Following extensive consultation, the new 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (2025 Model Meeting Code) has been finalised. The new 2025 Model Meeting Code has been published in the Government Gazette and is expected to be prescribed under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) shortly.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is seeking feedback on draft Procurement Guidelines for NSW Local Government (Guidelines) to replace the outdated Tendering Guidelines 2009. The draft Guidelines outline best practice procurement principles and processes to enable delivery of quality outcomes that provide value for money while effectively managing risks. The Guidelines provide clarification on the interpretation and application of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (Regulation) as they apply to procurement activities.

Circular Details25-15/ 17 July 2025 / A968418Previous Circular24-13 Annual Reporting of Labour StatisticsWho should read thisCouncillors / General Managers / Human ResourcesContactCouncil Governance Team / 02 4428 4100 / olg@olg.nsw.gov.auAction requiredCouncil to ImplementPDF Version25-15 Annual Reporting of Labour Statistics What’s...

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a guideline on free speech in local government in NSW (the Free Speech Guideline). The Free Speech Guideline is available on OLG’s website here. The Free Speech Guideline provides practical guidance to councils on what free speech means in the context of NSW local government.

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 3% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2025-26 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2025. 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.

In the lead up to the Federal election on 3 May 2025, councillors, council staff, and other council officials should be aware of and comply with their obligations under the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (the Model Code of Conduct) in relation to the use of council resources.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is inviting feedback from the local government sector and others on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (Model Meeting Code). A consultation draft of the new Model Meeting Code and accompanying paper has been published on OLG’s website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au. The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are indicated in track changes.

To assist councils in the delivery of councillor induction and refresher training, the Office of Local Government (OLG) will be holding a series of “Hit the Ground Running” webinars beginning in October 2024 and continuing into early 2025. These webinars will provide councillors with essential information to serve their community and fulfil their civic responsibilities. “Hit the Ground Running” webinars will be held online once a week on Thursdays from 4.00 – 6.00 pm. The webinar on the Governing Body and Financial Management will start at 4.30 pm. Recordings of the webinars will be made available on OLG’s website.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a 2024 edition of the Councillor Handbook to assist and inform new and returning councillors in the exercise of their functions. The Councillor Handbook is a “how to” guide to being a councillor and provides comprehensive guidance to councillors on all aspects of their role and responsibilities.

here are several key decisions and activities that need to occur at the first meetings of councils, county councils, and Joint Organisations following the upcoming local government elections and in the 12 months that follow. The Office of Local Government (OLG) has prepared a post-election guide for councils, county councils, and Joint Organisations (Post-Election Guide) to assist them to comply with these requirements.