Not all complaints made to the IPSC will be investigated. After the IPSC receives a complaint, the Chair Commissioner will assign a single Commissioner (known as the investigating Commissioner) who will determine whether to investigate the conduct issue.
An investigating Commissioner may only decide to investigate a conduct issue if they:
- are reasonably satisfied there is sufficient evidence or information to justify an investigation, and
- have the complainant’s consent to investigate a conduct issue.
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023 sets out a detailed investigation framework including procedural fairness requirements, and powers to compel information and to require confidentiality.
Find out more on the process for a complainant.
Find out more on the process for a respondent.