In support of the prescription of the new Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW, the Office of Local Government (OLG) is developing template policies on social media use and councillor/staff interactions. The template policies will be designed to be policies that incorporate and reflect best practice in the sector using a “best of breed” approach to existing council policies.

The Government has asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to review the costs of conducting local government elections in NSW. IPART is now seeking feedback on its recommended changes to what councils pay for election services provided by the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC).

The Government is releasing the final reports on three IPART reviews for feedback prior to developing final responses including: Review of the Local Government Rating System, Review of Reporting and Compliance Burdens on Local Government, and Review of Local Government Compliance and Enforcement. Councils are encouraged to provide feedback on the recommendations in each report by the relevant closing dates to further inform the Government’s response.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP has advised that the Australian Government will again bring forward the first two instalments of the estimated 2019-20 FAGs.

OLG is seeking to provide in its guidance a range of case studies of different webcasting practices. These will offer councils considering options for webcasting their meetings a broad range of examples to draw from. OLG is seeking submissions from councils that are willing to be included as a case study.

From 1 July 2019 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index as required by the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.

The draft revised Guideline provides that councillors’ and designated persons’ returns of interests must be made publicly available free of charge on a website maintained by councils, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.

The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 2.5% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2019/20 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2019. The Tribunal did not undertake a broad review of the categorisation of councils and considered only those requests where an individual submission was made. The Tribunal found that the current allocation of councils into the current categories is appropriate.

The NSW Government has made changes to workers’ compensation to provide better protection for volunteer and career firefighters affected by work-related cancers. The reforms reflect existing arrangements in other States and will ensure those who provide vital community services receive adequate medical care and support. This will result in an increase in the cost of providing emergency services across the State, which will be shared, as per the usual funding arrangements between insurance providers, the State Government and local councils.

Councils should incorporate these determinations into their 2019-20 rating structures and Operational Plan Statement of Revenue Policies.