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

Below is a chart showing details of the complaints received during the July 2012 to June 2013 period by keyword.

complaintmatters1213

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.