for the July 2016 to June 2017 comparison against the July 2015 to June 2016 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2016-17 (XLSX, 53 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed. 

July 2016 to June 2017 NSW report

OLG received 811 complaints in 2016–17, compared to 1,454 in 2015-16. These complaints were spread over 120 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a significant decrease over the number received last year (in the order of 44%). OLG also received 19 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2016-17 OLG received 36 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). Three complaints were also received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint. There were two formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Act commenced in the period.

There were no pecuniary interest matters determined by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) during 2016–17.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2016–17 OLG received 36 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. This is a 55% reduction from the previous year. No investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period. NCAT determined four misconduct matters during 2016–17. Two of these matters related to appeals of the Chief Executive’s decisions.

In the two matters that were determined by the NCAT, the outcome was the disqualification of both councillors. One councillor was disqualified from holding civic office for a period of three months for inappropriately approaching Council staff, for failing to comply with Council resolutions requiring the councillor to take certain actions as a result of breaches of the Council’s code of conduct, and for committing acts of disorder at numerous Council meetings. The other councillor was suspended for five months for conduct that was aggressive, intimidating and improper and amounted to verbal abuse. As this councillor had previously been suspended on five occasions, by operation of the law, the councillor was disqualified from holding civic office for a period of five years.

The NCAT determined appeals of decisions made by the Chief Executive relating to the misconduct of two councillors. The Chief Executive’s decision to suspend the councillor’s right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he/she would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office for three months for failing to comply with an applicable requirement of the code of conduct by failing to appropriately manage a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests was upheld. The NCAT set aside the Chief Executive’s decision to reprimand and suspend the other councillor for alleged breaches of the code of conduct.

Two matters were referred to NCAT for its consideration during this period.

Public inquiries

Three public inquiry reports were presented to Parliament in the period 2016–17.

Former Murray Shire Council Public Inquiry

The Public Inquiry Commissioner observed that there was a serious division between the majority and the minority councillors and between the minority councillors and the General Manager. The Commissioner expressed the view that it was unlikely the situation could have or would have improved if the Council had continued. The former Murray Shire Council was merged during the term of the public inquiry.

A number of recommendations were made for policy and procedural reforms to address difficulties arising from managing complaints of bullying and harassment of the General Manager.

Former Auburn City Council Public Inquiry

The Auburn Public Inquiry was called in response to serious concerns about Auburn City Council’s decision-making concerning planning and development matters, and that those decisions might have delivered an inappropriate benefit to some councillors. Council was placed under administration for the duration of the public inquiry process.

While the Public Inquiry Commissioner made a number of adverse findings regarding a number of planning proposals being dealt with by the Council, he expressed satisfaction that subsequent actions by the new Council’s Administrator had placed these matters on hold. In those circumstances, the Commissioner did not make any recommendations relating to these matters.

The Commissioner endorsed the current governance framework protecting the independence of planning staff in relation to the advice provided by them to the elected body.

The Commissioner made recommendations for the new Council in terms of reviewing its road closure processes, maintaining its governance frameworks and improvements to managing conflict between councillors and council staff.

North Sydney Council Public Inquiry

The Public Inquiry Commissioner found certain decisions and administrative arrangements were symptomatic of dysfunction – this included, for a time, the inability of the Mayor to access her own office.

The Commissioner found that the inability of the protagonists within the governing body to manage conflict had resulted in dysfunction in the performance of their statutory functions.

To remedy these matters the Commissioner recommended that a Performance Improvement Order be issued to the Council and a temporary adviser appointed.

Complaint statistics for the July 2015 to June 2016 comparison against the July 2014 to June 2015 period. For the full complaint statistics report, download the Council complaint statistics 2015–16 (XLSX, 46 KB).

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed. 

July 2015 to June 2016 NSW report

OLG received 1,454 complaints in 2015–16, compared to 1,011 in 2014–15. These complaints were spread over 139 councils. The total number of complaints received this year represents a significant increase over the number received last year (in the order of 44%). OLG also received 20 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Auburn City Council received the most complaints. These primarily related to the conduct of councillors and contributed to the decision to commence a Public Inquiry into the Council.

Pecuniary interest

In 2015–16 OLG received 29 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). No complaints were received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint. There were no formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Act commenced in the period. However, there were two investigations completed that were referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for consideration.

NCAT determined both matters during 2015–16. One councillor was reprimanded and her right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which she would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office was suspended for a period of three months. This councillor failed to disclose her interest in a planning proposal before the council in which she had a pecuniary interest. The councillor remained in the chamber, participated in the consideration of, and voted upon, the matter in breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act.

One councillor was initially suspended from civic office for four months. The councillor had failed to disclose his interest in a planning proposal before the Council. The councillor remained in the chamber participated in the consideration of, and voted upon, the matter in breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act.

