Complaint statistics for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
It is important to recognise that the volume of complaints does not necessarily reflect the seriousness of the issues raised. Additionally, complaint numbers may be influenced by coordinated campaigns targeting councils or individual councillors, often centred around a single contentious matter.
Where there is no evidence of serious misconduct or maladministration, and concerns relate primarily to the merits of a council decision, the Office of Local Government (OLG) will generally not pursue an investigation.
An investigation may arise from a single complaint or from multiple complaints relating to one or more issues. It can also cover complaints made across a broad timeframe, including those lodged over a number of years.
The Local Government Act 1993 allows councils a significant degree of autonomy in their day-to-day activities. Under the legislation, neither the Minister for Local Government nor OLG has the power to intervene in the day-to-day operations of councils.
Council Complaint Statistics 2024-2025 (XLSX, 43KB)
July 2024 to June 2025 NSW report
Below is a chart showing details of the complaints received by OLG about councils during the 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 period by subject.
OLG received 1801 complaints in 2024-25, compared to 1242 in 2023-24.
These complaints were spread over 115 councils. There has been a substantial increase in complaints about councils this year compared to previous years, with 20% of complaints relating to financial management concerns.
Councillor misconduct
Pecuniary interest
In 2024-25 OLG received 40 allegations concerning breaches of the pecuniary interest provisions outlined in Councils’ codes of conduct.
Of these, 1 allegation was referred to the OLG by a third-party integrity agency.
Other councillor misconduct complaints
In 2024-25 OLG received 40 complaints alleging misconduct (other than that relating to pecuniary interest matters) by councillors.
Of these, seven allegations were referred to the OLG by third-party integrity agencies.
Three investigations were initiated under the misconduct provisions during the 2024-25 period.
- Two investigations resulted in findings of misconduct against the councillor.
- One investigation remains ongoing.
Two misconduct matters were determined by the Deputy Secretary during the 2024-25 period. One matter resulted in the suspension of a councillor for a period of three months, and an order to apologise for the misconduct. The councillor appealed the Deputy Secretary’s decision at the NCAT. On 10 July 2025, the NCAT confirmed the Deputy Secretary’s decision.
The second matter also resulted in the suspension of the councillor for a period of three months, and an order to apologise for the misconduct. The councillor appealed the Deputy Secretary’s decision at the NCAT. On 19 February 2026, the NCAT issued a decision, which is being examined by OLG.
Political donation complaints
In 2024-25, OLG received one allegation of breaches of the political donation provisions of Councils’ codes of conduct. A review of the evidence determined that the complaint did not constitute a breach.
S430 Investigations
A s430 investigation into Upper Hunter Shire Council was finalised during the 2024-25 period.
A s430 investigation into Liverpool Council remained ongoing during the 2024-25 period.
A s430 investigation into New England County Council trading as New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) was authorised during the 2024-25 period, and remains ongoing.
Reports on completed s430 investigations can be found on the OLG website at the following location: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/misconduct-and-intervention/investigations/section-430-investigations/
Public inquiries
The Public Enquiry into Liverpool City Council was ordered during this period.
Details of the public inquiry can be found on the OLG website at the following location: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public-inquiries/liverpool-city-council-public-inquiry/