Local Government Act 2019

(1) The council may conduct a further investigation or alternative resolution of the complaint with the assistance of a third party chosen by the council if:

(a) the complaint involves the principal member or the deputy principal member; or

(b) the council considers the alleged misconduct is more than trivial but is not serious misconduct or gross misconduct; or

Examples of third parties for subsection (1)

1 A mediator.

2 An alternate dispute resolution specialist.

(2) Any third party assisting the council under subsection (1) must provide the council with their findings and recommendations as to the resolution of the complaint, including any sanctions.

(3) After the investigation is completed and the council receives any findings and recommendations of a third party assisting the council, the council must determine whether misconduct occurred.