Regulation Review - IPART - NSW Government

1 Introduction
The Panel will investigate and identify options for governance models, structural
arrangements and boundary changes for local government in NSW. 3 It is due to
report in July 2013. As part of its review, the Panel will examine best practice in
local government in NSW and other jurisdictions, and other aspects that intersect
with this review. The recommendations of the Panel may also address some of
the current capacity and capability issues identified as part of this review in
relation to how local government undertakes its regulatory responsibilities.
The Local Government Acts Taskforce
The Local Government Act 1993 (the LG Act) and the City of Sydney Act 1988
establish the statutory basis for local government in NSW, including how it is
constituted, administered, financially managed, financed, operated and made
accountable. These Acts also set out core local government service and
regulatory functions, and general enforcement powers. However, these Acts do
not capture the full scope of regulatory functions and enforcement powers
conferred or delegated on local government, as these are conferred or delegated
under numerous other pieces of State legislation (as discussed in section 2.2 of
this paper).
The NSW Government has recently announced a review of the provisions of the
LG Act and the City of Sydney Act and their practical operation. This review
will be conducted by the Local Government Acts Taskforce. The Taskforce will:
adopt the decisions of the Government in relation to the recommendations of
the Independent Local Government Review Panel, and
make recommendations for legislative changes necessary for a new LG Act.
It is due to report by September 2013. 4
Our review is distinct from the reviews of the Independent Local Government
Review Panel and Local Government Acts Taskforce because our focus is on the
compliance and enforcement functions of local government.
3 The Terms of Reference for the Panel’s review can be found at
http://www.localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au/
4 The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce’s review can be found at
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/documents/Circulars/12-32.pdf
Regulation Review IPART 5