These decisions show the types of issues we deal with and what the Ombudsman expects of agencies, including recommendations for administrative improvement.

January

City of Playford - Breach of council member code of conduct (2014/02542) (PDF, 80.2 KB)
Investigation of a complaint alleging a breach of the Local Government Act 1999 and the Code of Conduct for Council Members by a council member from the City of Playford. It was found that the council member did not breach the Local Government Act and/or the Code of Conduct as he was not carrying out his function as a public officer at the time of the incident; he was acting in a personal capacity as a resident/property owner.

May

Mid Murray Council - Breach of confidentiality (2015/00357) (PDF, 92.6 KB)
Investigation of allegations the council’s Chief Executive Officer had published confidential minutes in a council meeting agenda paper, contrary to the confidentiality provisions of the Local Government Act 1999.

June

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources - Delay in payment of contractors (2014/03852) (PDF, 114.3 KB)

Department of the Premier and Cabinet - Employment with incumbent supplier (2013/07046) (PDF, 60.9 KB)
Investigation of allegations employees of the department committed misconduct or maladministration in granting leave without pay and allowing a departmental executive to work with an incumbent supplier during a tender process.

July

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources - Failure to advise (2014/07915) (PDF, 88.9 KB)

Federation of Polish Organisations in SA Inc - Alleged misuse of funds received under a contractual agreement (2014/08340) (PDF, 91.5 KB)

September

District Council of Mallala - Breach of council member code of conduct (2015/05158) (PDF, 64.4 KB)

October

City of Salisbury - Breach of council member code of conduct (2014/07042) (PDF, 69.2 KB)

Department for Education and Child Development - Removal of a foster child (2015/04666) (PDF, 82.0 KB)

Department of the Premier and Cabinet - Tender process (2013/07046) (PDF, 104.7 KB)
Investigation of allegations that employees of the department committed misconduct or maladministration in organising a trip to New Zealand with an incumbent supplier during a tender process.

November

City of Mitcham - Emergency order (2015/04839) (PDF, 91.4 KB)
The Ombudsman investigated a complaint about the council’s failure to take action in relation to non-compliance with an emergency order issued by the council under the Development Act 1993 .

Mid Murray Council - Breach of council employee code of conduct (2014/07944) (PDF, 113.6 KB)

December

City of Charles Sturt - Declaration of interests (2015/05495) (PDF, 89.1 KB)
The Ombudsman investigated whether council members declared and appropriately managed relevant interests when seeking approval of discretionary ward allowances for the financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15.