Local government elections postponed

Published on 31 March 2020

The NSW Government has postponed the September 2020 local government elections until at least September 2021.

The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shelly Hancock MP made the announcement in order to address the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus.

Cessnock City Mayor Councillor Bob Pynsent will continue to hold office until the ordinary election is held. The twelve Councillors will also continue to hold their positions for the next year.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent said he remains committed to advocating for the community.

“I will continue to work hard for our community. We’re currently experiencing difficult times. It’s hard for many of us to stay positive and see a way out. I will look for every opportunity that will allow our community to recover from this.”

The Local Government Act 1993 has been amended to confer on the Minister, a time-limited power to postpone council elections. The amendment, which operates for only a limited period of 12 months, allows the Minister by an order published in the Gazette, to postpone elections for 12 months from the date of the order. The order may be extended for an additional period to 31 December in the year after the order is made. The postponement of the next election will not change the future schedule of council elections, and the subsequent election will still proceed in September 2024.

For more information, visit the NSW Electoral Commission’s website.