This page lists current circulars in order by date. Circulars pre-2022 are listed at archived circulars.
2026
| Council circular | Summary | Issue date |
|---|---|---|
| 26-01 – Release of Quarterly Budget Review Statement Data Return Templates (PDF, 430 KB) | The Office of Local Government 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. | 21/01/2026 |
| 26-02 – 2025 Model Meeting Code –Supplementary guidance and updated FAQs (PDF, 546 KB) | Supplementary guidance materials have been published on the Office of Local Government’s website t o support the implementation of the 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Council s in NSW (2025 Model Meeting Code). | 22/01/2026 |
| 26-03 – Council-led Affordable Housing on Operational Land in NSW (PDF, 396 KB) | The Office of Local Government has released the Guide for Council-Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land in NSW (the Guide). | 18/02/2026 |
| 26 – 04 Advice to councils on transfer of Crown roads to councils (PDF, 709 KB) | The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure – Crown Lands (the Department) wishes to clarify the policy on the transfer of Crown roads to council. | 20/02/2026 |
2025
| Council circular | Summary | Issue date |
|---|---|---|
| 25-01 – Cyber Security Guidelines for Councils (PDF, 265 KB) | The updated Cyber Security Guidelines – Local Government (the Guidelines) allow councils to assess their cyber security maturity and plan their maturity uplift. | 24/01/2025 |
| 25-02– Time Series Data 2023-24 (PDF, 155 KB) | The Time Series data for 2023-24 has been released. Councils will be able to monitor their performance against similar or neighbouring councils. | 12/02/2025 |
| 25-03 – Review of the NSW Companion Animal Laws – Discussion Paper (PDF, 333 KB) | 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. | 26/02/2025 |
| 25-04 – Draft Quarterly Budget Review Statement Guidelines (PDF, 389 KB) | 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). | 6/03/2025 |
| 25-05 – Onsite Wastewater Management Guidelines (PDF, 330 KB) | 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. | 9/04/2025 |
| 25-06 – Rating information 2025-26 (PDF, 442 KB) | 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. | 10/04/2025 |
| 25-07 – Misuse of council resources – 3 May 2025 Federal election (PDF, 135 KB) | 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. | 15/04/2025 |
| 25-08 – Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 2024/25 (PDF, 108 KB) | 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. | 15/04/2025 |
| 25-09 – PSUP Evaluation 2025 (PDF, 366 KB) | 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. | 16/04/2025 |
| 25-10 – 2025/26 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (PDF, 273 KB) | 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. | 21/05/2025 |
| 25-11 – Free speech in local government in NSW Guideline (PDF, 272 KB) | 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. | 3/06/202`5 |
| 25-12 – Annual CPI adjustment to companion animal fees for 2025/26 (PDF, 568 KB) | The 2025/26 fees payable for registration and permits for companion animals have been adjusted for inflation under clauses 18 and 27 of the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 (CA Regulation)(based on the Consumer Price Index or CPI). The new fees are effective from 1 July 2025. | 16/06/2025 |
| 25-13 – Council de-amalgamations – amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (PDF, 417 KB) | Amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) relating to council de-amalgamations have commenced, effective 22 May 2025. The amendments replace existing provisions within the Act with new provisions setting out a clearer pathway for councils to seek to de-amalgamate. | 18/06/2025 |
| GC154 – 2025-26 Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants) – Advance Payment (PDF, 331 KB) | 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. | 25/06/2025 |
| 25-14 – Publication of the updated Local Government Filming Protocol (PDF, 107 KB) | 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. | 30/06/2025 |
| 25-15 – Annual Reporting of Labour Statistics (PDF, 107 KB) | 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. | 31/07/2025 |
| 25-16 – End of Year Reporting Requirements (PDF, 978 KB) | 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. | 7/08/2025 |
| 25-17 – Quarterly Budget Review Statement Guidelines (PDF, 364 KB) | 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. | 14/08/2025 |
| 25-18 – Updated Ministerial Guidelines on Alcohol Free Zones (PDF, 452 KB) | 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. | 27/08/2025 |
| 25-19 – Procurement Guidelines for NSW Local Government and Procurement Working Group (PDF, 1.3 MB) | 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. | 29/08/2025 |
| 25-20 – 2025 Model Meeting Code (PDF, 187 KB) | 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. | 5/09/2025 |
| 25-21 – Commencement of Mutual Recognition Scheme (PDF, 461 KB) | 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. | 19/09/2025 |
