Kiama residents could soon see more transparency in council operations, as NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig pushes for an end to private councillor briefing sessions. His proposal aims to ensure decisions impacting the community are made in open meetings, not behind closed doors.

“Private councillor briefing sessions have been repeatedly highlighted by ICAC as a corruption risk,” Hoenig said. “Important decisions should be made in council meetings, not in the shadows.”

This call for reform has sparked debate in Kiama and other councils across the state, with the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) president, Darriea Turley, arguing that private briefings allow councillors to explore sensitive questions with staff.

However, Hoenig is firm. “When councillors are being briefed on issues that impact the community, this must happen in an open, legally constituted meeting in the presence of the press and public,” he said, adding that exceptions for legal and confidential matters will remain.

The proposed briefing ban is part of broader amendments to the NSW Code of Meeting Practice, which could have significant implications for Kiama Municipal Council. Other changes include:

• Making notes from closed meetings public once confidentiality is no longer required
• Requiring councils to explain planning decisions that go against staff recommendations
• Strengthening the mayor’s authority to address acts of disorder in meetings
• Reducing the general manager’s role in councillors’ political debates.

These reforms, Hoenig says, are about restoring public trust. “Kiama, like all councils, needs a culture of transparency, where the community can engage and hold their representatives accountable,” he said.

While some councillors may feel uneasy about the changes, many in Kiama’s community have welcomed the push for greater accountability. “People want to see decisions made in the open,” said one local resident.

The amendments align with Hoenig’s broader goal to make councils more accessible and rebuild trust. “As a former mayor, I’ve seen how closed meetings can erode public confidence,” he said. “This is about ensuring decisions are made with the community in mind.”

The changes are open for public feedback until 28 February 2025. This is a chance for Kiama locals to weigh in on how their council operates and ensure their voices are heard.