http://www.minister.regional.gov.au/sc/releases/2011/december/sc154_2011.aspx Local Government Minister Simon Crean (22nd December) released the report by the
independent Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local
Government. Mr Crean said Labor's commitment to recognition of local government in
the Constitution was strong and long-held and that the Expert Panel's work would
play an important role in informing the community on the issue and assisting the
Government on the best way forward.
Mr Crean said it was vital to protect the Commonwealth Governments
ability to directly fund local government. "Our experience with programs like Roads to Recovery and the recent
stimulus package demonstrate the importance, the appropriateness and the
advantages of being able to provide funding directly to local government," Mr
Crean said.
"Local government was in a unique position to provide shovel ready
projects and the ability to directly fund those projects was important to the
success of the stimulus and the roads program in delivering jobs and much needed
infrastructure.
"We also know that the ability of the Commonwealth to directly fund local government can create a relationship that supports, facilitates and drives collaboration among all three levels of government.
"We also know that the ability of the Commonwealth to directly fund local government can create a relationship that supports, facilitates and drives collaboration among all three levels of government.
"It can also leverage additional investment in the regions which is good
for local communities and for the country."
Chaired by former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, the Hon James
Spigelman AC QC, the Expert Panel was asked to identify options for the
constitutional recognition of local government and report on the level of
support for constitutional recognition in the community. A majority of the Panel members found that financial recognition is the
only option with a reasonable chance to succeed at a referendum, provided steps
are taken to secure the support of the States and achieve broader public
awareness and engagement.
"The
Expert Panel consulted widely with stakeholder groups and the
community to look into the options for including local government in the
Constitution," Mr Crean said. "I thank Justice Spigelman and panel
members for their efforts in
implementing a national consultation process and for delivering their
findings
within the given timeframe." Mr Crean noted the Federal Coalition's
support for the recognition of
local government and, in particular, the ability of the Commonwealth to
fund
local government. "The Government will now take time to consider the
community's views and
details of the report before providing comment in early 2012." The
Government appointed the independent Panel in August 2011, with
representatives from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise.The
Panel's report is available at www.localgovrecognition.gov.au or at http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/content/final-report
ASU assistant
national secretary and PSI Activist Greg Mclean was a member of the Expert
Panel - Greg was one of the majority supporting a referendum for "financial
recognition"
