As recommended by the NSW Ombudsman, our current complaint policy currently outlines Tiers 1-3 of complaint management but now clearer guidance is given to the different types of complaints and how complaints should be made to ensure we capture information at the first contact which facilitates more efficient resolution. Crime in Port Macquarie. Safety in Port Macquarie - Numbeo Byabarra farmer Steven Gates has lodged a complaint with the Independent Commission Against Corruption against Council over its level of services. For example, a complaint is made if a councillor is accused of finger-pointing or abuse for simply raising a point of order in a meeting, when in fact points of order are allowed. We live in an environment where anonymous people can make complaints - what can you do about it. /ID [<90B104942E7EBB43B39C2C74C74D0277><36332D45332D39352D42312D43412D43>] Lismore Council recorded the most complaints with 52 recorded costing $82,614 in investigation costs, resulting in two breaches of the Code. <>/PageUIDList<0 211>>/PageWidthList<0 595.276>>>>>>/Resources<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0 0 595.276 841.89]/Type/Page>> Council's around NSW have seen a significant spike in the number of complaints and the cost to deal with them in the past two years. Group Manager Customer Experience, Communications & Corporate Affairs, Draft Customer Complaints Policy (259 KB) (pdf), Customer Complaints Policy (Adopted December 2019) (66.5 KB) (pdf), Complaints handling flowchart (53.7 KB) (pdf), Policy Review - Draft Customer Complaints Policy, how we manage customer complaints and customer requests, the role of our Internal Ombudsman and the availability of internal review if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint and to. There are many benefits of making a complaint and telling someone about your problem. 11 0 obj zBEO0} F1a^\*Gk d5H*OxdqdZMU4bs$El"d-MVL[. ax3r:=I1T!-ZkJT.gY3t]heS$R6?tXa]_;;_;?4X`j?4X?+\/H_ky|UYlY~vPt>_Z 3A%{{R0 There are many benefits of making a complaint and telling someone about your problem. Be very wary of politicians sounding the youth crime alarm. Complaints can: increase the chance of getting a better outcome help others in similar situations 12 0 obj If a member of the public wishes to observe, or listen in to, an electronic hearing, please contact the Chambers of the presiding Judge or Registrar via email by 8.30am on the morning of the hearing. Not to be confused with customer requests, complaints tell us about customer dissatisfaction with either. This is subject to a Judge or Registrar's usual discretion to determine that in particular cases, only certain people should be present . Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. Search their online public register. What are the key differences between the old and new draft policies? These policies are available to download in the document library to the right (or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). Cr Levido asked general manager Craig Swift-McNair directly if he could confirm how many complaints were made against him, the results of any investigations against him as a councillor and whether there had been any breach of his duties identified. Learn more. Find out what to do and what information you'll need to provide. This is a robbery of $51,000 of community money by complaints that should never occur in a council, but they have," Cr Pinson said. We are committed to seeking and receiving feedback and complaints about our services, systems, practices, procedures, operations and complaint handling. Cr Intemann and Cr Geoff Hawkins requested the general manager make a representation to the Department of Local Government to consider strengthening how the code can be formally enforced, as well as how to provide more detail about the complaint so councils can analyse issues raised and put in place corrective measures if necessary. Read our Privacy Policy. A statement issued by Bellingen Shire Council confirmed this had been an administrative error. Home - Port Macquarie Hastings Council - Logo, If your issue is not listed under any of the above topics, you can still, Type the characters you see in the image below, Connecting to water (Section 305/307 compliance), Works & activities within a public road reserve, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, Graffiti Management Mural Project - Stage 1 & 2, Building, construction & development forms, hazardous pollution issues (e.g. A further report will be tabled at a future meeting of Council, detailing the submissions received from the public during the exhibition period. [email protected] Mail Reach us by posted mail. "If you look objectively at the process they (ratepayers) would be shocked at what went on," Cr Levido said. "After that, I got a five page rambling document that was a record of the matter. <>stream You have a right to complain about the services you get. "A lot of time, effort and expense goes into investigating these complaints but the reality is the investigation often results in very little action taken. :5m x <2>(|m!,..NO1yr?FI ShV0CR6!pgKS@:nki`J_\ec"qJ|qMQpq]@0AnxA0WF \=9}H!c|U'heuNV=02XB,S%1 oz Y$FK),k&%A6Z$'v1:+KN+sUu9~P8)#/gp$5cT78q( }_cY3SZBi&bei4Er8Amb\,"Lt[PQk.