Temora Shire Council has resolved to revert to its previous Code of Meeting Practice following changes to the model meeting code framework for local government across New South Wales. At an Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 9 June, council unanimously resolved to rescind its decision of 20 November to adopt the 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice and reinstate its previous Code of Meeting Practice based on the 2021 Model Code. The motion was moved by mayor Rick Firman and seconded by deputy mayor councillor Graham Sinclair. Cr Firman said the decision was necessary following the disallowance of the 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice by the NSW Legislative Council. "Under the Local Government Act, councils are required to adopt a Code of Meeting Practice that incorporates the mandatory provisions of the prescribed Model Code," Cr Firman said. "With the 2025 Model Code having been disallowed, the 2021 Model Code once again becomes the prescribed code for councils across NSW. “This decision ensures Council remains compliant with legislative requirements while awaiting further direction from the NSW Government." During discussion on the matter, Councillor Anthony Irvine expressed disappointment that concerns raised by local government regarding aspects of the 2025 Model Code had not been resolved before the regulation was disallowed. Councillor Irvine noted that while he understood concerns raised by councils regarding restrictions on councillors attending meetings by audio visual link in certain circumstances, he believed attendance at meetings remained a core responsibility of elected representatives. Cr Firman acknowledged that councils across regional, rural and remote NSW had advocated for greater flexibility around remote attendance, particularly where travel distances and unforeseen circumstances can make in-person attendance difficult. "We've been working with the Minister for Local Government NSW, The Hon Ron Hoenig, on this issue and there has been ongoing discussion around the challenges faced by rural, remote and regional councils," Cr Firman said. "It is disappointing that councils now find themselves in a position where the 2025 Code has been disallowed and we are effectively reverting to the previous arrangements while a new code is prepared." Crr Firman also noted that Temora Shire Council has long utilised its committee structure rather than briefing sessions to consider matters before council. "As a Council, we've found our committee structure works exceptionally well and has done so for many years," he said. The NSW Government has advised councils that an amended Model Code of Meeting Practice is being prepared and councils will be kept informed of further developments. As a consequence of reverting to the 2021 Model Code, council and committee meetings will no longer be livestreamed. During the meeting, Councillor Nigel Judd sought clarification regarding livestreaming requirements. General manager Melissa Boxall advised that the requirement for video livestreaming was introduced under the 2025 Model Code, while the 2021 Model Code only requires meetings to be recorded and made publicly available, which may be by way of an audio recording. Audio recordings of Council and Committee meetings will continue to be made publicly available on Council's website as soon as practicable following each meeting. Council will review its Code of Meeting Practice again once further guidance is received from the Office of Local Government. Temora Shire Council
