The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today in Parliament passed the Local Government Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
The amendments to the Local Government Act 2019, and the Local Government (General) Regulations 2021, ensure the Bill is contemporary, improves efficiency and transparency and strengthens effectiveness within the local government sector.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development Steve Edgington said the amendments aligned local government systems and processes with best practices across Australia.
"The amendments modernise, strengthen and streamline local government operations by updating outdated or unclear provisions," he said.
The changes in this Bill focused on several provisions including:
Prospective councils.Elections and casual vacancies.The Local Government Representative Committee.Extension of time to advertise the CEO vacancy.Publishing requirements for local government notices.Council resolution for rates declarations.
"The amendments address and improve certain areas by strengthening existing functions and powers, such as those regarding prospective councils," said Mr Edgington.
"They support more efficient service delivery and resource management across the local government sector.
"This is an important step in the transition to greater local control and empowering local communities across the Territory."
Mr Edgington said the Bill was the first tranche of local government legislation reform with more amendments to occur after consultation with stakeholders.
"We know that deeper reform is needed," he said.
"So, we have released three detailed discussion papers which tackle bigger issues, including the Code of Conduct for elected members, and are out now for public consultation.
"In our year of action, certainty and security our approach to local government reform is measured and grounded in meaningful consultation, driven by what communities want and need, not a one-size-fits-all model."
Public consultation sessions begin in Darwin tomorrow (Friday, May 23) followed by sessions in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Tiwi Islands, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Jabiru and Groote Eylandt.
To read the discussion papers and provide feedback, head to Have Your Say NT here.
