NSW Local Government Act sets out the roles and responsibilities of mayors, councillors and general managers. It is useful in dealing with local government to understand the different roles so you have realistic expectations when dealing with council and know who you need to speak to if you want to get an issue addressed. The table below sets out the roles and responsibilities of the mayors, councillors and general managers as set out in the NSW Local Government Act.
| Role of Mayor | Role of Councillors | Role of General Manager |
| a) be the leader of the council and a leader in the local community,
b) advance community cohesion and promote civic awareness, c) be the principal member and spokesperson of the governing body, including representing the views of the council as to its local priorities, d) exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council, e) preside at meetings of the council, f) ensure that meetings of the council are conducted efficiently, effectively and in accordance with this Act, g) ensure the timely development and adoption of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council, h) promote the effective and consistent implementation of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council, i) promote partnerships between the council and key stakeholders, j) advise, consult with and provide strategic direction to the general manager in relation to the implementation of the strategic plans and policies of the council, k) in conjunction with the general manager, to ensure adequate opportunities and mechanisms for engagement between the council and the local community, l) carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office, m) represent the council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums |
a) be an active and contributing member of the governing body,
b) make considered and well informed decisions as a member of the governing body, c) participate in the development of the integrated planning and reporting framework, d) represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community, e) facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body, f) uphold and represent accurately the policies and decisions of the governing body, g) make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor. |
a) conduct the day-to-day management of the council in accordance with the strategic plans, programs, strategies and policies of the council,
b) implement, without undue delay, lawful decisions of the council, c) advise the mayor and the governing body on the development and implementation of the strategic plans, programs, strategies and policies of the council, d) advise the mayor and the governing body on the appropriate form of community consultation on the strategic plans, programs, strategies and policies of the council and other matters related to the council, e) prepare, in consultation with the mayor and the governing body, the council’s community strategic plan, community engagement strategy, resourcing strategy, delivery program, operational plan and annual report, f) ensure that the mayor and other councillors are given timely information and advice and the administrative and professional support necessary to effectively discharge their functions, g) exercise any of the functions of the council that are delegated by the council to the general manager, h) appoint staff in accordance with the organisation structure determined under this Chapter and the resources approved by the council, i) direct and dismiss staff, j) implement the council’s workforce management strategy, k) any other functions conferred or imposed on the general manager by the Act. |