Consultation and complaints
This section is about solving problems. We all, at some time, may have trouble with an organisation like our local council, and need to know is how to sort things out.
This section should be used in conjunction with other parts of the Guide to Local Government. The Guide is intended to help in understanding your council and working with it to solve problems. Information in other sections, particularly What Councils Do may contain specific information that you need to solve a problem.
Communicate with the council
The first step in making a complaint, or resolving a problem with your council is to communicate with the council to clarify the problem and try to sort it out as simply as possible. Councils value constructive feedback that helps them improve their services. Read more
Consultation and objections
Councils consult their communities about a number of decisions and issues. This may mean that you can make a formal submission about a matter of concern to you or object to a proposed decision. Read more
Public information
Some information about councils and about council activities, which may assist in resolving a problem, is publicly available. This includes information that councils voluntarily provide as well as information that is required to be available by law. Read more
Taking it further
While most problems can be solved by an initial communication with the council, there are times when it is necessary to make a more formal complaint with the council. This should be done before making a formal complaint to another organisation. Read more.
Other organisations
This section provides details of a number of organisations that may be able to assist you if you haven’t been able to work out your problem with the council. Read more.
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