On 26 March 2020 the Local Government (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020 came into operation to address the current COVID-19 public health emergency.
It’s critical for councils to be able to continue providing the essential services our communities rely on.
The Local Government (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020 inserted a new section into the Local Government Act 1999 that allows the minister to make notices that vary or suspend the operation of specified provisions of the Act during the period of a public health emergency.
Under new section 302B of the Act, the minister may publish a notice if—
- a relevant declaration has been made in relation to a public health emergency; and
- the minister is satisfied that the variation or suspension of the specified provisions is reasonably necessary as a result of the emergency.
Notices made
|
Notice |
Date Made |
Purpose |
Application |
|
Public Health Emergency: Electronic Participation in Council Meetings (No. 1) |
30 March 2020 |
Council meetings—enable council members to participate in council meetings through electronic means, and make necessary variations to other meeting procedures to enable this. |
All councils |
|
Public Health Emergency: Public Access and Public Consultation (No. 2) |
8 April 20 |
Council offices – to enable councils to manage council offices and provision of documents while protecting public health, and suspending specific requirements for councils to hold public meetings. |
All councils |
|
South Australian Government Gazette, No. 26, Thursday 30 April pp. 871-872 |
A notice specific to the District Council of Coober Pedy to allow the administrator to hold meetings by electronic means. |
District Council of Coober Pedy |
|
|
Public Health Emergency: Annual Business Plans and Strategic Planning (No. 4) |
South Australian Government Gazette, No. 26, Thursday 30 April p. 870 |
Annual business plans and strategic planning – providing an additional three months for councils to adopt annual business plans and budgets, declare general rates, and complete a comprehensive review of strategic management plans. |
All councils |
Information for councils (including guidance papers) is also available on the Local Government Association website.
More information about section 302B notices
A section 302B notice has effect for the period specified in the notice.
If no period is specified in the notice, the notice will take effect from the day the notice is published in the Gazette and ending 28 days after the cessation of all relevant declarations relating to the emergency to which the notice relates.
At the end of the period specified in the notice
When the minister varies or revokes a notice
In all cases, 28 days after the cessation of all relevant declarations relating to the emergency to which the notice relates.
The minister must consult with the Local Government Association (LGA) before making a section 302B notice.
A section 302B notice can contain variations or suspensions of the specified provisions under the Local Government Act 1999.
The minister must be satisfied this is reasonably necessary as a result of the emergency.
A section 302B notice may not impose restrictions or limitations on the power of a council to impose rates and charges on land within its area.
A section 302B notice may operate subject to any conditions specified in the notice.
