Compliance Officer Course

Price: $3,000 GST

Format: Online modules 3-day Face-to-Face intensive

Next Course Starts: October 2025

Who is this course for?

Are you new to the vital role of a Compliance Officer, or perhaps looking to deepen your expertise in legislation and compliance? This course is perfectly suited for you. It's also an excellent opportunity for Council Rangers ready to advance their careers in the dynamic field of compliance.

What You'll Learn

This program provides a thorough understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Compliance Officers within local government. While the specific scope of work can vary, the core statutory requirements remain consistent across jurisdictions. To excel, Compliance Officers need a solid grasp of:

• Relevant Legislation: Navigate the legal landscape effectively.


• Policy: Understand how policies shape compliance efforts.


• Compliance Requirements: Stay current with traditional, new, and emerging trends.

Compliance Officers make a significant impact on society by fostering and enforcing compliance, ensuring community and Council expectations are met.

Key Learning Outcomes

To competently fulfil your duties, this course will equip you with a strong understanding of:

• The essential roles and responsibilities of a Compliance Officer.


• The requirements of crucial legislation.


• The NSW Planning System.


• The National Construction Code (BCA).


• How to effectively plan, initiate, conduct, and finalise compliance investigations.


• The responsibilities of other stakeholders involved in compliance matters.


• Strategies to achieve positive and impact results 

The Course Structure

Topic 1 - The Roles and Responsibilities of the Development Control Officer

Development Compliance Officers are responsible for making sure that all building use and development activities within the local government area comply with relevant laws, regulations, and planning approvals. In this topic we cover the requirements for:

• Inspecting and monitoring development


• Investigating complaints


• Initiating enforcement action


• Reporting


• Advisory roles


• Record Keeping

Topic 2 – The NSW Planning System

In this topic we delve into the Intricacies of the NSW planning system with a particular focus on the:

• Statutory Planning and Construction requirements prescribed in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulations.


• Environmental Planning Instruments (SEPP’s and LEP’s) and Development Control Plans


• Development Consent


• Complying Development Consents (CDC’s)


• Exempt Development 

Topic 3 – The National Construction Code – BCA

In this topic, we look at the fundamental requirements of the National Construction Code Volumes 1 & 2 (BCA) as they relate to the functions of the DCO with a focus on:

ü  How to find the NCC online, and the role of the Australian Building Codes Board

ü  The relevance of the NCC (BCA) to the functions of the DCO

ü  When do we need to apply the requirements of the BCA.

ü  The difference between Volume 1, Volume 2 and the Housing Provisions

ü  The Governing Requirements of the NCC as a “performance based” document

ü  How to identify different classes of buildings

ü  The main differences between the requirements for class 1a, Class 1b as compared to a Class 10

Topic 4 – The Legislation relevant to the statutory functions of the DCO

The functions of a compliance officer in the local government are governed by legislation. Typically, the legislation prescribes the officer's powers, responsibilities, and processes for ensuring that they fulfill their statutory duties appropriately.

In this topic we will focus on the legislation that impacts on the functions of the DCO.  We will look at the legislative requirements for initiating and taking enforcement action including:

ü  Investigation and evidence gathering

ü  Delegated authority

ü  Serving Notices and Orders

ü  Powers of entry

ü  Powers to obtain information

ü  Evidence Gathering

ü  Recording evidence

The legislation that we will focus on includes but is not limited to the following and their respective Regulation:

ü  Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

ü  Local Government Act 1993

ü  Protection of Environment Operations Act 1997

ü  Food Act 2003

ü  Fine Act 1996

Topic 5 – Investigating and Taking Action on Alleged Offences and Breaches

In this topic we explore the best practices to investigate and acting on alleged offences and breaches. We will look at:

ü  How complaints are received

ü  How to establish their legitimacy

ü  The investigative powers from a legal perspective

ü  The investigation process from receiving compliant to taking appropriate action

ü  The requirements before entering onto a site

ü  The requirements for attending the scene

ü  How to collect, interpret and present evidence for legal action on behalf of Council

Topic 6 – Initiating Legal Action

  In this topic, we cover the requirements for initiating legal action including:

ü  Identifying the relevant Notices and Orders that must be issued

ü  How to prepare an order

ü  The requirements for Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness

ü  Statute of Limitation

ü  Issues for consideration

ü  The requirements for issuing a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN)

ü  The requirements of the Fine Act 1996

ü  The role of NSW Revenue

ü  How to prepare Affidavits and briefs of evidence when required

ü  Court Proceedings and representation.