| 25-22 – Release of Quarterly Budget Review Statement Data Return Templates (PDF, 285 KB) | The Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (LG Regulation) is one of the largest statutory instruments in NSW. OLG is undertaking a statutory review of the LG Regulation under the SL Act and is proposing to split it into three standalone regulations. This will make the regulations easier to apply and allow them to be reviewed and remade more regularly. As a first step, it is proposed to remake the election provisions as a standalone regulation. | 12/11/2025 |
| 25-23 – Local Government (General) Regulation Review (PDF, 467 KB) | The Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (LG Regulation) is one of the largest statutory instruments in NSW. OLG is undertaking a statutory review of the LG Regulation under the SL Act and is proposing to split it into three standalone regulations. | 12/12/2025 |
| 25-24 – Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 2025/26 (PDF, 111 KB) | The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (the Code) is available to guide the preparation of councils’ 2025/26 financial statements. A JO supplement to the Code is available to prepare JO 2025/26 financial statements. | 12/12/2025 |
| 25-26 – Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants) – Advance Payment (PDF, 296 KB) | 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. | 25/06/2025 |
2024
| Council circular | Summary | Issue date |
|---|---|---|
| 24-01 – Constitutional referendums and council polls (PDF, 236 KB) | Councils are reminded to inform the NSW Electoral Commissioner (NSWEC) if they have resolved for the NSWEC to administer a constitutional referendum or poll in conjunction with the September 2024 local government elections. | 18/01/2024 |
| 24-02 – Minor Works contract form for infrastructure delivery for councils (PDF, 214 KB) | NSW Public Works has developed the Minor Works 21 Local Government (MW21-LG) Contract that is a plain English, cooperative, and collaborative form of contract, to support the NSW local government sector in delivering infrastructure. | 5/02/2024 |
| 24-03 – Performance and suspension orders (PDF, 167 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has published a revised framework for issuing performance and suspension orders The revised framework has been updated so that it is consistent with current statutory requirements. | 27/02/2024 |
| 24-04 – New local government elections webpage launched on the Office of Local Government’s website (PDF, 203 KB) | Local Government elections will be held on 14 September 2024. • The Office of Local Government (OLG) has launched a dedicated webpage to provide information and resources for candidates, councils, and councillors in the lead up to the elections and following the elections. | 18/04/2024 |
| 24-05 – Information about rating 2024-25 (PDF, 191 KB) | Maximum boarding house tariffs for 2024-25 have been determined. Maximum interest rate payable on overdue rates and charges for 2024-25 has been determined. Section 603 Certificate fee for 2024-25 has been determined. Statutory limit on the maximum amount of minimum rates for 2024-25 has been determined. | 19/04/2024 |
| 24-06 – Privacy and the Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme (PDF, 323 KB) | The Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme (MNDB Scheme) commenced on 28 November 2023 following a 12-month transition period. The MNDB Scheme is a mandatory notification requirement under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 for NSW public sector agencies (including councils) in the event of an ‘eligible data breach’. | 29/05/2024 |
| 24-07 – End of Year Reporting Requirements for 2023-24 and Additional Information for 2024-25 (PDF, 572 KB) | Councils and JOs can use the respective annual report checklists to ensure that the information required under the Local Government Act 1993 (Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and other relevant legislation and guidelines, is included within their annual report and annual performance statement. Councils should use the Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements 2024-25 to assist in planning strategic and operational tasks throughout the year. | 29/05/2024 |
| 24-08 – 2024/25 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (PDF, 305 KB) | The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 3.75% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2024-25 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2024. 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. | 29/05/2024 |
| 24-09 – Amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 removing the option for councils to employ senior council executives under statutory contracts (PDF, 562 KB) | The Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) has been amended by the Local Government Amendment (Employment Arrangements) Act 2024 (the amending Act). The amending Act received assent on 31 May 2024. As a result of the amendments, as of 1 September 2024, councils will no longer have the option to determine positions within their organisation structure as “senior staff positions” and to employ the holders of those positions under the statutory contract approved by the “departmental chief executive” of the Office of Local Government (OLG). | 12/06/2024 |
| 24-10 – Resources for candidates standing at the local government elections (PDF, 341 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has a new dedicated webpage on its website for candidates at the upcoming local government elections called ‘Become a Councillor’. The webpage contains a range of resources for potential candidates to assist them to understand what their role and responsibilities will be as a councillor if they are elected. | 13/06/2024 |