^kP{c8>&wK:EA05%WUMdsgdPk% /hXeM.J6Vh_r""8T"f04j1SyTbwYc5Q4%6zsV2n1kd %'|gE{5Wwk_lSFeAg6?QLW(Wg.S^tS!`!~sTtg^o{.Q\ [y!R.1$YS!yGIg Ph: 6581 8111, 17 Burrawan Street Public Interest disclosures also covers local government, Parliament, and also some private sector operators. "What I think is shocking and disgraceful is the process. Your stories matter to us and so does local journalism. Confidentiality is important, but seriously I'm not told who lodged the complaint? Photo: File IT was a $64,000 question that amounted to nothing. We have reviewed our Customer Complaints Policy to make sure we are clearly communicating: This helps us to collect all relevant information in the first instance so that we minimise the time to achieve an outcome or let you know of our decision. Hd5(8p6asnh3;6rc^UgX IbYY"b hm$#%&Fbkao21v2q>V"[5feGG>:0E&i9Q[ao 4)-)GAx^adehd@ ge%){MS?,8gdu`A=~8skq%fG8qp0G^4z/K=A|64QJGAuXhz4qb6.=GLp~{b'auM]4[uX="^f&*p$ZEW7i |R?D M4zC>{kh'n8xWRqG@j Otu0\AadS4F6pdb{aGFt p\, Kc5m'n4V A Byabarra farmer has taken his - Port Macquarie News - Facebook 8^:9may \$V@/]M#Tde)A< XzJ)]MbKe 9d}fLnxXO5uE50,D3CRnoe,3w7ssKtC]lN Port Macquarie NSW 2444. Make a call, email us, find the right form or visit the right webpage by clicking the buttons below. Hearings can be observed by any member of the public. Your feedback should be received no later than Friday 20 November 2020. Access unlimited content, the digital versions of our print editions - Today's Paper, as well as the Newcastle Herald app. The Port News has been at the heart of its community for more than 135 years. Phone: 1300 352 000 (National Enquiry Centre) Hearings can be observed by any member of the public. endobj Copyright Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia 2022, Divorce, separation, children, finances and property and other family law matters, The Court can review some decisions made under the Migration Act 1958, Fair work, bankruptcy, admiralty, consumer law, administrative law, human rights, intellectual property, and other matters. PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. He also asked if council will inform him of the results of any complaints made against him. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders, past, present and emerging. Level of crime: 34.81: Low: Crime increasing in the past 3 years: 64.25: High: Worries home broken and things stolen: 34.11: Low: Worries being mugged or robbed: In 2016 and 2017, there were no code of conduct complaints for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Contact us for any help on browser support. Customer Service. Ask a question, lodge a service request, report a local issue or provide feedback through an online form. "If we can't have a de-identified analysis of those complaints we will never understand if those complaints are simply vexatious. College to strengthen focus on opportunity in 2020, Top 10 sporting moments from 2019 around the Hastings, 'Exceptional year': flying fox numbers skyrocket at Port Macquarie camp, Enfield tops the local charge, but not by enough to take out Junior Surf Pro, Surf, skate and music attracts thousands to fundraising festival, Tale of two halves, Pirates brilliant in the first, ordinary in the second, Pop culture characters take centre stage at Cosplay event, 'Clover's Law': Timbertown doubles down on no dog policy after pet's death, Terms and Conditions - Digital Subscription, Terms and Conditions - Newspaper Subscription. If your issue is an EMERGENCY, call us directly on (02) 6581 8111 for issues such as: burst water mains sewerage leak tree fallen over the road hazardous pollution issues (e.g. Read our Privacy Policy. David Crosbie. Any further enquiries, please contact Councils Group Manager Customer Experience and Communications, Jane Ree on telephone (02) 6581 8111 or email to [email protected]. xc`````z f2 Home - Port Macquarie Hastings Council - Logo, Connecting to water (Section 305/307 compliance), Works & activities within a public road reserve, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, Graffiti