Mayor’s View – 14th May, 2009
The Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC) makes decisions on behalf of the communities it represents. In doing this it must consider and balance many competing interests and points of view.
Members of the public are entitled to know how and why a decision has been made. Council also has a duty to respond to your complaint in a reasonable manner.
There are a number of ways councils are held accountable to the communities they represent:
All local governments are required to have in place a code of conduct for mayors and councilors. This outlines expectations for ethical behaviour and establishes a general complaints process, to ensure a fair, effective and independent response to written complaints about council decisions.
Councils must provide the community with information on their performance through corporate and operational plans, revenue policies and budgets, and by reporting outcomes in financial statements and annual reports.
Councils must conduct their business openly and consult with the community before making any new local laws, planning schemes or corporate plans
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation publishes comparative information on the performance of councils that may assist to interpret how effectively council is operating.
If you have a complaint about a decision of council, the service your council provides, or a councilor’s conduct, you can contact council’s customer service area, which may be able to quickly address your concern.
However, if a telephone or in person conversation does not resolve the matter to your satisfaction, it is recommended you write and make an official complaint.
Council is required under legislation to respond to public complaints against its decisions and other actions, in a fair and effective manner.
If you are not satisfied with the response to your complaint or request for information, review bodies exist that may be able to help.
The Queensland Ombudsman will impartially investigate complaints against councils. It considers the administrative action of the council and determines whether the action was taken in a lawful and reasonable manner. The Ombudsman provides a free and independent service, and may make recommendations back to councils.
The Anti-Discrimination Commission also has a role to ensure the basic right of all people to fair treatment, regardless of their circumstances or background.
If you have reason to believe there has been official misconduct involving a council employee or a councilor, you should go straight to the Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC). Official misconduct can involve carrying out duties dishonestly or in a way that lacks impartiality, breaching the trust placed in the position, or breaching confidentially. It may include fraud, bribery, misuse of powers and corruption. You should telephone the CMC first to ensure your concerns do constitute official misconduct, as this is a very serious criminal charge.
If you disagree with a council decision or are concerned about its impact, you have the right to question that decision, seek an explanation, suggest alternatives or make an appeal.