Lord Mayor and councillors

The role of the Lord Mayor includes:

• leading decision making at council meetings
• representing the views of the council and local community
• hosting civic and ceremonial events.

The Lord Mayor also performs the role of a councillor and carries out specific functions that are delegated to the position by the Council.

The primary role of a councillor is to make decisions and develop policies that guide our activities. This role is performed at Council and committee meetings, where the decision-making occurs.

Councillors provide leadership and guidance and facilitate communication between the Council as a governing body and our communities.

All councillors represent the entire local area as it's not divided into wards.

Councillors adhere to our code of conduct and other relevant policies such as the code of meeting practice, and procedures relating to facilities and expenses.

Councillors are entitled to be provided with necessary resources and facilities, and to have relevant expenses reimbursed, to support them to effectively perform their role.

Our councillors’ expenses and facilities policy outlines the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to the Lord Mayor and councillors, and provides a framework to ensure accountability and transparency.

Councillors and mayors are entitled to receive an annual fee that's subject to tax for carrying out their duties. This is paid in monthly instalments in arrears.

Generally, the fee paid will depend on the size of the council, the number of people it serves and the assets it manages. A councillor or mayor in a small rural council will generally get paid less than a councillor or mayor in a metropolitan council.

Each year, the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal determines the maximum and minimum fees payable by each category of council to councillors and mayors. The tribunal is required to make a determination by 1 May each year, taking effect from 1 July. Councils can't pay councillors and mayors more than the maximum determined fee.

The City of Sydney Council is currently the only one to be categorised as a principal city. In 2000, Council resolved that the maximum fees determined by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal will be payable.

Lobbying is the act of seeking to influence issues and decisions made by government officials. The Independent Commission Against Corruption has produced a guide designed to keep the process fair and protect public confidence in decision-making by councillors and local governments.

You can download the guide, called Lobbying local government councillors, from the ICAC website.

There are 3 levels of government in Australia – federal, state and local (councils).

The NSW parliament makes laws which regulate the role, powers and responsibilities of local councils. The Local Government Act outlines:

• how councils are established
• how elections are run
• how and when councils meet
• how rates are charged
• how councils spend money
• what councils can do.

Like all councils, the City of Sydney has responsibilities under other NSW laws including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, the Public Health Act and the Companion Animals Act.

Council also has the authority to make its own regulations and by-laws.

Councils exist to:

• provide a representative, informed and responsible decision-making body
• develop the local community and its resources in a socially just and environmentally responsible way
• ensure local public services and facilities respond effectively to community needs.

• Provide for development in the local area.
• Provide for local services and facilities that benefit ratepayers, residents and visitors.
• Protect health and provide for the welfare, wellbeing and interests of the local community.
• Represent and promote the interests of ratepayers and residents.
• Establish and support organisations and programs targeting the local community.
• Protect the environment and improve local amenity.
• Attract and provide infrastructure for commerce, tourism and industry.
• Manage, improve and develop resources available to Council.

The decisions we make are first discussed at a standing committee before a final decision is made at Council. These committees meet at least 10 times a year in the Council Chamber at Sydney Town Hall:

• Corporate, Finance, Properties and Tenders Committee
• Cultural and Community Committee
• Environment Committee
• Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee
• Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee.

The Central Sydney Planning Committee, the City of Sydney Local Planning Panel and the Central Sydney Traffic and Transport Committee do not refer decisions to Council.

Members of the public can attend committee meetings. You are also welcome to attend Council meetings but you cannot address Councillors. Please read the guidelines for speakers to find out how you can be heard by Council.

We welcome petitions from people to let us know their concerns. To find out more, please read our petition guidelines (PDF 257 KB).