Management Mural Project - Stage 1 & 2, Building, construction & development forms. While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. We recognise, promote and protect the rights of individuals or organisations to make a complaint, and will respond to complaints in a timely and confidential manner. Port Macquarie NSW 2444. Port Macquarie-Hastings councillors call for transparency after %PDF-1.7 Find out what complaints we can help with. "I consider that money has been taken away from important assets to our community. If the Department of Local Government tells us we can't reveal de-identified information, then we should throw our hands in the air. "What has escalated this? Feel free to post community notifications, community events and advertise your business offerings, t Port Macquarie and Surrounds Community Notice Board. The draft Customer Complaints policy will be on exhibition from Wednesday 23 March - Friday 22 April and is available to view in the document library to the right (or below if viewing this page on a mobile device). Please share your thoughts with us on the draft Policies: Your feedback should be received no later than Friday 20 November 2020. Nobody has come back and told me the result of that. 8 0 obj "There is no doubt that some people use code of conducts as a way to score cheap political points at a significant cost to the council and their community. Nambucca Valley Council had one Code of Conduct complaint and spent $120 investigating, however, the complaint was found to not be in breach of the Code. Part 2: Staff strategies for responding to unreasonable conduct, Part 3: Communication and unreasonable conduct, Part 4: Management responsibilities and supporting staff, Part 5: Restricting and controlling access, Effective complaint management systems workshop, Managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant workshop, Public interest disclosures management training, Supporting young people to make complaints and advocate for systems change workshop, Child Death Review Team / Reviewable Deaths, Submissions to Parliamentary Committees and other bodies, Public Interest Disclosures Annual Reports / PID Steering Committee, Annual reports relating to former functions, Monitor operation of the Mandatory Disease Testing Act, Oversee public interest disclosures (whistleblowing), Email or post this page in social media sites, increase the chance of getting a better outcome, let agencies and service providers know there are problems, and help them improve their services, provide you with an explanation for why something has happened. Read our Privacy Policy. Were keen to hear what you think about the following draft policies: Were working on a broader customer experience strategy and your thoughts and opinions about how we can do better will guide our approach. PDF Revised Customer Complaints Policy We support people with disability, Aboriginal peoples and have information in easy English and other languages. We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who choose to call Port Macquarie Hastings home. What would you like to report? - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council We are working hard to be better at: A key step in this is updating the policies that govern how we deliver service to our customers and how we respond to complaints. This helps us to collect all relevant information in the first instance so that we minimise the time to achieve an outcome or let you know of our decision. "Three months ago, I got a phone call from a gentleman telling me he was in investigator appointed by council to investigate complaints for breaching the code of conduct. If you are unhappy with the way you've been treated by a NSW Government agency or community service provider, you can make a complaint. We can help people who have been unfairly treated by community services that are run or funded by the government. Contact us for any help on browser support. We care about the protection of your data. Access unlimited content, the digital versions of our print editions - Today's Paper, as well as the Newcastle Herald app. Details of all registered JP's in our region can be accessed via the NSW Communities & Justice website. "In line with the Procedures for the Administration of the Code of Conduct Part 11, council is required to report annually the total number of code of conduct complaints made about councillors and the general manager under the code of conduct in the year to September," the statement said. Group Manager Customer Experience and Communications, Draft Unreasonable Customer Conduct Policy, Draft Customer Experience Policy (235 KB) (pdf), Draft Customer Complaints Policy (236 KB) (pdf), Draft Unreasonable Customer Conduct Council Policy (129 KB) (pdf), Delivering a customer experience that aligns with customer expectation, Using technology to unlock smarter, more efficient ways of how we deliver services, Building the communitys trust and confidence in us. <>stream A step-by-step guide to making a complaint. x[hgvmP,i " rX6,+&w\:"wS_6z9b@hyO]K7=EHzshy4]Xii]LBXL#wb-uWr[g#tx,kj,-a]L:j:2eVdO4M QBdL/Ws5l/q68>T"B#WVA -\f1q@#N9K?r9`U@GI,q$X0cD%#=Y#A' [__yp.