| 24-11 – ICAC guidance for Councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel (PDF, 383 KB) | The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has issued Guidance for councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel (ICAC’s Guidance). This can be accessed on the Office of Local Government’s website here and on ICAC’s website. ICAC’s Guidance provides information to help councils understand the corruption, integrity and security risks posed by overseas travel by councillors and to mitigate those risks. | 14/06/2024 |
| GC-153 – 2024-25 Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants) – advance payment (PDF, 662 KB) | The Commonwealth Government has announced the advance payment of the preliminary 2024-25 FA Grants will represent approximately 85% of the amount councils are entitled to. | 28/06/2024 |
| 24-12 – Annual CPI adjustment to companion animal fees for 2024/25 (PDF, 151 KB) | Wednesday, 14 February 2024 has been chosen as the “relevant day” for councils to report on their labour statistics in their annual reports under section 217 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation). | 23/07/2024 |
| 24-13 – Annual Reporting of Labour Statistics (PDF, 298 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a communication toolkit for use by councils ahead of the 2024 local government elections. The Toolkit can be found under ‘Community Resources’ on OLG’s Local Government Elections webpage. The Toolkit has been developed to assist councils communicate with their communities about: The importance of diversity in our councils. The importance of local government and the roles and responsibilities of a councillor. | 7/08/2024 |
| 24-14 – Local Government elections communication toolkit (PDF, 379 KB) | There are several key decisions and activities that need to occur at the first meetings of councils, county councils, and Joint Organisations following the upcoming local government elections and in the 12 months that follow. The Office of Local Government (OLG) has prepared a post-election guide for councils, county councils, and Joint Organisations (Post-Election Guide) to assist them to comply with these requirements. | 15/08/2024 |
| 24-15 – Post-Election Guide launched on the Office of Local Government’s website (PDF, 117 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a 2024 edition of the Councillor Handbook to assist and inform new and returning councillors in the exercise of their functions. The Councillor Handbook is a “how to” guide to being a councillor and provides comprehensive guidance to councillors on all aspects of their role and responsibilities. | 4/09/2024 |
| 24-16 – Councillor Handbook 2024 (PDF, 290 KB) | The Councillor Conduct Framework is under review with the aim to facilitate and support local decision making. The Councillor conduct and meeting practices – A new framework discussion paper (discussion paper) has been prepared to seek the views of the community, key stakeholders, and the local government sector about the proposed changes. | 5/09/2024 |
| 24-17 – Councillor conduct and meeting practices – a discussion paper (PDF, 110 KB) | The Councillor Conduct Framework is under review with the aim to facilitate and support local decision making. The Councillor conduct and meeting practices – A new framework discussion paper (discussion paper) has been prepared to seek the views of the community, key stakeholders, and the local government sector about the proposed changes. | 12/09/2024 |
| 24-18 – Mutual Recognition – Councils’ Local Approvals for mobile businesses (PDF, 113 KB) | As part of the NSW Vibrancy Reforms, the Office of Local Government (OLG) is developing a mutual recognition framework. This will allow an approval granted to a business under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 by one council to be recognised across multiple local government areas. This will initially apply to approvals granted for the following mobile businesses: o food trucks o market stall holders o buskers o outdoor fitness trainers. | 12/09/2024 |
| 24-19 – 2024/25 “Hit the Ground Running” Webinars (PDF, 114 KB) | To assist councils in the delivery of councillor induction and refresher training, the Office of Local Government (OLG) will be holding a series of “Hit the Ground Running” webinars beginning in October 2024 and continuing into early 2025. These webinars will provide councillors with essential information to serve their community and fulfil their civic responsibilities. “Hit the Ground Running” webinars will be held online once a week on Thursdays from 4.00 – 6.00 pm. The webinar on the Governing Body and Financial Management will start at 4.30 pm. Recordings of the webinars will be made available on OLG’s website. | 26/09/2024 |
| 24-20 – A Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program (PDF, 93 KB) | The NSW Government has committed $252.2 million over 6 years to directly support local councils and the local government sector to developing sustainable workforces. The Office of Local Government has developed the ‘A fresh start for local government apprentices, trainees and cadets’ grant program to provide funding support to local government organisations hiring new apprentices, trainees and cadets in their community. | 22/10/2024 |
