Councillor Conduct Framework Reform

The NSW Government is reforming the Councillor Conduct Framework to set clearer standards, strengthen accountability and build confidence in local government decision‑making.

As part of the development of the new Councillor Conduct Framework, the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW is being split into 2 separate codes: one that applies specifically to councillors and another that will apply to council staff, delegates and committee members.

This will allow the prescription of ethical and behavioural standards for councillors on the one hand and council staff and others on the other, to better reflect the different nature of their roles. The reforms will also see changes to the way disclosures of interests are managed.

Since the release of the September 2024 consultation paper titled 'Councillor conduct and meeting practices – A new framework', reforms have progressed, combining law reforms with practical guidance for councils and councillors.

Key milestones delivered as part of the reform program include:

• In June 2025, the Office of Local Government issued a guideline on Free Speech in Local Government in NSW to address misuse of the current councillor conduct framework to inhibit political communication by councillors.
• The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Councillor Conduct Proceedings) Bill 2026 was introduced into the NSW Parliament providing more effective pathways to address serious misconduct by councillors through the NSW Land and Environment Court.
• In June 2026, the NSW Government released the Policy Statement: Improving Councillor Accountability outlining the proposed approach to managing councillor misconduct in NSW and a draft Model Code of Conduct for Councillors for public consultation. Public consultation for both documents closed on 7 August 2026. Submissions from this and previous consultations are available in the Resources section.
• In September 2026, the NSW Government released a draft Model Code of Conduct for Council Staff, Delegates and Committee Members for public consultation. Public consultation closed on 12 October 2026. Submissions received will be published soon.

The NSW Government is currently considering the feedback received through these consultations.