What we cannot look into

Explaining what matters fall outside the Inspector’s scope.
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The Inspector will only consider complaints that relate to breaches, offences or non-compliance with the Local Government Act 1995 and supporting regulations.

The following table is not exhaustive, so please consider the additional information in this section.

What the Inspector can look into:What the Inspector can't look into:

Matters such as:

✔   misuse of position by a councillor

✔   conflict of interest

✔   failure to disclose a gift

✔   disclosure of confidential information

✔   providing false or misleading information about a complaint

Matters such as:

✗   planning and building permits

✗   services such as waste collection

✗   parking infringements

✗   rates charges

It is important to note that complaints that are frivolous, vexatious, trivial, misconceived or without substance will not satisfy the initial assessment.

Please remember only certain types of matters about local governments, council members, council staff or local government elections can be investigated.

Complaints related to the following can't be accepted by the Inspector:

  • Disputes between individuals
     
  • Private organisations such as:
    • building and construction companies
    • banking, credit, insurance or superannuation
    • electricity water or gas
    • rental agreements
       
  • Members of Parliament
     
  • WA Police
     
  • WA government agencies
     
  • Universities and TAFEs
     
  • Australian government bodies such as:
    • Centrelink
    • Australian Taxation Office
    • Services Australia
    • Australia Post
       
  • Decisions made by courts and tribunals

Council Decisions

The Inspector is unable to accept complaints based solely on disagreement with a council decision. 

Complaints can only be considered if there are concerns about how the decision was made, for example, if proper procedures were not followed or there was a conflict of interest. 

The Inspector’s role is to assess whether the decision was made in a lawful way, not to overturn or alter the decision itself. 

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