Lodge Privacy Complaint About Council Data - Perth

Technology and Data Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia residents can raise concerns when a local council mishandles personal information or publishes incorrect council data. This guide explains how to complain to the City of Perth, what to include in your complaint, internal review and how to escalate to the Western Australian information regulator if the council does not resolve the issue.

Where to start

Begin by checking the City of Perth privacy statement and internal complaint process, and gather specific examples of the data, dates, and steps taken to resolve the problem with the service area or privacy officer. For the City of Perth privacy statement and internal options see City of Perth privacy statement[1]. For official complaint submission routes use the City of Perth complaints and feedback pages linked below in Resources.[2]

Keep clear evidence: screenshots, URLs, and dates make complaints easier to investigate.

Penalties & Enforcement

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited City of Perth privacy page and not specified on the regulator page cited below; where specific monetary penalties apply they are set out in the controlling legislation or determinations and should be checked on the regulator page.[3]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages; see the regulator for statutory penalties where applicable.
  • Escalation: internal complaint, formal internal review, then external complaint to the WA Information Commissioner or relevant tribunal — specific timeframes for escalation are not specified on the City of Perth privacy page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: likely investigatory determinations, directions to remove or correct data, and recommendations for remedial action; specific orders are not specified on the cited City page.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: the City of Perth handles initial complaints; the Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia handles external privacy complaints and investigations.
  • Appeal/review routes: review or internal review with the council, then external complaint to the WA Information Commissioner; statutory time limits are not specified on the City of Perth privacy page.
  • Defences and discretion: councils may rely on exemptions, lawful authorisations, or reasonable excuse defences where stated in controlling legislation; specific defences are not set out on the cited City page.
If a council cannot resolve your complaint, the WA Information Commissioner accepts external privacy complaints and can investigate.

Applications & Forms

The City of Perth does not publish a single named privacy-complaint form on the cited privacy page; it directs complainants to the complaints and feedback process or to contact the privacy officer. If a formal external complaint is needed, the Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia provides guidance and complaint forms on its website. For exact form names, numbers, fees, submission methods or deadlines see the linked official pages in Resources.

How to lodge a complaint

Follow these action steps to lodge and escalate a privacy complaint about council data.

  1. Contact the City of Perth service area or privacy officer with a clear description of the issue, date/time, affected records and desired remedy.
  2. Submit supporting evidence (screenshots, document copies, URLs) and request an internal review if the initial response is unsatisfactory.
  3. If unresolved, lodge an external complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia following their published complaint process.
  4. If statutory relief is required, ask the regulator about formal determinations or further legal options and time limits.

Common violations

  • Publication of personal contact details without consent — commonly reported and commonly resolved by removal or correction.
  • Inaccurate personal information in council records — typical remedy is correction and apology.
  • Unauthorised disclosure to third parties — may lead to investigation by the regulator.
Document every contact and keep copies of responses to support escalation.

FAQ

Can I complain about how my council published my personal information?
Yes. Start with the City of Perth internal complaint process and, if unresolved, escalate to the WA Information Commissioner.
Do I need a form to make a privacy complaint?
The City of Perth privacy page does not publish a dedicated privacy complaint form; the regulator provides complaint guidance and forms for external complaints.
How long will an investigation take?
Timeframes vary; specific statutory time limits or average durations are not specified on the City of Perth privacy page, so ask the council and the regulator for current estimates.

How-To

  1. Identify the data issue and the council service area responsible.
  2. Send a clear written complaint to the City of Perth privacy contact or complaints channel with evidence and your requested outcome.
  3. Request an internal review if the response is unsatisfactory and retain all correspondence.
  4. If unresolved, lodge an external complaint with the Office of the Information Commissioner Western Australia following their published process.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City of Perth privacy and complaints process before escalating.
  • Gather clear evidence and document every contact and response.
  • The WA Information Commissioner provides an external review route if the council cannot resolve the matter.

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