19-16 New Property Acquisition Standards to apply immediately to all acquiring authorities in New South Wales, including all general purpose and county councils
The Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI) has produced revised Property Acquisition Standards, that apply to all acquiring authorities in NSW, including General Purpose and County Councils.
19-15 End of Year Financial Reporting 2018-19
End of year financial reporting information has been updated for 2018-19. Councils need to review the attached end of year financial reporting information and apply it when completing the Financial Statements and Financial Data Return (FDR).
19-14 Recent amendments to the Local Government Act 1993
The Local Government Amendment Act 2019 was assented to on 24 June 2019 and a number of provisions came into effect on 25 June 2019. Further changes have also come into effect, or will come into effect in future by proclamation.
19-13 The development of template social media and councillor/staff interaction policies – initial consultation
In support of the prescription of the new Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW, the Office of Local Government (OLG) is developing template policies on social media use and councillor/staff interactions.
The template policies will be designed to be policies that incorporate and reflect best practice in the sector using a “best of breed” approach to existing council policies.
19-12 Consultation by IPART on recommended reforms to local government election costs and extension of the deadline for councils to make a decision on the administration of their elections
The Government has asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to review the costs of conducting local government elections in NSW. IPART is now seeking feedback on its recommended changes to what councils pay for election services provided by the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC).
19-11 Release of IPART Reports into rating and compliance matters for consultation
The Government is releasing the final reports on three IPART reviews for feedback prior to developing final responses including: Review of the Local Government Rating System, Review of Reporting and Compliance Burdens on Local Government, and Review of Local Government Compliance and Enforcement.
Councils are encouraged to provide feedback on the recommendations in each report by the relevant closing dates to further inform the Government’s response.
Grants Commission Circular- GC – 148 – 2019-20 Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) – advance payment and on-going transition to implement improvements to the existing allocation model
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP has advised that the Australian Government will again bring forward the first two instalments of the estimated 2019-20 FAGs.
19-10 Consultation on webcasting guidelines
OLG is seeking to provide in its guidance a range of case studies of different webcasting practices. These will offer councils considering options for webcasting their meetings a broad range of examples to draw from.
OLG is seeking submissions from councils that are willing to be included as a case study.
19-09 Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2019 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index as required by the Companion Animals Regulation 2018 and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
19-08 Consultation on revised IPC Guideline 1 Returns of Interests
The draft revised Guideline provides that councillors’ and designated persons’ returns of interests must be made publicly available free of charge on a website maintained by councils, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure of the information.