Best Practice Governance Policies
OLG has developed a suite of best practice governance policies. These model policies are informed by existing best practice in the local government sector.
OLG has issued a best practice Model Social Media Policy, Model Media Policy, Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy and Model Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy. These are available below in Word format for use by councils.
The model policies are not mandatory, and councils are free to choose whether to use them or to adapt them for their own purposes. If adopted, the policies will operate to supplement the provisions of councils’ adopted codes of conduct.
OLG will also be issuing a Model Councillor Lobbying Policy.
Current Model Policies
- Model Media Policy (Word)
- Model Social Media Policy (Word)
- Model Councillor and Staff Interaction Policy (Word)
- Model Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy (Word)
Current Consultations
Coming soon
Best Practice Guidance
Guidelines on the closure of council and committee meetings to the public
These guidelines have been developed to assist councils to comply with their obligations under the Local Government Act 1993 when closing their meetings to the public. They address commonly asked questions that have been raised with the Office of Local Government about the closure of meetings and provide best practice examples.
The Guidelines have been issued under section 10B(5) of the Act and therefore constitute a guideline that councils are required to consider when closing their meetings to the public.
Livestreaming council and committee meetings and public forums: A Guide
This guide has been developed to assist councils to implement the mandatory livestreaming requirements prescribed under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 and the 2025 Model Meeting Code by providing best practice guidance.
The guide has been issued under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993, meaning councils must consider it when livestreaming their meetings and public forums and managing and publishing recordings.
Model public forum rules
These model best practice public forum rules have been developed to assist councils in the administration of public forums.
Councils can adapt the model rules to develop a standalone policy or include them as supplementary provisions in their adopted code of meeting practice.
- Model public forum rules – PDF – 188 KB
Guidance for councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has issued guidance for councillors on corruption risks associated with overseas travel. This guidance has been adopted as a guideline under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993. This means that councils are required to consider the guidance in the exercise of their functions.
Free speech in local government in NSW
The Office of Local Government has issued a guideline on Free speech in local government in NSW. The guideline provides practical guidance to councils on what free speech means in the context of NSW local government. This guidance has been adopted as a guideline under section 23A of the Local Government Act 1993. This means that councils are required to consider the guidance in the exercise of their functions.