The Model Code of Meeting Practice provides a uniform set of meeting rules for councils across the State to help ensure more accessible, orderly, effective and efficient meetings. The code applies to all meetings of councils and committees of councils of which all the members are councillors (committees of council). Council committees whose members include persons other than councillors may adopt their own rules for meetings unless the council determines otherwise.

 

Adoption and application

The Model Code of Meeting Practice comprises of mandatory and non-mandatory provisions. Councils must adopt a code of meeting practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the Model Code of Meeting Practice no later than 12 months after each ordinary council elections. Councils are required to consult with their communities prior to adopting a code of meeting practice. See Circular 21-35 – 2021 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW for further information.

 

Webcast of meetings

All councils (but not joint organisations) are required to webcast meetings of the council and committees of which all members are councillors. The webcasting requirement may be met simply by posting an audio or video recording of the meeting on the council’s website. Councils are required to retain recordings of their meetings on their websites for at least 12 months.

OLG has issued a guide to webcasting council and committee meetings to assist councils to comply with these requirements.

 

Key Resources

 

Further information

For further information, contact OLG’s Council Governance Team on (02) 4428 4100 or via email olg@olg.nsw.gov.au.