A telephone call may be sufficient to resolve the matter, otherwise, it is recommended that you write to the Chief Executive Officer of your local government describing your complaint and the resolution you are seeking. You will need to allow the local government a reasonable time to respond. If the response you receive is incomplete or unclear, you may need to seek further clarification.
If, after receiving a response, your problem remains unresolved, you may wish to consider raising the matter with your local ward councillor, shire president or mayor. Details of your local council representative may be found on the local government's website. Alternatively you may wish to contact the local government directly.
Role of the Local Government Inspector
Local governments are autonomous bodies with their own rights and powers under law. The Local Government Inspector is responsible for handling matters relating to breaches and non-compliance of the Local Government Act 1995 (Act) and its subsidiary legislation. If you believe someone has breached or contravened the Act or regulations, or that a local government has not complied with the Act regulations, you can visit the Local Government Inspector’s website for more information or to lodge a complaint.
Matters that cannot be considered by the department about local government
- Complaints related to a matter of administrative decision making by the local government (WA Ombudsman)
- Development and planning decisions (WA Planning Commission)
- Employment grievances (WA Industrial Relations Commission)
Legal matters
If you have a legal question, the department is unable to assist you and recommends you seek your own legal advice.
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