One way councillors can be informed of their responsibilities is through the issue of policy and procedures. State Archives and Records NSW has created a sample records management policy and procedures for councillors that can be modified by councils to suit their needs.
The Model Code of Meeting Practice for Local Councils 2018 requires that from 14 December 2019:
NSW local government councils are 'public offices' as defined in section 3 (1) of the State Records Act 1998. This page contains guidance that will assist local councils to make and keep records appropriately and comply with their obligations under the Act.
Council websites are key information sites for ratepayers and are increasingly the sites of much local government business. Because Council business is documented and performed on your website, it is important to make sure that you are making and keeping records of this business.
State Records has developed a set of model access directions for local government records. They are based on the Attorney General's Guidelines for making access directions and were made after consultation with metropolitan and regional councils.