File a Procurement Discrimination Complaint - Perth

Civil Rights and Equity Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, procurement discrimination complaints may involve municipal procurement rules, equal opportunity law and administrative review. This guide explains where to raise concerns with the City of Perth, the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia and the WA Ombudsman, what evidence to gather, likely enforcement pathways and practical next steps.

Scope and who handles complaints

Complaints arising from tendering or contracting where a supplier or individual alleges discrimination should be raised first with the City procurement contact or complaints officer. If the issue alleges unlawful discrimination on grounds covered by WA law, you can also lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia[1]. For alleged maladministration by a local council official or process failures you may later refer the matter to the WA Ombudsman[2].

Initial steps

  • Gather contract documents, tender evaluation notes, correspondence and names of decision-makers.
  • Request internal review or a written explanation from the City procurement officer or the nominated contact.
  • Keep records of dates and times for all communications and retain copies of submissions and invoices.
Start with the City of Perth procurement contact and request an internal review in writing.

Penalties & Enforcement

The enforcement path depends on the legal basis of the complaint: City contractual remedies, statutory discrimination complaints under WA law, or Ombudsman review for administrative faults. Specific monetary fines for procurement discrimination by a City are not specified on the cited pages[3]. The Equal Opportunity Commission and local government legislation set complaint and remedy frameworks but do not list standard municipal fines on their complaint pages[1][3].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages; see the legislation and complaint bodies for applicable remedies rather than fixed municipal fines.
  • Escalation: initial internal review by the City, then external complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commission or referral to the Ombudsman; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: contractual remedies (e.g., termination), administrative orders or recommendations by oversight bodies, and possible court proceedings where statutory rights are engaged; specific sanctions are not itemised on the complaint pages.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathways: City of Perth procurement/complaints officer for internal matters; Equal Opportunity Commission (for discrimination complaints)[1]; WA Ombudsman for maladministration reviews[2].
If you suspect unlawful discrimination, lodge with the Equal Opportunity Commission promptly and keep a copy of the submission.

Appeals, review and time limits

  • Internal review: follow the City of Perth complaints process and timeframes set by the City documents or contact officer (check the City complaints page for specifics).
  • Equal Opportunity complaints: the EOC’s complaint process includes time limits for lodging—see the EOC guidance for current timeframes and eligibility[1].
  • Ombudsman referrals: the Ombudsman has jurisdictional thresholds and may decline matters where other review paths are available; consult the Ombudsman guidance[2].

Applications & Forms

The Equal Opportunity Commission provides an online complaint lodgement process and guidance on what to include; use that online form to start a discrimination complaint[1]. The WA Ombudsman publishes a complaint form and guidance for complaints about local government and administration[2]. The City of Perth may accept written complaints by email or online portal per its complaints procedures (check the City pages listed in Resources). If a specific City procurement complaint form exists, it is not specified on the City pages cited in Resources.

Common violations

  • Unexplained exclusion of a capable tenderer from a shortlist or award.
  • Evaluation criteria applied inconsistently between bidders.
  • Procurement requirements that disproportionately disadvantage a protected class without lawful justification.

Action steps

  • Gather all documents, correspondence and evaluation criteria before contacting the City.
  • Contact the City procurement officer in writing to request an internal review and keep proof of delivery.
  • If discrimination is alleged, lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission using its online complaint process[1].
  • If the City process is exhausted and you believe maladministration occurred, consider referring the matter to the WA Ombudsman[2].

FAQ

How long do I have to make a discrimination complaint?
Time limits vary by pathway; check the Equal Opportunity Commission guidance and the City complaints process; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited complaint pages[1][3].
Can I keep my company identity confidential when I complain?
Confidentiality options depend on the receiving body; the EOC and the City will explain confidentiality steps when you lodge—confirm on the relevant complaint form[1].
Will lodging a complaint stop a current contract award?
Lodging a complaint does not automatically suspend an award; seek urgent internal review and ask the City whether interim measures or stay options apply under procurement rules.

How-To

  1. Identify the discrimination issue and collect all tender documents, communications and evaluation materials.
  2. Write to the City procurement officer requesting an internal review and keep proof of delivery.
  3. If the issue involves protected attributes, lodge with the Equal Opportunity Commission using its online complaint form[1].
  4. If internal avenues are exhausted and you suspect maladministration, refer the case to the WA Ombudsman[2].
  5. Consider legal advice if you seek contractual remedies or court-based relief; document all deadlines and preserve evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City procurement contact and request internal review in writing.
  • For alleged unlawful discrimination, lodge with the Equal Opportunity Commission promptly.
  • The WA Ombudsman can review maladministration after internal options are exhausted.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Equal Opportunity Commission of Western Australia - How to complain
  2. [2] WA Ombudsman - Making a complaint
  3. [3] Local Government Act 1995 (Western Australia) - legislation.wa.gov.au

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