About us

The Office of the Independent Assessor was established under the Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018 on 3 December 2018 as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to local government reform.

Further legislative changes commenced on 22 November 2023 in the Local Government (Councillor Conduct) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023.

What is the role of the Independent Assessor?

The Office of the Independent Assessor undertakes the initial assessment of all complaints about councillor conduct in Queensland.

It investigates misconduct complaints about mayors and councillors and, where appropriate, prepares applications for hearing by the independent Councillor Conduct Tribunal which decides misconduct matters.

Why do we need an Independent Assessor?

Previously, complaints about councillor conduct were assessed by a council’s CEO or the chief executive of the Department of Local Government.

The Queensland Government initiated an independent review of the councillor complaints process in 2016.

The Councillor Complaints Review: A fair, effective and efficient framework (PDF, 2.5 mb) recommended reform.

The Local Government (Councillor Complaints) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2018 established the OIA to investigate and assess councillor complaints, ensuring the process remains transparent and accountable.

How independent is the Independent Assessor?

The Independent Assessor reports directly to the Minister for Local Government. The amended Local Government Act 2009 states that the Independent Assessor is not subject to direction by another person in regard to exercising its powers.

What is the jurisdiction of the Independent Assessor?

The Independent Assessor has jurisdiction over the assessment of complaints made against all councillors in Queensland.