8. Complaints, Grievances & Discipline

Not every concern follows the same pathway — the table below is a guide. If you're not sure which applies, contact the club's MPIO or the General Manager.

Type of matter	Where it goes
Bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse or victimisation	SLSA/SLSWA — integrity@slsa.asn.au, or via the SLS Members Hub complaint portal
Child safety concern	Club MPIO or President immediately — don't wait. Call 000 if a child is at immediate risk.
Breach of the Club Constitution, By-Laws or a Board resolution	Club Disciplinary Committee — see The Club Disciplinary Process
Patrol default, competition eligibility or membership compliance	Managed under the relevant club policy, escalated to the Board where membership action is needed
Dispute between members, or a member and the club, about the Constitution	Grievance Procedure — see that page for details
Dissatisfaction with club services, events or decisions	General Manager first, then the Board if unresolved

The MPIO role

A Member Protection Information Officer listens, explains your options, and points you to the right pathway — they don't investigate complaints or decide outcomes themselves. The club's current MPIOs are Cas Ryan, Hayden Marchetto and Sophie Lawson, reachable via admin@triggisland.com. SLSWA also maintains its own MPIO network if you'd rather go outside the club, or if a conflict of interest makes the club's own MPIO unsuitable.

The Board can convene a Disciplinary Committee where a member is alleged to have breached the Constitution, By-Laws or a Board resolution; acted in a way unbecoming of a member or prejudicial to the club's interests; or brought themselves, another member, the club or surf lifesaving into disrepute. The Board won't establish a Committee for allegations that are vexatious, trifling or frivolous.

How it works

• The Board may provisionally suspend the member concerned once a Disciplinary Committee is established, pending its finding
• The Committee is made up of the Vice-President and two Life Members, nominated each season — a substitute is appointed if a member has a conflict of interest
• You'll receive written notice of the allegation between 14 and 28 days before the hearing, including your right to attend, respond, call witnesses and submit a written statement
• The hearing follows the principles of natural justice — you'll have a genuine opportunity to be heard before any determination is made
• Possible outcomes range from an educative process, to a fine, to suspension or expulsion — the Committee's findings are notified to you in writing within 7 days
• Appeals against a Committee decision follow the SLSA regulations and appeals process

The Club's grievance procedure applies specifically to disputes about the Constitution — between one member and another, or between a member and the club. It's a different pathway from the disciplinary process (which covers conduct breaches) and from the MPIO/SLSA process (which covers member protection matters) — see Raising a Concern if you're unsure which applies to your situation.

1. Attempt direct resolution — the parties meet, in person or by agreed technology, and try to resolve the dispute within 14 days of it coming to everyone's attention
2. Refer to the Tribunal — if resolution isn't reached at that meeting, or a party doesn't attend, either party can refer the matter to the WA State Administrative Tribunal within 10 days

Support along the way

Being involved in any complaint or dispute — as the person raising it, responding to it, or a witness — can be stressful. The Club MPIO, the General Manager, SLSWA's independent MPIO network, and Lifeline (13 11 14, 24-hour crisis support) are all available. You don't have to manage a complaint process alone.