Internal Ombudsman

Page Updated: March 1, 2011

Office of the Internal Ombudsman

The Office of the Internal Ombudsman was established in 2003 to improve Warringah Council's accountability. Councils receive considerable public funds in rates and charges, which they have a duty to spend wisely, effectively and to the benefit of the community. They also exercise a great deal of authority in relation to a range of matters that affect the community such as planning and development, traffic and parking, health regulations, dog control and so on. The Office of the Internal Ombudsman’s main purpose is to ensure that all Council’s dealings with the community are fair, transparent and accountable. As Warringah Council essentially exists to serve the public interest, the Office of the Internal Ombudsman seeks to ensure that Council acts to serve the public interest and carries out all its business in an ethical and accountable manner.

Mission of the Office of the Internal Ombudsman:

Champion excellence in probity and accountability through independent and professional complaint handling, investigations and audit.

The Office provides a complaints management service to the community. Any person can make a complaint to the Office about alleged misconduct or maladministration by Council or Council officers. Complaints are accepted from both members of the community and from Council staff. Where appropriate, the Office conducts enquiries or investigations in response to complaints or to other identified issues of concern. Council’s systems and processes are reviewed through the Internal Audit function thus providing opportunities for improvement. The Office of the Internal Ombudsman also gives guidance and advice to the General Manager and Council officers about how to improve probity and reduce the likelihood of maladministration or misconduct. This is done by both addressing requests for advice and by proactively educating Council in relation to ethical standards and the Code of Conduct.