Local Government Pecuniary Interest Tribunal of New South Wales
- The Local Government Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal of New South Wales was a former body that handled complaints about NSW local councils. It started on 1 July 1993. On 1 January 2005 its name changed to Local Government Pecuniary Interest Tribunal to reflect more duties. On 1 January 2014 its functions were merged into the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
- Appointment: The Governor of New South Wales may appoint a tribunal member. The person must be a lawyer eligible to be a judge of the NSW Supreme Court or the District Court; retired judges are also eligible. The governor may appoint a deputy. The current member is David Officer KC.
- What it did: It had exclusive power to hear complaints about mayors and local councillors failing to disclose pecuniary interests. A pecuniary interest means a financial stake in a matter.
- How complaints work: Usually a complaint starts with the Director-General of the NSW Department of Local Government, who may refer it to the tribunal. From 2005, the tribunal could also decide misconduct referred by the director-general. The director-general can investigate and either handle it or refer it to the tribunal, and may suspend a person. If suspended, the person may appeal to the tribunal; the tribunal’s decision on the appeal is final.
- Proceedings: The tribunal could hold public or private hearings, generally open to the public. It can issue documents or summon witnesses. People may have legal representation and may be required to answer questions, even if they are incriminating. Contempt can be referred to the Supreme Court.
- Outcomes: Decisions are made on the balance of probabilities. If found in breach, the tribunal could counsel, reprimand, suspend, or disqualify, and may recommend other actions. Appeals go to the NSW Supreme Court.
- Location: Suite 1, Level 3, Stockland House, 181 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 06:43 (CET).