The Sydney council hit with more than 300 complaints in less than two years

Liverpool City Council in south-western Sydney has announced it will pursue legal action against the New South Wales Office of Local Government after receiving more than 300 formal code of conduct complaints within a span of just over two years. This decision follows repeated attempts by the council to engage the Office of Local Government regarding the high volume of complaints, which were met with either silence or rejection. At its most recent meeting, the council voted to seek legal counsel to initiate proceedings against the Office of Local Government, citing what it describes as the agency's apparent failure to fulfill its duties under the Local Government Act. The complaints date back to September 2024, when the council began recording a significant increase in reports related to alleged breaches of the model code of conduct established by the Office of Local Government. These rules are designed to address issues such as bullying, inappropriate disclosures, and other behaviors that could damage the reputation of a local government body. Between September 2025 and June 2026, the council recorded 161 complaints, with a notable spike of 57 cases in April alone. From September 2024 to August 2025, another 148 complaints were lodged. Prior to the local government elections held in September 2024, the council received only five complaints during the previous year. According to the council, the financial burden associated with handling these complaints has been substantial. Over the past 12 months ending in November 2025, the council spent approximately $311,897 addressing these issues, with 101 of the complaints specifically targeting councillors. The council has acknowledged that training sessions on the code of conduct have been conducted for all members, and it plans to release an updated report detailing the number and cost of complaints at its upcoming July meeting. A spokesperson for the Office of Local Government stated that it would refrain from commenting further on the situation given that Liverpool City Council has decided to consult legal advisors. Meanwhile, the office is reportedly engaged in discussions about potential reforms to the existing code of conduct framework. Additionally, a public inquiry into the council's operations, which examined allegations of misconduct, is anticipated to deliver its findings soon. The Local Government Act mandates that each council must implement a set of rules aligned with the model code of conduct developed by the Office of Local Government. Under this system, councils are primarily responsible for evaluating and managing complaints before potentially escalating them to the Office of Local Government for further investigation. Should a councillor be found guilty of violating the code, they could face disciplinary actions ranging from formal reprimands to referral to the Office of Local Government for additional measures. In light of these developments, the council has emphasized its commitment to adhering to the procedures outlined in the Local Government Act while awaiting the results of the ongoing inquiry. It expressed hope that the resolution of these complaints would serve as a valuable lesson for all parties involved. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could influence future interactions between local governments and the Office of Local Government, particularly concerning the enforcement of ethical standards and the management of internal disputes.