| 24-21 – Fresh Start Toolkit for Councils (PDF, 200 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a Stakeholder Toolkit for councils to aid their engagement around the Fresh start for local government apprentices, trainees and cadets (Fresh Start) program. The Toolkit provides text, graphics, videos and communication scripts to guide councils engaging with the public about the Fresh Start program and its purpose. Councils can use the Toolkit to update websites, produce newsletters and social media updates, and keep their community engaged on the Fresh Start program. | 13/11/2024 |
| 24-22 – Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme Trends Report 2023-2024 (PDF, 345 KB) | The Acting Privacy Commissioner has released the first Mandatory Notification of Data Breach Scheme (MNDB Scheme) Trends Report (the Report) for November 2023 to June 2024. The Report provides preliminary insights into the operation of the MNDB Scheme following its commencement in November 2023. It draws from the statistical data from notifications received and the Information and Privacy Commission’s (IPC) broader engagement with agencies. | 22/11/2024 |
| 24-23 – Consultation on reforms to council meeting practices (PDF, 393 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) is inviting feedback from the local government sector and others on proposed amendments to the Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW (Model Meeting Code). A consultation draft of the new Model Meeting Code and accompanying paper has been published on OLG’s website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au. The proposed amendments to the Model Meeting Code are indicated in track changes. | 17/12/2024 |
2023
| Council circular | Summary | Issue date |
|---|---|---|
| 23-01 – Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 – Conclusion of the Grace Period and updated guidance (PDF, 198 KB) | A grace period has been in place since the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (the PSUP Act) commenced on 1 November 2022 to provide 6 months for:
| 19/04/2023 |
| 23-02 – Information about Ratings 2023-24 (PDF, 190 KB) | In accordance with section 516 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), it has been determined that for the purpose of the definition of ‘boarding house’ and ‘lodging house’, the maximum tariffs, excluding GST, that a boarding house or lodging house may charge tariff-paying occupant. | 8/05/2023 |
| 23-03 – 2023/24 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (PDF, 163 KB) | The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase of 3% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2023-24 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2023. | 10/05/2023 |
| 23-04 – Changes to public access to council records under the State Records Act 1998 (PDF, 161 KB) | Changes to the State Records Act 1998 (the Act) that take effect from 1 January 2024 will affect council records. | 25/05/2023 |
| 23-05 – Ward boundary and name changes (PDF, 184 KB) | Councils must review their ward boundaries and notify the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) of any changes to ward boundaries and/or names by 5 October 2023. | 5/06/2023 |
| 23-06 – Increases to companion animal registration and permit fees for 2023/24 (PDF, 193 KB) | The Companion Animals Regulation 2021 has been amended to adjust 2023/24 registration and annual permit fees for companion animals for CPI. | 23/06/2023 |
| 23-07 – Draft update of the Environment and Health Protection Guidelines: Onsite Sewage Management for Single Households (Silver Book) (PDF, 170 KB) | The Silver Book is undergoing a review and update to bring it in line with modern expectations, technological advancements, the latest scientific literature and emerging trends in land use. | 27/06/2023 |
| GC-152 – 2023-24 Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants) – advance payment (PDF, 185 KB) | The Federal Government has announced the advance payment of the preliminary 2023-24 FA Grants will represent approximately 100% of the amount council is entitled to. | 28/06/2023 |
| 23-08 – Annual Reporting of Labour Statistics (PDF, 212 KB) | Wednesday 23 November 2022 has been chosen as the “relevant day” for councils to report on their labour statistics in their annual reports under section 217 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. | 10/07/2023 |
| 23-09 – September 2023 mayoral elections (PDF, 174 KB) | Councils that elect their mayors are required under section 290(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) to hold mid-term mayoral elections in September 2023. | 1/08/2023 |
| 23-10 – End of Year Reporting Requirements for 2022-23 and Additional Information for 2023-24 (PDF, 163 KB) | End of year reporting information for the 2022-23 financial year, including annual report checklist, financial data return (FDR) and Financial Assistance (FA) Grant returns and 2023-24 permissible income working papers and calendar of compliance. | 14/08/2023 |
