Practical considerations
Following the commencement of the COVID-19 Legislation
Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 on 25 March, the
Minister for Local Government who is responsible for administering
the Local Government Act 1993 (the LG
Act) has been granted significant powers to alter the
functions and responsibilities of local councils in response to the
ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Most notably, the Minister has gained
a time-limited power to postpone local council elections for a
period of 12 months. The other amendments to the LG Act may also
affect the manner in which council meetings are held, particularly
in terms of whether such meetings are held in-person or open to the
public.
