Councils have multiple financial reporting requirements as set out in the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, and by the Office of Local Government (OLG) itself. The key requirements include:

1. Annual audited financial reports to be submitted by the 31^st October to the Departmental Chief Executive. Audited financial reports should then also be included in a council’s Annual Report to be submitted by the 30^th November, as specified in section 428 of the Local Government Act.
2. OLG requires Financial Data Returns (FDRs) to be submitted to the OLG by the 31^st October each year.

The Local Government Act 1993, Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting and the Australian Accounting Standards provide councils with further guidance.

Councils should also have a Long-Term Financial Plan (LFTP), an annual Operational Plan and Quarterly Budget Review Statements (QBRS).

For more detail on a council’s reporting requirements, view the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. For a timeline of reporting requirements, view the Calendar of Compliance and Reporting.