Our Services
Who we are
The NSW Department of Local Government is the state agency responsible for local government across NSW. Our specific role is to provide a clear policy and legislative foundation to local government in NSW so councils are able to deliver quality services to their communities in a sustainable manner.
What we do
We are principally a policy advice and regulatory agency, acting as a central agency for local government, with a key role in managing the relationship between councils and the State Government. We are responsible for the overall legal, management and financial framework for local government.
As part of this we:
- Prepare Legislation
- Provide Advice & Information
- Regulate Financial Management
- Improve Local Government Performance
We develop and review legislation to make sure community needs are being met. The main piece of legislation we are responsible for is the Local Government Act 1993 and Regulations. We also administer the Companion Animals Act 1998 and Regulations, the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and Regulations and the City of Sydney Act 1988.
We advise and provide information to the State Government and local councils on a range of local government issues to facilitate effective decision-making within and for the sector.
We collect and evaluate financial data and help local councils strengthen their financial performance. We monitor local councils’ financial reporting practices and manage the application of the national accounting standards. We also monitor council rates and charges and administer Commonwealth Grants to councils.
We work with local councils to help them improve their delivery of services to their communities. For example, we issue standards and guidelines, review council operations and investigate problems in local government performance.
Go to TopOur Vision
“Our vision is of a strong and sustainable local government sector that works together to meet community needs.”
Our Values
As a Department we value:
- Collaboration: We will recognise, support and encourage people working together effectively
- Leadership: We will lead by example and encourage continuous improvement
- Integrity: We will behave in an ethical and professional manner
- Fairness and equity: We will be open and honest and respectful of those we deal with
- Communication: We will consult and communicate clearly with each other and our stakeholders
Our Operations
The Department has six branches that work together to provide a policy and legislative framework for the local government sector.
Executive
Our executive branch coordinates ministerial and departmental services relating to correspondence, public enquiries, customer services, publicity and information. We also provide support services for the Director General.
Business and Information Services
Our business and information services branch provides infrastructure coordination and management for human resources including EEO and training, records management and administrative services such as fleet management and accommodation.
We provide quality Information and Communications Technology (ICT) advisory and support services for the Department and maintain a computer systems infrastructure to support business objectives.
We also:
- develop systems to support the department's mission and objectives
- coordinate all data collection activities for business units
- maintain the department's web page.
Finance Management
Our finance management branch monitors local government financial matters including the financial position of councils, rates and charges, rebates, loan borrowings and capital expenditure reviews.
We also:
- collect information and conduct research and policy development on financial and rating issues
- manage the annual allocation of loan borrowing authority between councils
- advise the Minister on rate pegging levels and applications by councils for exemption from rate limitations
- manage the development and application of the Local Government Accounting Code (AAS27)
- identify benchmarking standards to encourage councils to adopt best practice opportunities
- prepare a report each year comparing councils' performances using key management performance indicators.
Investigations and Review
Our investigations and review branch assesses and investigates complaints and allegations about the conduct and activities of councils, elected members and council staff.
We also:
- complete special investigations into councils and inquiries on pecuniary interest matters
- identify areas of local government administration that need more effective control procedures
- support the Local Government Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal
- provide 'best practice' advice and educational information for elected members and staff on a range of matters related to complaints and probity
- liaise with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Ombudsman's Office in relation to the department's investigative function.
Legal Services
Our legal services branch identifies and reviews the need for changes to local government legislation and formulates legislative proposals.
We also:
- provide high level legal policy advice to the Government on a wide range of issues affecting local government
- process leases and land resumptions for councils
- prepare briefs on and present pecuniary interest matters before the Local Government Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal
- provide support to the Local Government Boundaries Commission.
Policy and Research
Our policy and research branch identifies critical issues in local government management, develops policy and conducts research to promote best practice in local government.
We also:
- conduct extensive interagency consultation to make sure that local government issues are considered in the relevant context
- help councils successfully implement local government legislation
- manage programs in local councils that deal with social planning, sewage management, companion animals, multicultural issues, EEO, state of the environment reports and annual reporting.