LGNSW disappointed with ruling that briefings be public

Councillor briefings are to be public from January next year, as part of a new Code of Meeting Practice for NSW local governments.

It has disappointed the association of councils.

The new code means that only confidential council items can be discussed behind closed doors.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Phyllis Miller said the sector supported moves to improve probity and process in all spheres of government but remained disappointed with the briefings decision.

“We acknowledge the intent of the NSW Local Government Minister in his aim to seek to raise the level of respect for councils both in the community and in the chamber,” Miller said.

“We’ve had the opportunity, along with councils, to provide feedback on the drafting of the model code and are now working through the details of the Minister’s new code to understand its application in the sector.

“As someone who we know cares deeply about councils, we know the Minister will welcome feedback from LGNSW and councils about the operation of the new code and whether any additional matters may arise as a result of putting it into practice that need to be more fully considered.”

Mayor Miller said LGNSW remained disappointed with the Minister’s decision to prohibit private briefing sessions for elected council representatives.

“Councillors are elected to make informed decisions on behalf of their communities,” she said.

“Briefing sessions are not decision-making forums – they simply ensure councillors are properly equipped with the background and technical information they need before a matter comes to the public chamber.

“These briefings lead to better informed representatives and, ultimately, better decision-making outcomes for communities, but decisions are – and always will be – made transparently in council meetings, in full view of the public.”

Miller said LGNSW would continue to listen to councils, capture their feedback on the code’s operation, and share this with the Minister and OLG.

Councillor Jared Wright said Central Coast Council had been working with the LGNSW on the new code of meeting practice over the past few months, including making a submission.

“We knew that it was likely that every council would be required to conduct open briefings and the final decision on Friday affirmed that,” Wright said.

“Over the past few months, we have already been conducting briefings publicly where appropriate, and the community has appreciated the opportunity to come in-person or view online.

“The final changes were largely what I expected and Central Coast Council is already across most of these tweaks and have factored them into our processes and procedures.

“I certainly think we will be able to fulfil these obligations by January 2026.

“For our Council, there won’t be any drastic changes, but it is a good opportunity for staff and councillors to refresh themselves, to ensure we are running the meetings efficiently and effectively.”

Councillor Corinne Lamont said all council business now had to be conducted openly, which she saw as a real positive.

“Overall, the wording and tone of the 2025 Code places more emphasis on transparency, accountability and free speech, I think. I hope this makes a real difference and has some effect at Central Coast Council,” she said.

Lamont said she didn’t agree with the requirement to stand for the mayor, “especially in a council like the Central Coast where the mayor isn’t directly elected by the people but chosen through councillor deal making”.

She also hoped the new code would go further in depoliticising the general manager’s role.

“In my view, it still doesn’t do enough to ensure real neutrality or depoliticisation, the same as the 2021 version,” Lamont said.

All councillors were asked to respond.

Coast News has published the two replies received by deadline.

Merilyn Vale