The NSW Government has today fulfilled another pre-election commitment, returning democratic powers to, and increasing the autonomy of, NSW councils.

NSW Local Government Minister Don Page said the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Act 2011 amends the Local Government Act to give councils the option of running their elections, by-elections and referendums from September 2012.

The legislation is in response to concerns from the Local Government and Shires Association, and some councils and communities, which believe that councils are best placed to utilise their resources most efficiently to administer cost-effective, prompt and transparent polls.

“This legislation gives council general managers the option of running their own local government elections. That will enhance the autonomy of councils, give them the chance to save ratepayers’ money when spending on elections, and ensure the speedy release of election results to communities,” Mr Page said.

“Councils which choose to run their own elections will be required to uphold the same levels of transparency, integrity, impartiality and professionalism that voters expect from State and Federal elections – and previous council elections.

“However, if a general manager decides that their council can not manage its own election or referendum, this legislation ensures that general managers can still hand over that responsibility to the NSW Electoral Commissioner.

“This legislation also allows councils to apply to the Local Government Minister to reduce councillor numbers and abolish wards without the need for a constitutional referendum, and ensures that any councillor vacancies need not be filled within 18 months of a local government election.”

Mr Page said the legislation was yet another example of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government modernising local government.