The Office of Local Government (OLG) released the Quarterly Budget Review Statement Guidelines for Local Government (the Guidelines) in August 2025, with mandatory reporting to commence for the first quarter ending 30 September 2025. The 2025-26 Quarter 1 QBRS data return is available on the OLG webpage.

The Mutual Recognition Scheme is now available to all NSW councils, facilitated by amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. The Mutual Recognition Scheme has been designed to simplify the approval process and reduce the administrative and cost burden on councils and mobile businesses.

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(OLG) is seeking feedback on draft Procurement Guidelines for NSW Local Government (Guidelines) to replace the outdated Tendering Guidelines 2009.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.

The Ministerial Guidelines on Alcohol-Free Zones (the Guidelines) have been updated following an administrative review.    The revised Guidelines incorporate updates to agency names, agency contact details and International Organization for Standardization references. The list of councils required to consult with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board (the Board) on alcohol-free zone (AFZ) proposals has been removed from the Guidelines on advice from the Board.  Guidelines headings and public notification requirements have been updated to align with the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) and contemporary publication practices. The Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas in NSW Fact Sheet (Fact Sheet) has also been updated to reflect the minor changes to the Guidelines.

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 Guidelines). The Guidelines outline the purpose and value of effective financial reporting, highlight roles and responsibilities, and establish standardised Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) reporting templates. The Guidelines also introduce a QBRS overview and reporting of council income and expenditure based on fund.

End of year reporting information for the 2024-25 financial year Updated Financial Data Return (FDR) for 2024-25 financial year Updated Annual Report checklist for 2024-25 financial year Calendar of Compliance for 2025-26 financial year Local Government Grants Commission annual returns

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 Local Government Filming Protocol (Protocol) has been updated replacing the 2009 version. The Protocol is issued under Section 119D of the Local Government Act 1993 and sets out requirements for both councils and filmmakers associated with filming related activity approvals. The Protocol also prescribes filming related fees and forms and provides guidance relevant to filming activities.

The Commonwealth Government has announced an advance payment of the preliminary FY 2025-26 Financial Assistance (FA) Grants, representing approximately 50% of the amount councils are entitled to. Further adjustments to the remaining payment will take into account: - the determination by the Commonwealth - Treasurer of the final adjustments for FY 2024-25 - the Local Government Grants Commission’s (the Commission) final recommendations for FY 2025-26