NSW has launched a new online platform for council meetings.

NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock says updates to the state’s Model Code of Meeting Practice will allow councillors to attend meetings virtually. 

“Councils will now have the option to allow councillors to be present for official meetings by audio-visual link if they can’t attend in person because of illness, disability, caring and work responsibilities or other reasons agreed to by council,” Ms Hancock says. 

The changes are expected to boost opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds who may not have been able to nominate otherwise. 

The changes will also allow councils to meet entirely remotely during natural disasters and public health emergencies.

“We have heard loud and clear that councils want this flexibility into the future. It encourages more diversity among councillors and it means critical decisions can still be made during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Hancock said.

“Women represent just 31 per cent of all NSW councillors so we must do all we can to encourage more women to stand for their community.

“Councils play a vital democratic function and it is important councillors are able to deliberate and determine important matters on behalf of their community especially during crises such as COVID-19, bushfires and floods.”

The NSW Government has also strengthened requirements for councils to financially support councillors with carer responsibilities including meeting childcare expenses to allow them to undertake their civic duties.

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils in NSW can be found here.