News

Council calls for changes to meeting rules

By Lua Ikenasio

Feb 25, 2026

Murray River Council is advocating for amendments to the Code of Meeting Practice.

Murray River Council is calling for practical amendments to the Code of Meeting Practice under the Local Government Act 1993, which came into effect earlier this year.

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Since its implementation, concerns have been raised about how the new rules will affect rural and regional councils.

Through a Mayoral Minute, council resolved to write to the NSW Government, members of the NSW Parliament and key local government stakeholders, seeking improvements to the requirements.

Mayor John Harvie said the changes were creating unintended challenges for large rural councils that covered vast geographic areas.

“Murray River Council spans approximately 250km, meaning some councillors must travel several hours to attend meetings in Moama,” he said.

“A one-size-fits-all approach does not reflect the realities of rural governance and risks limiting participation, representation and effective decision-making.”

Major concerns included the prohibition of pre-meeting briefing sessions and significant restrictions on remote attendance.

The issue became evident during an extraordinary council meeting held in January, where a Wakool Ward councillor was unable to attend in person due to work commitments in Swan Hill.

Since the revised code only permits remote attendance under limited circumstances such as illness, medical reasons or caring responsibilities, the councillor was unable to participate in the meeting.

Council noted that such restrictions were less likely to affect metropolitan councils with smaller geographic areas, but could have significant impacts in rural regions.

Cr Harvie said council would continue to closely monitor the situation and advocate for amendments.

“Council is also closely monitoring the current motion of disallowance on the matter that is before the NSW Parliament and will continue advocating for changes that ensure the code remains inclusive, practical and supportive of effective local decision-making across regional communities,” Cr Harvie said.

As part of its advocacy, council will write to Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig, requesting practical amendments to better support rural councils.

Council will also seek support from local MP Helen Dalton, Country Mayors Association president Rick Firman and NSW Local Government Association president Darcy Byrne.