The public now has an opportunity to comment on the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s latest report, which was released by the independent panel today.

Local Government Minister Don Page and Treasurer Mike Baird today said a report by NSW TCorp into the financial sustainability of the State’s local councils was a clear message for the sector and an opportunity to make councils stronger.

The report represents the first time a comprehensive, independent analysis has been undertaken into the financial sustainability of every council in NSW.

Local Government Minister Don Page today welcomed the release of a Discussion Paper by the Local Government Acts Taskforce, which represents the next stage of a new Local Government Act for NSW and called on the sector and the public to have their say.

“The public release of the Discussion Paper signals the beginning of the second stage of the consultation process established by the Taskforce to deliver a new Local Government Act that will guide the way local councils will operate into the future,’’ Mr Page said.

Councillors in the State’s 152 councils are now subject to more stringent rules, after a new Code of Conduct came into force today, Local Government Minister Don Page said.

The new code, which was passed by Parliament late last year, allows the Division of Local Government to investigate misconduct by councillors and to take disciplinary action against them if they breach the code.