Council Circular 24-12 Annual CPI adjustment to companion animal fees for 2024/25

The 2024/25 fees payable for registration and permits for companion animals have been adjusted for inflation under clauses 18 and 27 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 (CA Regulation) calculated as prescribed under Schedule 2 of the Regulation using Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the Parliamentary Counsel.

Budget builds stronger councils for stronger communities (NSW)

Tuesday, 18 June 2024 The Minns Labor Government is building a stronger local government sector by ensuringcouncils are better positioned to deliver on the key outcomes their communities need,including the delivery of new homes. The Government recognises councils’ critical role...

Council Circular 24-11 ICAC guidance for Councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has issued Guidance for councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel (ICAC’s Guidance). This can be accessed on the Office of Local Government’s website here and on ICAC’s website. ICAC’s Guidance provides information to help councils understand the corruption, integrity and security risks posed by overseas travel by councillors and to mitigate those risks.

Council Circular 24-10 Resources for candidates standing at the local government elections

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has a new dedicated webpage on its website for candidates at the upcoming local government elections called ‘Become a Councillor’. The webpage contains a range of resources for potential candidates to assist them to understand what their role and responsibilities will be as a councillor if they are elected.

Council Circular 24-09 Amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 removing the option for councils to employ senior council executives under statutory contracts.

The Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) has been amended by the Local Government Amendment (Employment Arrangements) Act 2024 (the amending Act). The amending Act received assent on 31 May 2024. As a result of the amendments, as of 1 September 2024, councils will no longer have the option to determine positions within their organisation structure as “senior staff positions” and to employ the holders of those positions under the statutory contract approved by the “departmental chief executive” of the Office of Local Government (OLG).

Hornsby Council to pay back $36 million in unspent Stronger Communities grant

Monday, 10 June 2024 The NSW Government is ordering Hornsby Shire Council to repay $36 million that was provided under the Stronger Communities Fund, a fund that the Auditor General of NSW has described as “deficient” and “lacking integrity”. The...

Council Circular 24-08 2024/25 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 3.75% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2024-25 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2024. The Tribunal is required to determine the remuneration categories of councils and mayoral offices at least once every 3 years under section 239 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). The Tribunal last undertook a significant review of the categories as part of its 2023 determination and will next review these categories in 2026.

Council Circular 24-07 End of Year Reporting Requirements for 2023-24 and Additional Information for 2024-25

Councils and JOs can use the respective annual report checklists to ensure that the information required under the Local Government Act 1993 (Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and other relevant legislation and guidelines, is included within their annual report and annual performance statement. Councils should use the Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements 2024-25 to assist in planning strategic and operational tasks throughout the year.

Council Circular 24-06 Privacy and the Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme

The Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme (MNDB Scheme) commenced on 28 November 2023 following a 12-month transition period. The MNDB Scheme is a mandatory notification requirement under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 for NSW public sector agencies (including councils) in the event of an ‘eligible data breach’.

New England Weeds Authority board suspended over financial concerns

The Minister for Local Government has today suspended the board of the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) and appointed an interim administrator due to serious concerns about the financial position and governance of the organisation.