Policy and Legislation

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.

15-23 – 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.

15-19 – Fixing Country Roads – Grant Writing Workshops

The next rounds of the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads grants program are expected to award up to $500 million over a ten year period. This will be complemented by a $400 million Fixing Country Rail program, targeting upgrades to the rail network connecting country NSW to ports.

15-17 – Fit for the Future – Methodology and templates

IPART has issued the final methodology for its assessment of councils’ Fit for the Future proposals, as well as details about the proposal submission that will be through an online portal.

15-13 – Fit for the Future Expert Panel

The Minister for Local Government has announced that the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will undertake the role of the Expert Panel in assessing councils’ Fit for the Future proposals. IPART will be inviting submissions on the proposed assessment methodology.

15-12 – Draft Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting 2014-15

The draft 2014-15 Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting has been released for sector comment.

15-11 – 2015 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government

The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Paul Toole MP, and the Minister for Women, the Hon Pru Goward MP, announced the winners of the eighth annual Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government, as part of International Women’s Day celebrations at Parliament House on 3 March 2015. The Awards were established to recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of women in local government in NSW.

15-08 – New NSW Online Registry for court services to save time and money

Councils can now access court services more cheaply and quickly via a new NSW Online Registry.

15-04 – Release of Fit for the Future Template 3 (Rural Council Proposal)

The Fit for the Future Template 3 (Rural Council Proposal) and guidance material has been finalised, following consultation with the sector, and is now available to councils.