Sydney Council bylaws - conversion practices ban

Civil Rights and Equity New South Wales 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of New South Wales

Sydney, New South Wales residents and service providers should understand how local council procedures interact with state action on conversion practices. This guide explains where rules are set, who enforces them and how to report suspected harmful conversion practices under NSW processes and City of Sydney complaint channels[1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Responsibility for prohibiting and responding to conversion practices in Sydney typically sits at the state level, with local councils supporting reporting, local complaints and community education. Details about criminal or civil penalties are set out on the state information pages; specific fine amounts or escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page[1].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat or continuing offence penalties apply is not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, injunctions, court actions or other remedial orders may be used where authorised by state law; specific non-monetary sanctions are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Enforcer and complaints: state enforcement and prosecution agencies are identified on the state information page; for local complaints about council services or council-contracted providers contact City of Sydney By-law Enforcement and the City complaints team[2].
  • Appeal and review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the specific statutory scheme; time limits for review are not specified on the cited page[1].
  • Defences and discretion: some statutory schemes allow defences such as reasonable medical practice or bona fide counselling; check the state information page for the controlling instrument and any exceptions[1].
If you are unsure whether conduct meets the legal definition of conversion practices, collect records and contact the listed agencies before making a formal complaint.

Applications & Forms

No specific City of Sydney application or permit for conversion practices is published; formal reporting and any forms are managed through state reporting channels and local council complaints pages as indicated on the official links[1][2].

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Providing or advertising conversion services to change or suppress sexual orientation or gender identity - outcome: investigation and referral to appropriate enforcement body (penalty details not specified on cited page)[1].
  • Use of council facilities by providers offering conversion services - outcome: council may cancel bookings or contracts under its venue and contracting rules (see City complaints and contract policies)[2].
  • Health professionals offering discredited conversion treatments - outcome: referral to professional registration boards and state enforcement where authorised; details depend on state controls and professional bodies.
Keep dated records, communications and witness details when preparing a report.

FAQ

Does the City of Sydney have a bylaw that bans conversion practices?
The City supports protections against conversion practices, but formal prohibition and penalties are set out through state information and laws rather than a separate City bylaw.
Who do I contact to report suspected conversion practices in Sydney?
Use the NSW state reporting and information channels for conversion practices and contact City of Sydney complaints or by-law enforcement for local service or venue concerns[1][2].
Are there forms or fees to make a complaint?
There is no specific municipal form or fee published for conversion-practices complaints; follow the state reporting process and the City of Sydney complaints procedure for local matters.

How-To

  1. Gather evidence: save messages, advertisements, receipts, and names of practitioners.
  2. Contact City of Sydney complaints or by-law enforcement if the matter involves a council venue, service or contracted provider[2].
  3. Use the NSW state information and reporting channels to file a complaint or obtain guidance on legal remedies and enforcement[1].
  4. If the issue involves a regulated health professional, contact the relevant registration board or professional regulator for complaints and sanctions.
Reporting promptly and preserving evidence increases the chance of an effective response.

Key Takeaways

  • The legal prohibition and penalties for conversion practices are established at state level; City of Sydney supports reporting and local enforcement steps.
  • Report suspected cases via NSW state channels and contact City of Sydney for matters involving council venues or services.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] NSW Government information on conversion practices
  2. [2] City of Sydney contact and complaints

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