THE COUNCIL COMPANION

The Macquarie Lawyers Easy Guide to Governance

• Local Government & Planning Legislation Amendment Act 2010 which came into operation on 24 September 2010; and
• Local Government & Planning Legislation Amendment Act 2010 which came into effect on 1 October 2010.

What is it?

Ongoing amendments to the Local Government Act 1989 have resulted in an Act which contains extensive legislative requirements - causing complication for governance officers.

Terry Bramham and Georgie Ward of Macquarie Lawyers and Strategists have undertaken the extensive exercise of collating these essential requirements to ensure compliance in a comprehensive and practical manner. The guide is designed foremost to make life easier for Council staff.

Why do I need it?

This guide operates as an essential reference for Council staff to ensure legislative compliance.

What topics are covered in the guide?

• The recent changes made to the Act
• User-friendly Table of Statutory Obligations referencing sections and timelines
• Policies, Codes, Plans and Programs
• A comprehensive list of documents required to be made available for public inspection
• Section 223 compliance
• A list of all sections affected by section 223
• Commentary on the Register of Interests
• Important information for Councillors
• The function of the Chief Executive Officer
• Commentary on delegations
• Suggested delegation guidelines for staff
• Requirements for making a valid local law
• Conflicts of interest
• Council committees
• Meetings procedure
• Internet website requirements
• Assemblies of Councillors
   

How will the guide be udpated?

Purchase of The Council Companion entitles you to ongoing notification of any legislative changes to the Act, and advice on necessary action resulting from such changes. This supplementary information will be provided in electronic format via email. Please note that this complimentary service does not include a replacement hard copy of the document.

Alternatively, we offer an annual subscription which entitles you to receive an updated hard copy of The Council Companion, reflecting any future legislative changes as they occur and any subsequent amendments to the existing content of the guide.

Please note that the subscription does not extend to future editions of The Council Companion which incorporate additional topics.

What is the cost?

This guide is available for purchase in hardcopy for $650 plus GST or $800 plus GST including the annual subscription.

Please call us on (03) 9650 6700 or email solutions@macquarielawyers.com.au if you wish to obtain a copy.

The Council Companion - Useful Links