The Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW prescribes a uniform set of meeting rules for councils across NSW to ensure meetings of councils and committees of councils comprising only of councillors are open, accessible, orderly, effective and efficient.

 

2025 Model Meeting Code

Following extensive consultation, the new 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW will be prescribed.

A key focus of the changes made to the 2025 Model Meeting Code is to ensure meetings are conducted in a dignified and orderly way befitting to a chamber of democracy and to promote community confidence in councils and their decisions.

More information about the new 2025 Model Meeting Code is provided in the FAQ below.

The 2025 Model Meeting Code has two elements:

  • mandatory provisions (indicated in black font), and
  • non-mandatory provisions (indicated in red font) covering areas of meeting practice that are common to most councils but where there may be a need for some variation in practice between councils based on local circumstances. The non-mandatory provisions also operate to set a benchmark based on what the Office of Local Government sees as best practice for the relevant area of practice.

The 2025 Model Meeting Code also applies to meetings of the boards of joint organisations and county councils. The provisions that are specific to meetings of boards of joint organisations are indicated in blue font.

 

Adoption

Councils must adopt a code of meeting practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the 2025 Model Meeting Code no later than 31 December 2025. Councils are required to consult with their communities prior to adopting a code of meeting practice. More detailed guidance on adoption and implementation of the new code is provided in the FAQ below.

 

Resources

Note: The Office of Local Government will be issuing additional resources and guidance at a later date.