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.
19-07 2019/20 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal (the Tribunal) has determined an increase of 2.5% to mayoral and councillor fees for the 2019/20 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2019. The Tribunal did not undertake a broad review of the categorisation of councils and considered only those requests where an individual submission was made. The Tribunal found that the current allocation of councils into the current categories is appropriate.
19-05 – Information about Rating 2019-20
Councils should incorporate these determinations into their 2019-20 rating structures and Operational Plan Statement of Revenue Policies.
19-04 – Final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (update 27) including Joint Organisations Supplement
The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Code) (update 27) is available for preparing councils’ 2018-19 financial statements.
19-03 – 2018-19 and 2019-20 Joint Organisation Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The 2018-19 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements for Joint Organisations is now available. Joint Organisations should use the Calendar to assist in planning strategic and operational tasks for 2018-19 and 2019-20 as applicable.
18-47 – Amendments to the election provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005
Amendments have been made to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (the Regulation) to give effect to the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM) in relation to preference counting in local government elections.
18-45 – Commencement of the new Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW
Amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA) in August 2016 by the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Planning) Act 2016 (the Phase 1 amendments) provide for a model code of meeting practice (Model Meeting Code) to be prescribed by the Regulation.