Code of Meeting Practice
Summary
The Minister for Local Government released the 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW on 29 August 2025, with the background of consultation, draft Meeting Code and resources published on the OLG website: Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW – Office of Local Government NSW
Council endorsement of the new Yass Valley Council Code of Meeting Practice, as attached in draft, is sought to place on public exhibition, requesting community feedback for a minimum of 42 days. This will ensure a new Code of Meeting Practice is adopted by the required date of 31 December 2025.
Background
This Policy is presented to Council in accordance with section 360 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. Under section 361 of the Act, before adopting the new Code of Meeting Practice, Council must first exhibit the Draft Code of Meeting Practice for at least 28 days and provide members of the community at least 42 days in which to comment.
The Code of Meeting Practice provides meeting rules that ensure accessible, orderly, effective and efficient meetings of Council and committees of Council. The OLG will be releasing model best practice public forum rules that Council can choose to use, and updated guidance on livestreaming of meetings.
Council must adopt a new Code of Meeting Practice based on the mandatory provisions of the Model Code by 31 December 2025.
SUBMISSIONS
This draft policy was endorsed at the 23 October Council Meeting to be placed on Public Consultation for a period of no less than 28 days, and will provide members of the community at least 42 days in which to comment.
Any person may make a written submission to Council on the draft document until 5.00pm Monday 8 December 2025.
Submissions should be made by email to Council@yass.nsw.gov.au or by writing to Public Consultations, Yass Valley Council, 209 Comur Street, Yass, NSW, 2582.
Thank you for taking the time to share your views.
You can read the documents below.