The Local Government Act 1995 provides three avenues for making complaints about local government council members.
Complaint about alleged breach of Division 3 of the Code of Conduct
The City’s Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates Code of Conduct incorporates the model code as required by the Local Government (Model Code of Conduct) Regulations 2021.
Complaints alleging a breach of Division 3 of this Code of Conduct must be submitted for determination by the local government.
Listed below are some useful resources and the required form.
- Council Members, Committee Members and Candidates Code of Conduct
- Council Code of Conduct Division 3 Complaint Handling Policy
- Code of Conduct Division 3 complaint form
- Complaints Register
Minor breach complaint
A minor breach occurs if an council member contravenes a rule of conduct or any local law made under the Local Government Act 1995.
A complaint of a minor breach is made under section 5.107 of the Local Government Act 1995 and must be submitted for determination by the Department of Local Government Standards Panel.
Listed below are some useful resources and the required form.
Serious breach complaint
A serious breach occurs if an elected member commits any offence under a written law, other than a local law made under the Local Government Act 1995, of which it is an element that the offender is a council member or is a person of a description that specifically includes a council member.
A complaint of a serious breach is made under section 5.114 of the Local Government Act 1995 and must be submitted through the Department of Local Government, for determination by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Listed below are some useful resources and the required form.
The City’s complaints officer can assist you with any additional information:
Contact Melody Foster, A/Manager Governance
Phone 9432 9711
Email melodyc@fremantle.wa.gov.au