Section 355 Management Committees are provided under the Local Government Act 1993 for Councils to delegate some of their functions to a Committee of Council. Each Council may have several such Committees managing community facilities or providing advice to Council about such facilities. Councils appoint members of the community to manage certain Council facilities (examples […]

In the 2018 Local Government Risk Report for Australian Local Government, Aon delivered the results of a national risk survey of the sector. Health and safety concerns have all leapt higher (moving up 2 spots to #3 in the top 10 risks) as Councils count the risk and cost of human impact. But many Councils […]

The NSW Government has released a new policy guidance in line with a focus on taking advantage of the opportunities for efficiency enhancement and improved decision making enabled by IoT. The IoT Policy Guidance provides practical guidance, advice on standards and tools and templates to help organisations effectively develop and manage an IoT-enabled project. Among […]

APRA has released a discussion paper on its new prudential standard on remuneration (CPS 511). The standard will operate alongside and supplement the Banking Executive Accountability Regime (BEAR) requirements for Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs) and the future legislative equivalent for Registrable Superannuation Entity (RSE) licensees, life, general and health insurers. It will have far-reaching implications […]

There is an emerging importance of Smart City/Internet of Things (IoT) cyber security across local government. Smart cities are comprised of a highly complex, interdependent network of devices, systems, platforms, and users. Smart energy, utilities, water and wastage, parking and automotive, industrial and manufacturing, building automation, e-government and telemedicine, surveillance and public safety are just […]

Centium was recently engaged by a large NSW Government agency to assist with the review and re-calculation of their motor vehicle employee salary package reconciliations over the past two years. These vehicles are packaged on a business/private usage basis rather than as novated leases. We found that: Spreadsheets used by the agency were developed in-house […]

From 1 July 2019 there are more stringent company requirements under new Commonwealth 'Whistleblower' legislation. What are the issues? Organisations are now developing and introducing their own Whistleblower policies to meet legislative requirements with many still 'finding their feet' preparing their policies, practices, training, communications, and record-keeping processes. What does this mean for you? There […]

Community Participation Plans (CPPs) are now mandatory. They need to be prepared by Councils for their LGA to make it clearer and easier for members of the community to understand how they can participate in planning decisions. They are intended to be high-level documents which describe how and when a planning authority, such as a […]

Austroads has developed the National Prequalification System (NPS) to create a harmonised framework for roadworks and bridgeworks construction contracts. NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is a participant in the NPS. RMS has in turn placed this requirement on Councils. Delivering services to the RMS is a significant source of financial revenue for many Councils. […]

The Office of Local Government (OLG) has just released a discussion paper on the much-awaited Risk Management & Internal Audit Framework for Councils. The proposed framework is largely modelled on the Public Sector Framework (TPP 15-03) and has very similar requirements. What’s new or changing? What this will mean for Councils Centium can work with […]

As from 1 October 2018 (last year), NSW associations also registered as a charity no longer need to lodge its annual summary of financial affairs with Fair Trading or pay the annual lodgement fee. Charities must still lodge their Annual Information Statement (and financial statements if required) with the ACNC for each financial year. The […]