Office of Local Government (New South Wales)


The New South Wales Office of Local Government, a former agency from 1983 until 2019 of the Department of Planning and Environment in the Government of New South Wales, was responsible for administering legislation in relation to local government areas in New South Wales.
Up until its abolition in April 2019, the office was led by its Acting Chief Executive, Mr Tim Hurst, who reported to the Minister for Local Government. The office and its antecedent agency was established in 1993, pursuant to the.
Following the 2019 state election the office was abolished and its functions assumed by the newly-formed Department of Planning and Industry with effect from 1 July 2019.

Divisional responsibilities

The role of the office included preparing legislation, providing advice and information to the State Government and local councils, regulating financial management and monitoring financial reporting practices of councils, and improving local government performance through provision of standards and guidelines and conducting reviews and investigations.
As part of a drive to locate government offices in regional areas, the office's head office was in the regional town of Nowra on the South Coast, but an office in Castlereagh Street in Sydney CBD also provides Divisional services.