| 23-11 – Effect of the NSW Government’s policy on executive office holders’ and senior executives’ remuneration on general managers’, executive officers’ and senior staff remuneration (PDF, 201 KB) | The Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration (Executive Office Holders and Senior Executives) Regulation 2023 (SOORT Regulation) has been prescribed. Clause 4(1) of the SOORT Regulation states that the Statutory and Other Offices Remuneration Tribunal (the SOORT Tribunal) is not to award an increase in remuneration for NSW Government executive officeholders and senior executives before 1 July 2025. | 13/09/2023 |
| 23-12 – Guidelines on the withdrawal of development applications (PDF, 159 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG), with the concurrence of the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, the Hon. Paul Scully MP, has released the Guidelines on the Withdrawal of Development Applications (the Guidelines). | 5/10/2023 |
| 23-13 – Release of the Information and Privacy Commission’s follow up audit of councils’ compliance with open access requirements in relation to returns of interests (PDF, 257 KB) | The Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) has issued a report on the outcome of its follow-up audit undertaken on councils’ compliance with the requirement to publish information in returns of interest lodged by councillors and designated persons on their websites. The IPC’s recent audit follows an earlier audit conducted in July 2021 which identified significant compliance failures. | 30/10/2023 |
| 23-14 – Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 – Commencement of Special arrangements for stock animals in emergencies (PDF, 222 KB) | Section 19 of the PSUP Act was not commenced in late 2022 with the rest of the Act to enable time for detailed guidance to be developed to help authorities work together and with farming communities when dealing with emergencies involving stock. | 30/10/2023 |
| 23-15 – Regulation amendments prescribing requirements for audit risk and improvement committees, internal audit and risk management (PDF, 245 KB) | As foreshadowed in circular 22-41, the Local Government (General)Regulation 2022 (the Regulation) has been amended to give statutory force to key elements of the Office of Local Government’s (OLG) Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW (the Guidelines). | 4/12/2023 |
| 23-16 – Regulation amendments to protect the employment of waste workers (PDF, 134 KB) | Amendments have been made to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation) to strengthen employment protections where councils tender for domestic or other waste management services. | 15/12/2023 |
| 23-17 – Update on councils’ obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) (PDF, 183 KB) | The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) (the MSA) created new obligations for councils under the Local Government Act 1993 (the LGA) relating to modern slavery. | 21/12/2023 |
2022
| Council circular | Summary | Issue date |
|---|---|---|
| 22-01 – Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 2021-22 (PDF, 178 KB) | The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) is available for preparing councils’ 2021-22 financial statements. | 24/01/2022 |
| 22-02 – New guidelines covering section 358 applications and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) (PDF, 192 KB) | The new PPP and section 358 Guidelines combine information spread over several circulars and guidance documents and are clearer and more informative, with updated guidance to aid councils’ understanding of the process and factors they are required to consider before making an application. The new guidelines also include self-assessment forms and detailed checklists for all required supporting documentation. | 7/03/2022 |
| 22-03 – Guidelines for Additional Special Variation (ASV) Process for 2022-23 (PDF, 220 KB) | The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will accept and process an additional round of 2022-23 Special Variation (ASV) applications from councils. | 7/03/2022 |
| 22-04 – Payment of councillor superannuation (PDF, 170 KB) | Following an amendment to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) last year, councils may make payments as a contribution to a superannuation account nominated by their councillors, starting from the financial year commencing on 1 July 2022. | 15/03/2022 |
| 22-05 – Companion Animals Amendment (Rehoming Animals) Act 2022 (PDF, 201 KB) | On 23 February 2022, a Private Members Bill, the Companion Animals Amendment (Rehoming Animals) Bill passed Parliament. The Bill seeks to improve rehoming outcomes for pet cats and dogs in the care of NSW council pounds and shelters. | 15/03/2022 |
| 22-06 – Information about Ratings 2022-23 (PDF, 190 KB) | The maximum boarding house tariffs for 2022-23 have been determined. | 1/04/2022 |
| 22-07 – Guidelines for Additional Special Variation (ASV) Process for 2022-23 (PDF, 237 KB) | The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will accept and process an additional round of 2022-23 Special Variation (ASV) applications from councils. | 6/04/2022 |
| 22-08 – Model Social Media and Councillor and Staff Interaction Policies (PDF, 163 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has finalised the Model Social Media Policy and Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy. | 7/04/2022 |
| 22-09 – Councils’ obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (PDF, 193 KB) | Modern slavery is a serious violation of an individual’s dignity and human rights. Exploitative practices including human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, debt bondage and forced marriage are all considered modern slavery and are serious crimes under Australian law. | 11/04/2022 |
