The NSW Government has announced sweeping changes to how local council meetings will operate across the state, with “a new era of transparency” set to begin from January next year.
Under the Minns Labor Government’s reforms, council meetings will face stricter rules designed to boost public confidence in local government. The new Model Code of Meeting Practice will prohibit private councillor briefings on matters that should be discussed publicly and will require councils to live stream all meetings.
Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig says the changes aim to restore dignity to council chambers and ensure decisions are made in full view of the communities they represent.
“The council chamber should be a place of dignity, where debate and decision making takes place in full view of the community,” Minister Hoenig said.
Mayors will also gain expanded powers to remove disorderly councillors and disruptive members of the public from meetings.
All NSW councils must adopt these new meeting practices by December 31st, 2025, with the changes taking effect from January 1st, 2026.