An Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Local Government Amendment (Elections) Bill 2025.
The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, including a requirement that all local council elections be administered by the NSW Electoral Commissioner only, effectively prohibiting the use of private electoral service providers to administer elections.
Additionally, the bill proposes reducing the pre-poll period for local council elections to five days and introduces a requirement for local council polling places to be located within the council's local government area.
The bill also includes a requirement that council vacancies be filled by candidates from the same group as a vacating councillor.
"The changes proposed in this bill have been introduced to address identified issues relating to council elections, and seek to make the process more streamlined, straight forward and accessible," Chair of the Standing Committee on State Development Emily Suvaal MLC said.
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"The Committee wants to hear from individuals and organisations who would be impacted by these changes, including political parties and candidates. This inquiry will ensure any issues or concerns about the proposed legislation can be adequately considered and addressed during debate."
Stakeholders can make submissions until 8 July 2025, which are able to be lodged via the committee's website.
The committee will hold a hearing on 15 July 2025 and report back to the Council by 4 August 2025.
Further information, including the inquiry terms of reference and the Bill, can be found on the committee's website.