| GC151 – 2022-23 Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) – advance payment (PDF, 185 KB) | The Federal Budget for 2022-23 released 29 March again provided for an advance payment of the estimated 2022-23 FAGs. | 12/04/2022 |
| 22-10 – Local Government Amendment Act 2021 – Guidance on local government rating reforms (PDF, 235 KB) | Guidance on local government rating reforms (Guidance) has been prepared to assist NSW councils with reforms to the rating system that were made through the Local Government Amendment Act 2021 (Amendment Act) in 2021. | 12/04/2022 |
| 22-11 – Misuse of Council Resources – May 2022 Federal Election (PDF, 192 KB) | In the lead up to the May 2022 Federal election, councillors, council staff and other council officials need to be aware of 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. | 19/04/2022 |
| 22-12 – Proposed amendments to the standard contract of employment for general managers (PDF, 185 KB) | As a result of its investigation of the former Canterbury City Council, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recommended that the Department of Planning and Environment conduct a review into the “no fault” termination provision in the standard contract of employment for general managers. | 17/05/2022 |
| 22-13 – Councillor and general manager financial management responsibilities – Information sessions (PDF, 175 KB) | Between 5 – 8 March 2022, the Office of Local Government (OLG) delivered information sessions to councillors and general managers on their responsibilities in relation to the financial management of councils. | 19/05/2022 |
| 22-14 – 2022/23 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (PDF, 202 KB) | The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase of 2% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2022-23 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2022. | 22/05/2022 |
| 22-15 – Guidance for councils on the publication of disclosure of interest returns (PDF, 205 KB) | The Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) has developed a video animation which provides guidance to councils on the requirement to publish disclosure of interest returns on their websites. | 23/05/2022 |
| 22-16 – Increases to companion animal fees for 2022/23 (PDF, 220 KB) | All registration and annual permit fees have been adjusted for 2022/23. | 2/06/2022 |
| 22-17 – Increase in tendering threshold for natural disaster response and recovery related contracts (PDF, 219 KB) | The Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 has been amended to prescribe a tendering threshold of $500k for contracts entered into by councils for the purpose of responding to, or recovering from, a declared natural disaster within 12 months of the declaration of the natural disaster. | 10/06/2022 |
| 22-18 – Updated statutory forms under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 to take effect from 8 June 2022 (PDF, 175 KB) | New versions of the statutory forms have been developed by the Department of Planning and Environment. | 14/06/2022 |
| 22-19 – Consultation on regulatory proposals for a new Public Spaces (Unattended Property) (PSUP) Regulation 2022 and to commence the PSUP Act (PDF, 179 KB) | The Public Spaces (Unattended Property) (PSUP) Act 2021 passed Parliament on 29 November 2021. | 13/07/2022 |
| 22-20 – Annual Reporting of Labour Statistics (PDF, 196 KB) | Wednesday 25 May 2022 has been chosen as the “relevant day” for councils to report on their labour statistics in their annual reports under section 217 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. | 13/07/2022 |
| 22-21 – Update on membership requirements for audit, risk and improvement committees (PDF, 215 KB) | Following recent discussions, the Office of Local Government (OLG) and NSW Treasury have agreed that the NSW Government’s Prequalification Scheme for Audit and Risk Committee Chairs and Members will not be suitable for use by councils and joint organisations. | 20/07/2022 |
| 22-22 – The development of guidelines and a model policy on the lobbying of councillors (PDF, 207 KB) | In recent investigations, (Operation Dasha, Operation Eclipse and Operation Witney), the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has considered the corruption risks associated with the lobbying of councillors and made corruption prevention recommendations. | 8/08/2022 |
| 22-23 – Audit of written returns of interests (PDF, 168 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) will be undertaking an audit of written returns of interests lodged by councillors and designated persons. | 25/08/2022 |
| 22-24 – Consultation on draft Model Media Policy (PDF, 195 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued a consultation draft of a Model Media Policy. | 31/08/2022 |
| 22-25 – New standard contracts of employment for general managers and executive officers and updated guidelines for the appointment and oversight of general managers (PDF, 192 KB) | The “departmental chief executive” has approved new standard contracts of employment for general managers of councils and executive officers of joint organisations under section 338 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). | 31/08/2022 |
