Restrictions on Asset Sales and Planning for Councils Undergoing De-Amalgamation Plebiscites
Local Government Amendment (De-amalgamation Plebiscites) Bill 2023
1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
The Minister must start a plebiscite within 28 days of receiving a valid petition from 10% of electors in a former area.
The Department Secretary must set a plebiscite date; they must also publish and mail a case for and against the de-amalgamation.
Councils in the plebiscite area cannot sell assets or change local environmental plans until the result is known or de-amalgamation happens.
The Minister must recommend a proclamation to the Governor to end the amalgamation if more than 50% of electors vote for it.
New council boundaries must reflect the former areas involved in the proposal.
The Minister can postpone council elections to allow time for the plebiscite and any resulting de-amalgamation.
The Minister can dissolve a council area for de-amalgamation without holding a public inquiry.