Tim James
Shadow Minister for Local Government
The Minns Labor Government has used its numbers to shut down debate on controversial rules restricting councillor briefings.
The Liberals and Nationals today moved to disallow the Local Government (General) Amendment (Meetings) Regulation 2026 in the Legislative Assembly, only for Labor to cut the debate short.
Shadow Minister for Local Government Tim James said Labor’s refusal to allow proper debate was extraordinary.
“This goes to the heart of informed decision making by local councillors and deserves proper debate in Parliament,” Mr James said.
“Instead, Labor used its numbers to shut that debate down. That is disrespectful to councils across NSW that have raised serious concerns and betrays the democratic process.”
“In May, the Legislative Council disallowed the Government’s new Model Code of Meeting Practice following widespread concerns, including the restrictions on councillor briefings.”
“Rather than listen to the sector and develop a workable solution, the Government remade the restriction with another regulation, creating unnecessary uncertainty across the local government sector.”
“Councillors need appropriate access to briefings and information to properly understand complex issues and make good decisions for their communities. Those decisions affect people’s everyday lives, from local roads and parks to development, community facilities and essential council services.”
“The sector wants workable rules that support accountability and well-informed decision making in the local government sector. That is what the Government should be delivering.”
