Internal Ombudsman

Page Updated: December 27, 2007

Office of the Internal Ombudsman

The Office of the Internal Ombudsman was established 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 primary mission is to ensure that all Council’s dealings with the community are fair, transparent and accountable.

In essence, Warringah Council only exists to serve the public interest. The Office of the Internal Ombudsman is an accountability institution to ensure that in every possible way, Council acts to serve the public interest.

The Office of the Internal Ombudsman does this firstly by providing a complaints management service to the community. Any person can make a complaint to this Office about misconduct or maladministration by Council or Council officers.

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. We do this by giving specific advice on request, or becoming involved in particular issues that often cause

problems such as the procurement of goods and services. This Office is also in the process of implementing a strategy across all of Council to improve policies and procedures that reduce or prevent fraud, maladministration, or corruption.