Lodging a Lobbying Complaint - Perth Councils

Perth, Western Australia residents who suspect improper lobbying of council members or staff can make formal complaints to the City of Perth or to the state complaints bodies that oversee local government conduct. This guide explains where to submit a complaint, what evidence to include, how enforcement works and the practical steps to lodge, track and, if necessary, appeal a decision.

What counts as a lobbying complaint

Lobbying complaints commonly allege undisclosed private meetings, conflicts of interest, improper inducements or attempts to influence a council decision outside public processes. When preparing a complaint, record dates, attendees, messages and any documents or receipts that show the contact or benefit.

How to submit a complaint

Start with the City of Perth complaints process for councillor or staff behaviour and, if needed, escalate to the state local government complaints office. Use the official complaint form or the online portal and attach evidence. For City submissions use the City of Perth complaints page ^[1]. For state-level complaints about councillors and codes of conduct, see the Department of Local Government guidance ^[2].

• What to include: names, dates, locations, meeting notes, emails, screenshots and any witness contact details.
• Evidence: attach documents or screenshots as PDF or image files where the form allows.
• Deadlines: check the complaint form or guidance for time limits that may apply to particular complaint types.
• Contact: raise urgent concerns with the City of Perth governance team or the state complaints contact listed on the guidance pages.

Penalties & Enforcement

Rules, penalties and enforcement pathways vary by the controlling instrument. The City of Perth and the state local government framework handle different aspects of conduct and breaches.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for routine lobbying complaints; specific monetary penalties are set in legislation or regulations if an offence is proven ^[2].
• Escalation: first and repeat offence treatment is not specified on the cited City guidance and may depend on the instrument or panel decision ^[1].
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to apologise, counselling, formal findings, disqualification or referral to courts are possible where prescribed; the specific measures for lobbying breaches are not listed verbatim on the City complaint page ^[1].
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: initial complaints go to the City of Perth governance or complaints team; serious or councillor conduct matters may be considered under state panels or the Department of Local Government processes ^[1][2].
• Appeals and review: review routes and time limits depend on the decision-maker; some decisions can be reviewed by the Local Government Standards Panel or appealed to the State Administrative Tribunal where allowed, but precise time limits are not specified on the cited guidance pages ^[2].
• Defences and discretion: decision-makers may consider reasonable excuse, bona fide public interest contact or previously approved interactions; formal defences depend on the code or regulation cited in the complaint.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a complaints form and guidance for making complaints; if a specific lobbying complaint form is not available use the general complaints or councillor conduct complaint channels. The state department provides guidance on councillor conduct complaints and links to required forms if applicable ^[2]. Fees are not normally charged for lodging a complaint; the cited City page does not specify any fee ^[1].

Action steps

• Gather evidence: compile dates, names, emails, meeting notes and any physical receipts.
• Use the City complaint form or online portal and attach evidence; complete all required fields.
• Follow up by phone or email with the governance contact if the matter is urgent.
• If the City refers the matter or if it concerns councillor conduct, follow the state guidance for escalation to the appropriate panel or office.

FAQ

Who investigates lobbying complaints about City of Perth councillors?

The City governance team handles initial complaints; serious councillor conduct matters may be dealt with under state processes or referred to the Local Government Standards Panel as outlined in state guidance ^[2].

Do I need proof to make a complaint?

You should include as much evidence as possible, but a complaint may be accepted and investigated even if some details are unconfirmed; provide witnesses and documents where available.

Will my identity be kept confidential?

Confidentiality practices vary; request anonymity if safety or reprisals are a concern and check the City and state guidance on how they manage complainant information ^[1][2].

How-To

1. Record the incident: date, time, attendees and a short statement of what occurred.
2. Collect supporting material: emails, messages, minutes, photos and witness details.
3. Visit the City of Perth complaints page and complete the complaint form or online submission ^[1].
4. Attach evidence and clearly state the outcome you seek.
5. If the City refers the matter or you are unsatisfied, consult the state guidance for councillor conduct complaints and follow escalation instructions ^[2].
6. Keep records of all correspondence and follow up if you do not receive acknowledgement within the published timeframes.

Key Takeaways

• Gather clear evidence before lodging a complaint.
• Start with the City of Perth process and escalate to state bodies if required.
• Retain copies and notes of all submissions and responses.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Perth - Feedback and complaints
• Department of Local Government - Complaints about councillors
• State Administrative Tribunal of WA
• City of Perth - Governance contacts

1. [1] City of Perth - Feedback and complaints
2. [2] Department of Local Government - Complaints about councillors