NSW residents encouraged to adopt don’t shop for a purr-fect present this Christmas

NSW residents are being encouraged to adopt from their local council pound or animal shelter rather than shopping if they’re considering getting a pet this Christmas. The Christmas period is a prime time when many families welcome a new, furry family member into their homes.

23-17 Update on councils’ obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW)

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) (the MSA) created new obligations for councils under the Local Government Act 1993 (the LGA) relating to modern slavery. Local councils are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that the goods and services they procure are not the product of modern slavery, and to report on those steps.

Greater employment protections for council waste workers

he NSW Government has announced stronger employment protections are now in place for waste management workers employed by NSW councils and council contractors. Changes to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 have been gazetted to ensure greater protection for the employment of waste workers when council waste management contracts go to tender.

City of Canada Bay mayor dismissed and disqualified from civic office

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig today confirmed the immediate dismissal of Mayor Angelo Tsirekas from City of Canada Bay Council and his disqualification from civic office for a period of five years.

23-15 Regulation amendments prescribing requirements for audit risk and improvement committees, internal audit and risk management

As foreshadowed in circular 22-41, the Local Government (General)Regulation 2022 (the Regulation) has been amended to give statutory force to key elements of the Office of Local Government’s (OLG) Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW (the Guidelines).

Statement on Operation Tolosa

Statement from the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig: I have reviewed the report released today by the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) in relation to Operation Tolosa. Having considered ICAC’s recommendation I have suspended Angelo Tsirekas from civic office with a view to his dismissal for serious corrupt conduct effective immediately.

23-14 Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 – Commencement of Special arrangements for stock animals in emergencies

Circular Details23-14 / 30 October 2023 / A872350Previous Circulars23-01 Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 – Conclusion of the Grace Period and updated guidance22-31 Commencement of Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 202122-19 Consultation on regulatory proposals for a new Public...

23-13 Release of the Information and Privacy Commission’s follow up audit of councils’ compliance with open access requirements in relation to returns of interests

Circular Details23 -13 / 30 October 2023 / A871320Previous CircularCircular No 22 – 15 Guidance for Councils on the publication of disclosure of interest returnsWho should read thisCouncillors / General Managers / Council Governance StaffContactCouncil Governance / olg@olg.nsw.gov.au / (02)...

New DA withdrawal guidelines for councils to boost housing supply

The NSW Government is ramping up its efforts to have fewer Development Applications (DAs) withdrawn and to get more people into homes sooner by releasing new guidelines for councils.

23-12 Guidelines on the withdrawal of development applications

The Office of Local Government (OLG), with the concurrence of the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Paul Scully MP, has released the Guidelines on the Withdrawal of Development Applications (the Guidelines). The Guidelines have been issued under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993 and councils are required to consider the Guidelines in exercising their development application (DA) assessment functions.