Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

Labor calls for wider discussion on reform

Federal Shadow Minister for Regional Services, Local Government and Territories, Senator Kerry O’Brien, called for a wider discussion on Local Government reform He said one of the features of the post election period has been discussion about reform proposals impacting on Commonwealth/State relations.

Senator O’Brien said everything from university funding to abortion law reform has been put on the table by senior Ministers in the Howard Government.

“But what’s not on the table – what’s missing from the debate about Commonwealth/State relations – is reform of Local Government governance and funding, he said. “It appears that the Howard Government’s New Federalism embraces some issues but not others. Unfortunately for those of us with an interest in Local Government, this sector has been left out of the debate.

“Yes, the Coalition made some vague statements about reform of Local Government financing in the lead up to the election, but its policy document consisted of little more than a noncommittal recitation of the Fair Share inquiry’s recommendations. It’s perhaps a little much to hope the fourth Howard Government might do what Labor has done in the past and pursue constitutional recognition of Local Government.”

The following articles are also included in this edition or go BACK to the main page: