1987

Electoral Commissioner made responsible for conduct of council elections and polls.

1991

Electoral Commissioner responsible for preparation of residential rolls for council elections.

1993

Extension of voting rights to occupiers and ratepaying lessees in all council areas.

Number of councillors limited to 15 for each local government area.

Popularly elected Mayor of a local government area cannot also hold office as a councillor for that area.

The introduction of candidates' resumes for public inspection at polling booths.

Restriction on council general managers or employees, acting as returning officer or substitute returning officer, for an election in their council area.

Non-voters action at local government elections transferred to the Electoral Commissioner.

System of groups appearing on ballot papers abolished.

Introduction of registration of political parties similar to that for state elections.

Candidates endorsed by a registered political party may have the party affiliation appear on the ballot paper adjacent to their names. Independent candidates may have the word ‘independent’ on the ballot paper adjacent to their name.

Parties and candidates required to disclose political contributions received and electoral expenditure incurred.

1995

System of groups appearing on ballot papers re-introduced.

1998

Electoral Commissioner to prepare all electoral rolls for the City of Sydney. General manager of the City of Sydney no longer prepares the non-residential roll and the roll of occupiers and ratepaying lessees.

Compulsory voting introduced for electors whose names are on the non-residential roll or the roll of occupiers and ratepaying lessees at City of Sydney contested elections.

2001

Parties required to have at least 100 members to be eligible for registration and must submit annual returns to confirm continuing eligibility.

Changes made to the procedures for voting.

2002

Distribution of electoral material on election day is prohibited unless registered by the Electoral Commissioner.

2003

Provision is made for local government elections to be held on the fourth Saturday in September in every fourth year after 2004.

2008

Local government elections now to be held on the second Saturday of September, every four years.