Our work

The OIA assesses complaints about councillor conduct to enhance the integrity of the local government system.

In assessing complaints, the OIA considers a range of factors, including whether further consideration of a complaint is in the public interest or is a justifiable use of resources.

Where there are strong public interest grounds to proceed with an investigation and ultimately a prosecution, it  prosecutes councillor misconduct before the Councillor Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

It investigates and prosecutes corrupt conduct as misconduct when complaints are referred to the OIA by the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).

The OIA also assesses conduct breaches (formerly inappropriate conduct) referred to it. Where in the public interest, such complaints may be referred to the relevant local government to resolve.

Since establishment to 30 June 2023:

• 75 per cent of complaints dismissed at all stages of the process
• 25 per cent became misconduct investigations
• 5 per cent of complaints are referred to the CCT as misconduct
• 5 per cent referred to councils to resolve as conduct breaches
• 4 per cent referred to CCC as suspected corrupt conduct.

Assessment

Conduct breach

Misconduct

Corrupt conduct

Magistrates Court prosecutions

Vexatious complaints