Our work
The Office of Local Government (OLG) is responsible for strengthening the local government sector, regulating local councils, and advising the NSW Government on local government matters.
We support the state’s 128 councils with the delivery of services to local communities. As we work collaboratively with the sector, we focus on:
- sustainability
- performance
- integrity
- transparency
- accountability.
If a council is not performing, we have legal powers to intervene.
Strategic groups
The role of this group is to:
- develop the sector’s capability and capacity to serve the people of NSW
- educate the sector on legislative, regulatory and policy responsibilities and accountabilities
- administer an array of projects and programs that boost sector capability.
Strengthening our ability to:
- monitor, measure, and support the performance of councils
- intervene when challenges arise
- enforce compliance with regulatory requirements
- investigate wrongdoing or misconduct within the sector
Programs and activities, with a focus on:
- finance, ICT and business services
- governance and risk
- how we engage with our stakeholders
Responsible for our:
- parliamentary and government services
- legal services and counsel
- finance advisory services
- communications and media
How we work
Our purpose is to build a strong and sustainable local Government sector that delivers effective services and civic leadership to communities across NSW.
We create and uphold a robust governance framework, support councils with advice and training, and intervene when issues arise but only when necessary. OLG’s intervention and regulatory functions relate to conduct and legislative compliance, and OLG strives to work collaboratively with the local Government sector to mitigate the need for intervention as much as possible.
We also deliver key Government programs that benefit communities such as companion animal reforms, disaster recovery grants, the apprentices, trainees and cadets program, and funding for open spaces and community development.
Our work is guided by values of integrity, transparency, collaboration, and service to community, ensuring councils are supported to lead with confidence and accountability.
Strong councils are the foundation of healthy communities and functional democracy. OLG helps ensure councils are efficient, accountable, and resilient especially in times of challenge.
In January 2025, we adopted a new structure aligned with NSW Government priorities and sector needs. This structure supports our clear strategic direction to strengthen local government in NSW.
To learn more about how we support and regulate local councils, read Office of Local Government – Who we are (PDF, 642 KB).
Annual reports and corporate documents
The Office of Local Government produces corporate publications to help inform the community about our work.
Information about the Office of Local Government's operation since 2019-20 can be found at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure annual reports.
Prior to 24 February 2014, the Office of Local Government was a division of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and reported as part of that agency.
The prestigious Minister’s Awards for Women in Local Government celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of women in NSW councils.
View our current vacancies on the I Work for NSW website
Contact OLG for inquiries, support, or more information.
Apply to access the information we hold
Information and support
An agency of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, we are subject to the oversight of the NSW Ombudsman. For information on when and how you can make a complaint about your council or the OLG, visit www.ombo.nsw.gov.au