15-28 – Joint Organisation Pilot: progress and upcoming consultation
On 10 July 2015 representatives from the five pilot Joint Organisations (JOs), and other key stakeholders, participated in a workshop to mark the midpoint in the JO pilot process. The workshop was an opportunity to reflect on the successes, challenges and learning from the pilot to date and to input into the policy framework for the enablement of JOs.
15-27 – Review of Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, has commissioned an independent review of backyard swimming pool barrier requirements to increase backyard pool safety. Councils are encouraged to provide information about backyard pool safety and compliance through the review process.
15-26 – End of Year Financial Reporting 2014/15
End of year financial reporting information has been updated for 2014/15. The Financial Data Return (FDR) 2014/15 has also been updated to reflect the changes within the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (Update No. 23).
15-24 – 2015/16 Determination of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal
The Local Government Remuneration Tribunal has determined an increase to mayoral and councillor fees of 2.5% for the 2015/16 financial year, with effect from 1 July 2015.
15-25 – Increase to companion animal registration fees in line with CPI
From 1 July 2015 cat and dog lifetime registration fees will increase in line with the Consumer Price Index, as recommended by the Companion Animals Taskforce, and outlined in Circular to Councils 13-54.
15-23 – Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (version 23)
The final Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting (version 23) is released for use by councils in preparation of their 2014/15 financial statements.
15-22 – Public Interest Disclosure Obligations
1 March 2015 marked the 20th anniversary of the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 (PID Act), an important milestone for integrity and accountability of the NSW public sector. This milestone presents a timely opportunity for General Managers to increase staff awareness by promoting their Councils’ internal reporting policy and procedures.
15-20 – Your Council – Profile & Performance of the NSW Local Government Sector 2013/14
Your Council – Profile & Performance of the NSW Local Government Sector 2013/14 report and supporting data has been released. The report provides councils and their community with information on key measures of local government performance.
15-21 – Filing fees payable by councils for Court and Tribunal matters
The NSW Department of Justice has received advice from the Crown Solicitor that, pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Procedure Regulation 2012, the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Local Government Act 1993, councils must pay the corporate fee when filing a matter in a court or tribunal. Courts and tribunals have been instructed to charge councils the corporate fee, as opposed to the standard fee, from 1 July 2015. This fee will not be back-dated.
15-18 – 2015/16 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The 2015/16 Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements is now available for councils. The Calendar includes key statutory and other reporting deadlines for all general purpose councils.