An appeal was lodged with the Supreme Court in relation to this NCAT decision. The Supreme Court overturned the decision and found that the councillor did not have a pecuniary interest and therefore had not breached the provisions of the Act.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2015–16 OLG received 68 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. This is a 106% increase from the previous year. Five formal investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period. NCAT determined one misconduct matter during 2015–16.

The former councillor was initially disqualified from civic office for two years. However, due to a technical difficulty with the decision, the decision was set aside by subsequent order and the former councillor was reprimanded for his conduct.

The Chief Executive of OLG determined two misconduct matters during this period. One councillor’s right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office was suspended for three months for failing to comply with an applicable requirement of the code of conduct by failing to appropriately manage a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests. One councillor was reprimanded and received a suspension for two months for failing to comply with applicable requirements of the code of conduct and section 439 of the Act by failing to appropriately manage allegations of a breach of the code of conduct. Both these decisions are subject to an appeal to NCAT.

Three matters were referred to NCAT for its consideration during this period.

Section 430 Investigations

There were two investigations overseen this financial year with the reports being provided to the Minister for Local Government. The first involved Strathfield Council. The investigation found that there have been systemic failures in the Council’s processes, culminating in maladministration and serious and substantial waste. While it was acknowledged that Council had taken steps to remedy concerns raised during the investigative process, there were seven recommendations made to the Minister.

The second investigation related to the former Hurstville City Council. The investigation found that the Council did not manage complaints about its general manager in accordance with the requisite requirements and that a councillor had not managed a perceived conflict of interests appropriately. There were four recommendations made to the Minister.

Complaint statistics for the July 2014 to June 2015 comparison against the July 2013 to June 2014 period.

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. The Office of Local Government (OLG) generally will not investigate such issues provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2014 to June 2015 NSW report

OLG received 1,011 complaints in 2014–15, compared to 1,097 in 2013–14. These complaints were spread over 130 councils. OLG did not receive any complaints about 36 councils (including county councils). The total number of complaints received this year represents a small decrease over the number received last year (in the order of 8%). OLG also received 28 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to. This is a reduction in the number of such complaints from the last year.

Pecuniary interest

In 2014–15 OLG received 37 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. Two complaints were received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint. There were no formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Local Government Act 1993 commenced in the period. Two matters were referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for consideration during this period.

NCAT determined two matters during 2014–15.  One councillor was reprimanded for a breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act by participating in a matter in which the organisation of which he was an office holder had a pecuniary interest. One councillor was reprimanded and the councillor’s right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office was suspended for a period of three months. This councillor disclosed his interest in a matter before the council in which he had a pecuniary interest but participated in, debated and voted upon the matter in breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993.

A decision was made by the Supreme Court on an appeal that was lodged in relation to a previous pecuniary interest decision made by NCAT. The Supreme Court set aside the NCAT decision to suspend the councillor and instead imposed a reprimand and suspension of the councillor’s right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office for a period of three months.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2014–15 OLG received 33 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. Six formal investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period. The NCAT determined three misconduct matters during 2014–2015.

One councillor received a reprimand for participating in a matter in which he had a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest. One councillor received a reprimand for conduct that constituted inappropriate communications regarding an investigation. One councillor received a suspension for one month for participating in a matter in which he had a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests.

The Chief Executive of OLG determined two misconduct matters during this period. One councillor‘s right to be paid any fee or other remuneration to which he would otherwise be entitled as the holder of the civic office was suspended for a period of two months for failing to comply with an applicable requirement of the code of conduct by inappropriately disclosing confidential information. One councillor received a suspension for two months for intentional, inappropriate and unauthorised physical contact with a council employee on council premises.

Two matters were referred to NCAT for its consideration during this period.

Complaint statistics for the July 2013 to June 2014 comparison against the July 2012 to June 2013 period.

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. We generally will not investigate such issues, provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2013 to June 2014 NSW report

We received 1097 complaints in 2013–14, compared to 1068 in 2012–13. These complaints were spread over 122 councils. We did not receive any complaints about 44 councils (including county councils). The total number of complaints received this year represents a small increase over the number received last year (in the order of 2.7%). The Office also received 46 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to. This is a reduction on the number of such complaints from the last year.

Pecuniary interest

In 2013–14 we received 61 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. One complaint was received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint. There were five formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Local Government Act 1993 commenced in the period. Two matters were referred to the Tribunal for consideration during this period. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal determined one matters during 2013–14.  One councillor was suspended for a period of 1 month for a breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act by lodging returns that he knew or ought reasonably to have known to be false or misleading in a material particular. An appeal of this decision has been lodged with the Supreme Court.

Councillor misconduct and political donation complaints

In 2013–14 we received 53 complaints alleging misconduct by councillors. Nine formal investigations under the misconduct provisions were commenced during this period. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal did not determine any misconduct matters during 2013–14. The Tribunal heard one misconduct appeals during 2013-2014. The appeals against the Chief Executive’s decision to suspend one councillorsfor a period of two months for refusal to comply with a council resolution to apologise was not allowed by the Tribunal.  The Tribunal set aside the Chief Executive’s decision.