>c:VNgq38|jg{:^/daG37?KqN\'OwWyO Some content on this page may not display correctly. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. Our Minister for Local Government should have a look at the complaints, not just in our council and what is going on, but in other councils as well.". If you work for NSW public sector. A Byabarra farmer has taken his complaints against Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's handling of its unsealed road network to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). Georges River Council spent more than $201,000 investigating 17 complaints of which only three breached the Code. <>>> Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has announced further workplace reform changes with firebrand CEO Clare Allen appointing new internal ombudsman to the team. We're here to help! E: [email protected] endobj You can report most issues online. Figures released by the Office of Local Government (OLG) revealed that no complaints had been lodged against Bellingen Council but $64,019 had been spent dealing with Code of Conduct investigations. Ruby Pascoe. Port Macquarie and Surrounds Community Notice Board. - Facebook The new policy has new sections which detail the policy Principles, Responsibilities and now includes a Flowchart which depicts what happens we we receive a complaint and how it is managed. Ph: 6581 8111, 17 Burrawan Street Part 1: What is unreasonable conduct by a complainant? See our latest news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or subscribe to one of our newsletters. MidCoast Council had two complaints and spent $0 investigating; ultimately, none of the complaints breached the Code. "If we don't know, or can't analyse the inside of these complaints, we will never understand whether what is said is true.". Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. "When one council is spending in excess of $200,000 in one year to simply deal with code of conduct complaints, serious questions must be asked," Mr Warren said. all the different ways you can get in touch with us. Access unlimited content, the digital versions of our print editions - Today's Paper, as well as the Newcastle Herald app. x1`vibTp&08#XI#7L%NOX=~|6{\q}M/_IL)fqqX K Customer requests are the main reason that customers contact us. Cr Justin Levido, who drew the spotlight on himself at the December council meeting, said the code of conduct procedure is "an absolute disgrace". You can report most issues online. << /Linearized 1 /L 53399 /H [ 736 147 ] /O 11 /E 50188 /N 1 /T 53153 >> A customer request is when a customer rings or writes or fills out a request online to ask us to do something - like fix a road or ask for us to address some maintenance. Court and Crime | Port Macquarie News | Port Macquarie, NSW )N}R%$LtE^z4;{zUn(qmkR\1ZAEDy4.*5 stream Deputy mayor Cr Lisa Intemann said if there is no way to "de-identify" information without breaching the confidentiality clause of the code, then there is also no way of putting in place corrective measures to improve behaviour; or even determine if a person, or a group of people, are simply making spurious claims against a councillor. Bellingen Shire Council had a clean slate. Bail granted to Mid North Coast man charged with selling drugs on dark web, Lehrmann defamation cases survive serious challenge, Two arrested during investigation into Gordon Street hit-and-run crash, Be very wary of politicians sounding the youth crime alarm, Police appeal for information following alleged hit-and-run, pursuit, $30m meth stuffed into duffel bags seized in NSW, 'Media frenzy': Why judge kept Lehrmann application secret, 'Beset by tension': Inquiry hears #MeToo movement likely affected Lehrmann case, Elderly pedestrian critical, police searching for Hilux that 'sped off', Terms and Conditions - Digital Subscription, Terms and Conditions - Newspaper Subscription. We acknowledge the Birpai people, the traditional owners of the land in which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. endstream There were 14 complaints in 2018 costing Port Macquarie-Hastings Council $51,000 in investigation fees. Depending on the complaint, the . 