The statutory disturbance complaint process for individuals
In order to lodge a statutory disturbance complaint, you need to satisfy a number of criteria and ensure that you provide detailed information and supporting material to assist us in understanding the nature of the complaint.
Contact the venue directly
Attempt to resolve the issue with the venue first by discussing your concerns. This can be in person, over the phone, email or via text messages. The statutory disturbance complaint form will ask if you have spoken with anyone and will require the details of who you spoke to, what happened and when.
Find and organise authorising persons
If you are reporting an issue as an individual community member, you will need at least four people to support your complaint. You will need to supply an authorisation form for each person supporting your complaint. For a person to support your complaint, they will need to:
- Complete an authorisation form
- Live or work near the venue
- Live or work at a different address than you
- Live or work at a different address than other authorising persons
You will need to upload the completed authorisation forms to submit a statutory disturbance complaint.
Lodge a statutory disturbance complaint
Complete the statutory disturbance form. Before you start, make sure you have the following ready:
- Details of who you tried speaking to from the venue and what happened
- At least four completed authorisation forms
- Supporting material for the alleged disturbance issues. This may include a noise log or diary of the alleged disturbance, video or audio footage.
Receive confirmation email
You will receive a confirmation email stating that we’ve received your complaint. Please check your inbox and spam folder.
Report assessment
A case officer will manage your complaint and review the information you've provided. A formal assessment of the complaint and the venue's relevant compliance history will be carried out to decide if it is accepted for further investigation, or if no further action will be taken. You will be advised of the decision within 14 days if the complaint is not accepted.
Acceptance of complaint
The nature and complexity of the statutory disturbance process may influence our investigation time as we may also need to gather additional information from you and other parties, such as the venue, NSW Police and local council.
We will be in regular contact with you during the investigation process and aim to determine a complaint within six to nine months upon acceptance of a complaint.