Governance

18-19 – Changes relating to the publication of notices

The NSW Parliament has passed the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2018, which contains a number of amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act).

18-18 – 2018/19 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 2.5% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2018/19 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2018. The Tribunal also reviewed the criteria that apply to the categories of councils and the allocation of councils into those categories. The categories enable the Tribunal to determine the maximum and minimum amounts of fees to be paid to mayors and councillors in each of the categories.

18-12 – Management of unsolicited proposals received by councils

The Guide defines an unsolicited proposal as “an approach to Government from a proponent with a proposal to deal directly with the Government over a commercial proposition, where the Government has not requested the proposal”. This may include proposals to build and/or finance infrastructure, provide goods or services, or undertake a major commercial transaction.

18-08 – Information about Rating 2018-19

Councils should incorporate these determinations into their 2018-19 rating structures and Operational Plan Statement of Revenue Policies.

18-03 – Reminder: Invitation for submissions on consultation drafts of the following: Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines and Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW

The purpose of this Circular is to remind councils of the opportunity to make submissions on the Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines and the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW which are currently on public exhibition.

17-39 – Consultation on the Proposed Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines

Amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) by the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act 2016 in August 2016 saw the inclusion in the prescribed role of councillors under section 232 a responsibility “to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor”.

17-40 – Consultation on the draft Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW

Amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) in August last year by the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act 2016 provide for a model code of meeting practice (Model Meeting Code) to be prescribed by regulation.

17-34 – GIPA Contracts Register

Councils are reminded of requirements under Division 5 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 in relation to maintaining a register of government contracts.

17-32 – 2017 Edition of the Councillor Handbook

The Office of Local Government has issued an updated edition of the Councillor Handbook. General Managers and council governance staff should ensure councillors are aware of the availability of the Councillor Handbook on the Office of Local Government’s website.

17-33 – GIPA Annual Reporting Obligations

Councils are reminded of the requirement to submit their annual report to the Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) on the council’s obligations under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).