| 22-26 – Her Majesty the Queen (PDF, 122 KB) | Australians woke to the news this morning that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96. | 9/09/2022 |
| 22-27 – Discussion paper – Senior staff employment (PDF, 179 KB) | In response to the findings and recommendations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption arising from its investigation of the former Canterbury City Council (Operation Dasha), the parties to the Local Government (State) Award (the Award), have requested the Government to amend the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) to remove the ability for councils to determine positions in their organisation structure to be “senior staff positions”. | 19/09/2022 |
| 22-28 – Annual Report and Annual Performance Statement Checklists (PDF, 173 KB) | Councils can use the annual report checklist and JOs can use the annual performance statement checklist to ensure that the information required under the Local Government Act 1993 (Act), the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and other relevant legislation and guidelines is included within their annual report and annual performance statement. | 27/09/2022 |
| 22-29 – End of Year Financial Reporting 2021-22 (PDF, 184 KB) | End of year financial reporting information for 2021/22. | 12/10/2022 |
| 22-30 – Guidelines on the recruitment of senior council executives (PDF, 154 KB) | The “departmental chief executive” of the Office of Local Government (OLG) has issued Guidelines on the recruitment of senior council executives under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act). | 21/10/2022 |
| 22-31 – Commencement of the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (PDF, 201 KB) | The Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (the PSUP Act) commences on 1 November 2022. | 28/10/2022 |
| 22-32 – Update to Your Council website to include housing, employment and population projection data (PDF, 165 KB) | Following consultation between the Office of Local Government (OLG) and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE), councils will have efficient access to its data on housing, employment, and population through the Your Council website. | 1/11/2022 |
| 22-33 – Misuse of Council Resources – March 2023 State Election (PDF, 216 KB) | In the lead up to the 25 March 2023 State election, councillors, council staff and other council officials need to be aware of their obligations under the Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW (the Model Code) in relation to the use of council resources. | 2/11/2022 |
| 22-34 – Consultation on review of the Local Government Boundaries Commission (PDF, 173 KB) | The Minister for Local Government has initiated an independent review of the New South Wales Local Government Boundaries Commission (Boundaries Commission). | 10/11/2022 |
| 22-35 – Councils’ decisions on the administration of their September 2024 ordinary elections (PDF, 163 KB) | Under section 296AA of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), councils are required to make a decision on how their ordinary elections in September 2024 are to be administered by 13 March 2023. | 11/11/2022 |
| 22-36 – Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 2022-23 and related guidance material (PDF, 176 KB) | The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) is available to guide the preparation of councils’ 2022-23 financial statements. | 6/12/2022 |
| 22-37 – Model Media Policy (PDF, 163 KB) | The Office of Local Government (OLG) has finalised the Model Media Policy (the model policy). | 12/12/2022 |
| 22-38 – Consultation on the outcomes of the review of the councillor misconduct framework (PDF, 196 KB) | Mr Gary Kellar PSM has completed his review of the councillor misconduct framework and has provided his report to the Minister. | 13/12/2022 |
| 22-39 – Release of Cyber Security Guidelines for NSW Local Government (PDF, 169 KB) | The Cyber Security Guidelines – Local Government (the Guidelines) allow councils to assess their cyber security maturity and plan their maturity uplift. | 19/12/2022 |
| 22-40 – Amendments to the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and consultation of the development of new procurement guidelines for councils (PDF, 219 KB) | Amendments have been made to the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 to reduce red tape and to update them to reflect the increased use of electronic tendering by councils. | 19/12/2022 |
| 22-41 – Update on the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW (PDF, 372 KB) | The Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW (the Guidelines) have been approved. However, the Office of Local Government (OLG) has been advised that the amendments to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 giving statutory force to elements of the Guidelines will not be made until early 2023. | 19/12/2022 |
| 22-42 – Councils and joint organisations to provide OLG’s credit card guidelines to their ARICs (PDF, 190 KB) | The NSW Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has recommended that the Office of Local Government’s (OLG’s) Guidelines on the Use and Management of Credit Cards (credit card guidelines) should be provided to councils’ audit risk and improvement committees (ARICs) to provide further guidance on credit card use. | 22/12/2022 |