Two matters were referred to the Tribunal for its consideration during this period.

Complaint statistics for the July 2012 to June 2013 comparison against the July 2011 to June 2012 period.

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. We generally will not investigate such issues, provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2012 to June 2013 NSW report

We received 1068 complaints in 2012–13, compared to 1175 in 2011–12. These complaints were spread over 126 councils. We did not receive any complaints about 40 councils (including county councils).

The total number of complaints received this year represents a small decrease over the number received last year (in the order of 1.1%).

The Division also received 81 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2012–13 we received 57 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. One complaint was received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint.

There was one formal investigation of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Local Government Act 1993 commenced in the period.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined two matters during 2012–13. No breach was found in one matter. One councillor was suspended for a period of 2 months for a breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act by failing to lodge the annual return of interests as required.

Councillor misbehaviour and political donation complaints

In 2012–13 we received 28 complaints alleging misbehaviour by councillors. Seven formal investigations under the misbehaviour provisions were commenced during this period.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined two misbehaviour (now misconduct) matters during 2012–13. The Tribunal heard two misbehaviour appeals during 2012-2013.

One councillor received two suspensions; one for 4 months for repeated acts of misbehaviour by failing to leave a meeting when expelled; one for 2 months for failing to comply with a council resolution requiring an apology.

The appeals against the Chief Executive’s decision to suspend two councillors for a period of one month each were not allowed by the Tribunal. The Tribunal upheld the Chief Executive’s decision to suspend the councillors for one month each for failing to disclose and appropriately manage significant non-pecuniary conflicts of interests.

Three matters were referred to the Tribunal for its consideration during this period.

Note: the “misbehaviour” provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 were replaced by “misconduct” provisions effective from 1 March 2013.

Complaint statistics for the July 2011 to June 2012 comparison against the July 2010 to June 2011 period.

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. We generally will not investigate such issues, provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2011 to June 2012 NSW report

We received 1175 complaints in 2011–12, compared to 1130 in 2010–11. These complaints were spread over 125 councils. Again in 2011/12, over half of all complaints/allegations related to 21 councils, or just 14% of all general purpose councils in NSW. We did not receive any complaints about 27 councils.

The total number of complaints received this year represents a small increase over the number received last year (in the order of 3.8%).

Newcastle City Council received the most complaints. Of these, three quarters related to issues about the Laman Street fig trees.

The Division also received 64 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to. This is a large increase on the previous year. The majority of these matters related to public land management and planning and development. Many of the issues raised in these complaints were about matters that were not related to decisions or actions of a specific local council, such as, a decision of a joint regional planning panel.

Pecuniary interest

In 2011–12 we received 53 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. 6 complaints were received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint.

There were no formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Local Government Act 1993 commenced in the period. However, there was one investigation report referred to the PIDT during 2011-12.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined two matters during 2011–12. One councillor was counselled for a breach of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Act. A further councillor was reprimanded.

Councillor misbehaviour and political donation complaints

In 2011–12 we received 15 complaints alleging misbehaviour by councillors. Four formal investigations under the misbehaviour provisions were commenced during this period.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined no misbehaviour matters during 2011–12.

One matter was referred to the Tribunal for its consideration during this period.

Complaint statistics for the July 2010 to June 2011 comparison against the July 2009 to June 2010 period.

The actual number of complaints is not necessarily an effective indicator of the seriousness of the matters raised. In some cases the council may be the subject of campaigns, usually about a single controversial issue. This can distort the council’s reputation if there is in fact no maladministration on the council’s part and the issues relate more to concerns about a particular decision. We generally will not investigate such issues, provided the council’s decision is lawful and proper processes are followed.

July 2010 to June 2011 NSW report

We received 1130 complaints in 2010–11, compared to 1029 in 2009–10. These complaints were spread over 119 councils. Over half of all complaints/allegations related to 21 councils, or just 14% of all general purpose councils in NSW. We did not receive any complaints about 33 councils.

The total number of complaints received this year represents an increase over the number received last year (in the order of 8.9%).

City of Sydney Council received the most complaints. Of these more than half related to parking provision and parking enforcement.

The Division also received 5 complaints which did not specify the name of the council that the matter related to.

Pecuniary interest

In 2010–11 we received 43 informal allegations of breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. 1 complaint was received that met the requirements set out for a formal pecuniary interest complaint.

There were 2 formal investigations of a pecuniary interest complaint under section 462 of the Local Government Act 1993 commenced in the period.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined no matters during 2010–11.

Councillor misbehaviour and political donation complaints

In 2010–11 we received 7 complaints alleging misbehaviour by councillors. Four formal investigations under the misbehaviour provisions were commenced during this period.

The Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal determined 1 misbehaviour matter during 2010–11.