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.

The Office of Local Government (OLG) is evaluating the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 and the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Regulation 2022 (PSUP laws) to assess effectiveness of the laws in meeting their objectives the effectiveness of the implementation of the new laws.

The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) is available to guide the preparation of councils’ 2024/25 financial statements. A JO supplement to the Code is also available for preparing JO 2024/25 financial statements.

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.

Maximum boarding house tariffs for 2025-26 have been determined. Maximum interest rate payable on overdue rates and charges for 2025-26 has been determined. Section 603 Certificate fee for 2025-26 has been determined. Statutory limit on the maximum amount of minimum rates for 2025-26 has been determined.

The Onsite Wastewater Management Guidelines (the Guidelines – previously known as the Environment & Health Protection Guidelines: On-site Sewage Management for Single Households or Silver Book) have been updated. The updated Guidelines follow extensive sector consultation and constitute a technical update to capture technological advancements, the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in land use.

Financial reporting is an important part of a transparent and accountable local government. To ensure councillors have effective oversight and are in control of the financial performance of their council, the Office of Local Government (OLG) has revised the Quarterly Budget Review Statement Guidelines for Local Government (the draft Guidelines).

The NSW Government has committed to a comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (Companion Animals Act). The Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, is commencing the review by inviting public submissions on a discussion paper.

The Time Series data for 2023-24 has been released. Councils will be able to monitor their performance against similar or neighbouring councils.