How we manage reports of misconduct
Possible misconduct within the Queensland public sector can come to our attention through complaints from members of the public and from within public sector agencies, or through our own investigative and intelligence activities.
Chief executive officers (including directors-general) of public sector agencies and other public officials are obliged by law to notify us of suspected misconduct.
Assessment
When we receive a complaint alleging misconduct in the public sector, we assess how it should be handled, taking into account the particular circumstances of the case.
We assess the majority of complaints within 20 days. It may take longer if we need further information from you to clarify your complaint, or if we need to obtain information or documents from an agency.
Investigation
We will not always investigate the matter ourselves — in most cases, we will refer your complaint to the agency you are complaining about, because according to our legislation, misconduct in a public sector agency should generally be dealt with by the agency itself, as long as the public interest is safeguarded.
That agency will then:
- decide how to deal with your complaint
- tell you what they have decided
- let you know the outcome.
For further information about why we refer complaints to other agencies see:
Review
If you are unhappy with our service or how we have assessed your complaint, please contact us, and we will try to resolve the matter.
If you are still not satisfied, within two weeks of when we first notified you of our decision, you can ask us to review our assessment. This will be carried out by a senior CMC staff member (other than the one who made the original decision). You cannot request any further reviews.
As with any complaint about the CMC, you may also take your grievance to the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee which oversees our activities.
