20-39 Constitutional referendums and council polls
Circular Details | 20-39 / 30 November 2020 / A716396 |
Previous Circular | 19-23 Constitutional referendums and council polls |
Who should read this | Councillors / General Managers / Council Governance Staff |
Contact | Council Governance Team / 02 4428 4100 / olg@olg.nsw.gov.au |
Action required | Information |
PDF Version | Council Circular 20-39 – PDF |
What’s new or changing
- Councils are reminded to inform the NSW Electoral Commissioner (NSWEC) if they have resolved for the NSWEC to administer a constitutional referendum or poll in conjunction with the September 2021 local government elections.
What this will mean for your council
- Under section 16 of the Local Government Act 1993, a council must obtain the approval of its electors at a constitutional referendum to do each of the following:
- divide a council area into wards or abolish wards
- change the number of councillors
- change the method of electing the mayor
- change the method of election for councillors where the council’s area is divided into wards.
Key points
- Councils should notify the NSWEC as soon as possible if they wish to enter into an arrangement for the administration of a referendum or poll.
- If a council resolves that a constitutional referendum or poll is to be conducted, it must comply with the notification requirements contained in Schedule 10 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.
- Any changes approved at a referendum will come into effect at the September 2024 local government elections.
Where to go for further information
- For councils considering, or that have resolved to have the NSWEC conduct a constitutional referendum or poll, contact Steve Robb at the NSW Electoral Commission on telephone 9290 5431 or Steve.Robb@elections.nsw.gov.au.
- See the attachment to this Circular for further information.
Tim Hurst
Deputy Secretary
Local Government, Planning and Policy