While specific determination reports are already publicly accessible, broader, consolidated data such as sector-wide complaint volumes and trends have not previously been published.
As we approach the end of the current council term, releasing this information aims to provide communities and the local government sector with clearer visibility into how the framework is operating, including changes that have occurred over time.
Key findings
The report highlights three trends:
- A recent, general decline in complaints made, aligning with the introduction of mandatory dispute resolution requirements in 2025.
- A substantial increase in the proportion of complaints being generated internally by either other elected members or council staff, representing a shift in how the framework is accessed and utilised.
- The observation that the majority of upheld complaints and framework costs are concentrated within a small subset of highly active councils.
Future reporting
The current report serves as a point-in-time release. The Office of Local Government intends to transition this reporting into a permanent, public-facing online dashboard. This is part of ongoing efforts to renew performance reporting arrangements for the local government sector.