9 0 obj Find information on our council, and their contact details. CfZE-n% Policies Port Macquarie Hastings Council "If the Department of Local Government tells us we can't reveal de-identified information, then we should throw our hands in the air.". endstream Making a complaint - NSW Ombudsman 13 0 obj /Size 36 /Prev 53154 k9Q4X\NJmF hC1l':nyz"U+A ]L\j>FeT4 o[.HR7 e'N\nB92I@EEi#i 5u-/x,:D1U(2[sjZ:gf)SZ`T+}#K7PRI?djgi[B"M&Q*O^f jhE We acknowledge the Birpai people, the traditional owners of the land in which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. $1000 a week is spent on this rubbish.". endobj 9 Laurie Street Laurieton NSW 2443. "I'm horrified and our community should be too. . Your digital subscription includes access to content from all our websites in your region. asbestos, chemicals in water) We acknowledge the Birpai people, the traditional owners of the land in which we work and live, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. Port Macquarie: Council creates new role to weed out old ways Recently we undertook a significant review of how we deliver service to our customers. /Info 6 0 R endobj Coffs Harbour City Council had five complaints and spent $9669 investigating; only one of the complaints was found to breach the Code of Conduct. Shadow Minister for Local Government, Greg Warren, said a major overhaul of the Model Code of Conduct was need to ensure the system was efficient, effective and not used for political point scoring purposes at the expense of councils and their communities. Two arrested during investigation into Gordon Street hit-and-run crash. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. Add data for Port Macquarie. IT was a $64,000 question that amounted to nothing. In 2018 there were two and in 2019, 14 complaints were lodged. One of them was justified to the extent it has been referred to someone else, one was knocked out at the beginning and 12 more have been investigated and found there was nothing to them," Cr Intemann said. << /Type /XRef /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 109 /W [ 1 2 1 ] /Index [ 7 29 ] IN the last two years, code of conduct complaints against council and councillors have cost Port Macquarie-Hastings ratepayers more than $51,000 in investigation expenses. We care about the protection of your data. PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. Let us know your thoughts on Council's project and activities using our online community engagement hub, Have Your Say. stream 4 talking about this. What's your customer experience? | Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Have endstream Port Macquarie Subject: Ordinary Council meeting held on 17/03/2022 - Item 11.04 Policy Review - Customer Complaint Policy - Attachment Draft Customer Complaints Handling Flowchart Keywords: Ordinary Council meeting held on 17/03/2022 - Item 11.04 Policy Review - Customer Complaint Policy - Attachment Draft Customer Complaints Handling . Post your response to Customer Experience Feedback, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Figures released by the OLG show the number of Code of Conduct complaints rose by 63 per cent from 241 in 2017/18 to 395 in 2019/20. 49 High Street Wauchope NSW 2446. What are the key differences between the old and new draft policies? Find us at one of our customer service centres. ?.ArOqKc+]'5qTe)?x % endobj Mayor Peta Pinson also requested the general manager provide the code of conduct complaint statistics since 2016 to the Minister for Local Government. PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Contact a Councillor Find information on our council, and their contact details. We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who choose to call Port Macquarie Hastings home. If you look objectively at the process they (ratepayers) would be shocked at what went on. "I agree with Cr Levido that in the great majority of cases complaints come from the community and not councillors and that there must be something done to make this a more reasonable and lawful process," Cr Intemann said. Street Address: Port Macquarie Local Court, 22-26 Murray Street, Port Macquarie. Policy Review - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Have Your Say And it has raised the ire of some councillors who question the validity of the process and the intent of the complainants. What happens after you make a complaint. Office of Local Government release Model Code of Conduct complaints investigations costs November 17 2021 - 3:00pm Council's all around NSW have seen a significant spike in the number of complaints and the cost to deal with them in the past two years. In some cases we need more information and request you contact us directly in these instances. Port Macquarie NSW 2444. /Root 9 0 R Bellingen Shire Council was listed among councils across the state for expenditure on investigating complaints. