Integrity agencies and what they do

The Local Government Inspectorate is an independent agency that ensures Victorian councils follow the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

The Inspectorate receives complaints relating to breaches of the Act and monitors governance in councils across the state of Victoria. Lead by the Chief Municipal Inspector, the Inspectorate has the broadest remit and powers under the Act to examine matters related to council operations or investigate and prosecute offences.

As the dedicated integrity agency for councils, the Inspectorate has oversight for the activities of councils, councillors and candidates under the electoral provisions of the Act. The Inspectorate receives and reviews complaints related to electoral offences and works in partnership with other government agencies to ensure a fair and democratic election process.

Other Victorian integrity agencies include the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), which prevents and exposes public sector corruption and police misconduct in Victoria; the Victorian Ombudsman which receives complaints about actions or decisions made by Victorian public organisations; and the Victorian Auditor-General (VAGO), responsible for auditing the public sector.

The Inspectorate maintains confidentiality when dealing with all cases but is unable to provide protection under the Protected Disclosure Act 2012. IBAC and the Ombudsman can do so. Learn more about this process here.

Other integrity agencies

Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)

IBAC is Victoria’s independent anti-corruption agency. IBAC investigates and exposes corruption and misconduct, with priority given to serious and systemic matters.

IBAC also informs the public sector and the community about the detrimental effects of corruption and how to prevent it.

IBAC receives complaints and can conduct investigations based on the allegations in these complaints. IBAC can also initiate investigations into something within its jurisdiction at any time, known as an 'own motion' investigation.

Following an investigation, IBAC may make recommendations to the employer, government or Parliament.

Visit IBAC's website.

Victorian Ombudsman

The Victorian Ombudsman is an independent officer of the Victorian Parliament who investigates the action, decisions or conduct of the public sector and staff and local government in line with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.

The Ombudsman may investigate a complaint made by the public, or the public sector, or can start its own investigation.

Visit the Victorian Ombudsman's website.

Victorian Auditor General’s Office (VAGO)

The Auditor-General provides independent assurance to Parliament and the Victorian community on the state’s financial reporting and performance.

The Victorian Auditor-General’s Office conducts two types of audit:

• Financial and other attestation (independent written reports) audits assess whether the information contained in the financial statements and performance statements of public sector organisations is presented fairly and in accordance with Australian accounting standards and relevant legislation.
• Performance audits assess whether public sector agencies are achieving their objectives effectively and doing so economically and efficiently, and in compliance with relevant legislation.

The Auditor-General tables reports in Parliament on the results of these audits. Reports may include findings about risks to integrity such as on the probity in purchasing, management of major contracts, fraud prevention strategies and the accuracy of public reporting.

Visit VAGO's website.

Other agencies

The Inspectorate can only investigate certain types of complaints about councillors, council staff or council elections. Sometimes, other agencies or authorities are the appropriate agency for your complaint.

Please refer to the list below and be aware that these organisations may need to refer your matter elsewhere if they cannot assist.

Where to go if we can't help