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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

The Time Series data for 2023-24 has been released. Councils will be able to monitor their performance against similar or neighbouring councils.

The updated Cyber Security Guidelines – Local Government (the Guidelines) allow councils to assess their cyber security maturity and plan their maturity uplift.

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.