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. endobj In some cases we need more information and request you contact us directly in these instances. This is subject to a Judge or Registrars usual discretion to determine that in particular cases, only certain people should be present during the hearing, or that certain people are not to be present during the hearing. the best way to lodge a complaint or a request for service (which is via our website). Police appeal for . Kempsey Shire Council, Nambucca Valley Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, MidCoast Council and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council all had at least one complaint. HWAn$7+({=RLv,r%Hv>kyk~v[u=q_b7}.8#_`n\iulGZ2rC'2sACf8Ja-FG,G6>UPmXZ;qAB[OoI(pfI/~cw/">iFB('O2@y" 4_BW%l.?/n{.`h;KW:lTW%ej'D|k')J%LAlp`r'v&,#X K$>lMX;`vyH3~A9A:ERS6Qy%t0 n":kO:% 6xEx9Kg,Ib.1K`vc|K]DyD@S%S2;8=ki zoE*0]J)H We can help you make a complaint. We review the information you give us and decide what action to take. Reach our customer service team during business hours, Monday to Friday on (02) 6581 8111. Some content on this page may not display correctly. The new policy also reflects recent changes such as the appointment of an Internal Ombudsman, and the introduction of an Internal Staff Speakup program to strengthen our culture. Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as [email protected], Reach us by posted mail.PO Box 84, Port Macquarie NSW 2444. asbestos, chemicals in water). For the latest COVID-19 news, updates and advice from the Australian Government, visit Australia.gov.au, Street Address: Port Macquarie Local Court, 22-26 Murray Street, Port Macquarie, Phone: 1300 352 000 (National Enquiry Centre). ABN: 11 236 901 601 7 0 obj Here areall the different ways you can get in touch with us. ,QZ0f`[mlKV 3P`Pff` A I don't know who lodged them (the complaints) or what is going on. HW[6Sc1r gndA%|l qX? Port Macquarie court list. Calls received outside of business hours are diverted to our after hours call centre. The cost in dealing with the complaints rose by 66 per cent in the same period from $958,463 to $1,593,416. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings and refresh the page. the best way to lodge a complaint or a request for service (which is via our website). We are publicly exhibiting the Customer Experience Policy, Customer Complaint Policy and Draft Unreasonable Customer Conduct Policy so that any member of the public can provide feedback on any or all of the policies between Friday, 23 October 2020 to Friday, 20 November 2020. We care about the protection of your data. If your issue is an EMERGENCY,call us directly on (02) 6581 8111for issues such as: E: [email protected] >> Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. Compare Port Macquarie with: Do you live in Port Macquarie? Ph: 6581 8111, 17 Burrawan Street According to the data, Kempsey Shire Council had five Code of Conduct complaints and spent $1107 investigating, but none of the complaints were found to breach the Code. Home - Port Macquarie Hastings Council - Logo. Contact us - Port Macquarie-Hastings Council That was three months ago and I have heard nothing since. PDF Complaints handling flowchart "Whilst council correctly reported zero complaints made about councillors and the general manager during the reporting period 2019-2020; there was an administrative error regarding the financial data accompanying the report, which should have read zero.". HWK719VUzf!>!vJ-f{,C?V=U&eq;%'^NTFM23wFd:'YauL'wo7)q&MYwUmDmI'U.~>{rS5!ll&8/>#u1HVQ;eV%"4+k,ZmIa7yc/1;ccsA~W7"$stdbsg{q"(1N9*!? To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE. Making a public interest disclosure (whistleblowing), Information in Easy Read and in other languages, Handling public interest disclosures (whistleblowing), PID responsibilities for public authorities, PIDs and the Government Information (Public Access) Act, Subscribe to the public interest disclosures newsletter, Automated decision-making in the public sector, Administrative Law and automated-decision making, Implementing automated decision-making systems, Managing unreasonable conduct by a complainant. Make a call, email us, find the right form or visit the right webpage by clicking the buttons below.