8 July 2026
Have your say on councillor conduct reforms
The Office of Local Government is seeking feedback on proposed reforms that would centralise councillor conduct complaints and introduce a new Model Code of Conduct for Councillors.
Please refer to OLG Circular No 26-08 / 12 June 2026 / A1005891).
The proposed changes are detailed in a Councillor Conduct Reform Policy Statement: Improving Councillor Accountability and draft Model Code of Conduct for Councillors.
Under the proposed new framework, the handling of complaints against councillors will be centralised through the OLG with the aim of ensuring a more consistent, efficient and independent process.
A new Privileges Committee will assess less serious complaints of unsatisfactory councillor conduct, while serious misconduct will be investigated by OLG and, where appropriate, referred to the Land and Environment Court.
The existing Model Code of Conduct for Local Councils in NSW will be split into two with a dedicated code for councillors and a separate code for council staff, delegates and committee members. Breaches of the councillor code will be managed under the new conduct framework.
The new councillor code has been designed to reflect the political nature of elected councillor roles, support the implied freedom of political communication, simplify conflict of interest rules, and remove provisions that could be misused or “weaponised” in complaints. The reforms also seek to modernise how councillors disclose their personal interests, by aligning requirements with those applying to Members of NSW Parliament.
Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 7 August 2026.
Further Contact
Further information is available on the Councillor Conduct Framework Reform webpage on the OLG’s website.
LGNSW members are encouraged to make their own submissions and can also provide input to LGNSW’s submission by emailing their feedback to Olivia Dowling in LGNSW’s Legal Support Unit by Wednesday 15 July 2026.