government body · 13 meetings
Office of Local Government
Context
- Tracked aliases include Office of Local Government.
Mentions
- Requested to provide comment on the possible referendum.
- Source of benchmarks to be considered in the future borrowing policy.
- Source of conduct-framework and meeting-regulation reform updates
- Discussed during councillor conduct framework reform.
- Council will seek advice on closed-meeting minute recording rules
- Provided advice relied on for rescinding the existing code and public forum policy.
Decisions
Advice sought on councillor-number referendum
Council resolved to seek NSW Electoral Commission and Office of Local Government advice on holding a referendum about the number of councillors, including costs, timing, advertising and compulsory voting.
This is an initial step towards a possible community vote and does not itself approve a referendum.
Council to seek advice on closed-meeting minute recording rules
Following questions about the Code of Meeting Practice, the CEO said Council would seek further advice from the Office of Local Government on how confidential items should be recorded in closed meeting minutes.
Relevant to public transparency and how confidential council decisions are documented.
Rescind December 2025 Code of Meeting Practice and Public Forum Policy
Council followed advice from the Office of Local Government and rescinded the Code of Meeting Practice and Public Forum Policy adopted on 16 December 2025, reinstating the earlier 2024 code.
This changes the rules for how council meetings and public forum participation will operate while a new code is prepared.
CT Lewis Centre sale process to be reviewed and referred
Council carried an amended notice of motion requiring the General Manager to provide councillors within 7 days with detailed information about the appointment of CBRE as selling agent for the CT Lewis Centre, including procurement documents, communications, conflict declarations, and appointment authority, and to refer the circumstances to the Office of Local Government for independent investigation.
Residents concerned about the possible sale of the CT Lewis Centre may see greater scrutiny, transparency, and possible further review before any future action.
Performance Improvement Order noted and implementation authorised
Council tabled and noted Performance Improvement Order A998905 served by the Minister for Local Government, authorised the Chief Executive Officer to work with the Office of Local Government to implement required actions, and requested follow-up reports on compliance.
This affects how council is governed and how quickly it must respond to state oversight, which can influence service delivery and council decision-making.
Council to continue regional collaboration through NSROC
Council resolved to advise the Office of Local Government that it intends to continue regional collaboration through the Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils rather than join or create a Joint Organisation.
This affects how regional advocacy, shared planning and inter-council collaboration are pursued on cross-boundary issues.
Notice of Motion: GIPAs, Staff Time, Referrals to OLG, Court Costs and Related Costs
Council received a written submission against the recommendation on the costs associated with GIPAs, staff time, referrals to the Office of Local Government, court costs and related costs.
Relevant to ratepayer concern about how council resources and legal/regulatory costs are managed.
Topics
Councillor conduct and meeting regulation reforms
Council noted proposed Local Government Office of Local Government conduct-framework reforms and amendments to meeting regulations.
The reforms may change councillor conduct processes and how briefings and questions are published, although no implementation cost was provided.
Seeking further legal/procedural advice on meeting format
Council moved to seek further advice from the Office of Local Government about whether monthly Monday meetings could be followed by a Tuesday adjournment to complete remaining business.
This could alter how residents attend, watch and participate in council meetings.