New measures to strengthen transparency and financial sustainability of councils
Elected councillors will be better informed about how their councils are performing and be in a stronger position to exercise more effective oversight of council operations under new regulations governing the operation of Audit, Risk and Improvement Committees (ARICs) and internal audit within NSW councils.
Statement on Operation Tolosa
Statement from the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig:
I have reviewed the report released today by the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) in relation to Operation Tolosa.
Having considered ICAC’s recommendation I have suspended Angelo Tsirekas from civic office with a view to his dismissal for serious corrupt conduct effective immediately.
New pathway to guide Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council de-amalgamation
The NSW Government has today salvaged the plan to de-amalgamate Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC).
Since coming to office, the Minister and Office of Local Government have explored the legal avenues available to achieve a successful demerger under the roadmap provided by the previous Liberal-National government.
This roadmap has only succeeded in leading to a dead end, with no statutory mechanism under the legislation (section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993) to create two independent and fully functioning councils.
Fairer democratic elections to return for City of Sydney
The NSW Government is returning democracy and fairness to the City of Sydney by removing rules that favour the votes of businesses over residents in local government elections.
The City of Sydney Amendment Bill 2023 introduced by the Government seeks to reinstate the voting rules for non-residential electors that apply in all other LGAs across NSW.
In 2014, the City of Sydney Act 1988 was amended to give eligible businesses two votes in council elections, compared to one each for residents.
Concessions now available to pensioners for council rates
Eligible pensioners across NSW can now apply for a rebate on their council rates to help with the rising cost of living.
An annual concession of up to $250 per property is available to pensioners for ordinary rates and domestic waste charges.