The CLP Government is strengthening governance, transparency and accountability across the local government sector through targeted legislative reforms.The Local Government Legislation Amendment (Code of Conduct and Other Matters) Bill 2026 (the Bill) improves the way complaints about council members are managed and clarifies key governance provisions in the Local Government Act 2019These changes will support councils to operate effectively while maintaining strong integrity standards and public confidence in local government.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is strengthening how local government operates, with reforms that improve oversight, transparency and accountability.
The Local Government Legislation Amendment (Code of Conduct and Other Matters) Bill 2026 passed last night improves the way complaints about council members are managed and clarifies key governance provisions in the Local Government Act 2019.
Key elements include:
a strengthened Code of Conduct complaints framework supported by independent statutory bodiesimproved procedural integrity in the complaints processclear delegation and governance provisionsclearer training requirements for council memberstransparency and consistency in key administrative processes.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development, Steve Edgington, said the reforms bring a modern, independent integrity framework, tighter procurement rules and updated financial governance so councils can better serve their communities
"These reforms mean clearer rules, stronger oversight, and a strengthened and more independent code of conduct.
"They ensure the local government sector can be more responsive and better suited to the needs of our communities.
"The reforms respond to practical issues identified through ongoing engagement with councils and the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) that the existing framework has proven inconsistent.
"As part of our commitment to restoring the Territory lifestyle to ensure Territorians have strong councils delivering good services on the ground, we listened, and we have acted with these reforms.
"Strong governance builds trust and keeps councils delivering for their communities," Mr Edgington said.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development will continue to work with the local government sector to support implementation of the reforms, including through guidance materials and ongoing engagement.
