Draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy

A review of the current Enforcement Policy, which was last adopted by Council in November 2013, has been undertaken in accordance with Council's rolling review schedule.

A common theme represented from Councillors and the community related to the “Matrix – allocation of resources risk matrix” and the failure of Council to accept and action (in any form) those requests considered “low risk”.

This has been addressed in the draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy whereby all requests will be received, however, the amount of resource allocated to the investigation of the request will be based upon available resources. As a minimum, a cooperation letter will be sent.

The key changes to the Policy are as follows:

• The title has been changed to better reflect the scope of the Policy.
• The Policy is based on the NSW Ombudsman 2015 Model Policy template and has been tailored to Wollongong City Council’s needs.
• The Private Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) Complaint Policy has now been incorporated into this Policy so as to reduce the need to refer to separate documents.
• The Policy still applies a proportionate approach to enforcement based on the level of risk and resources, however, all requests will now be accepted. An updated matrix has been included as an annexure to the Policy.
• The action undertaken by Council in response to a request will be proportionate to the quantum of resources available at the time. For example, where the number of requests exceeds the amount of resources available, requests may be actioned using compliance through voluntary action (letters of cooperation). Conversely, when resources are available, more detailed investigations may be conducted.

Council at its meeting on 17 July 2017 resolved to place the draft Compliance and Enforcement Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The draft policy can be found in the Document Library on this page.

To make a submission, please use the online feedback form below.

Alternatively, you can email comments to records@wollongong.nsw.gov.au or write to:

The General Manager
Wollongong City Council
Locked Bag 8821
Wollongong DC NSW 2500

Please make sure you read Council's Privacy Notification before making a submission.

Council will accept submissions up to Thursday 28 September 2017.