Federal Labor believes that local government should be formally recognised in the Australian Constitution.
An incoming Rudd Labor Government will consult with state and territory governments, and representatives of local government, including the Australian Local Government Association, the Capital City Lord Mayors and other stakeholders on the process for achieving constitutional recognition.
Constitutional recognition will redefine the relationship between Commonwealth, state and local governments and guarantee communities have an effective local voice in decision making on the issues that affect their lives.
The major issues facing our communities today such as housing affordability, heath care, and access to jobs and transport can only be solved through collaborative partnerships between the three spheres of government.
Constitutional recognition of local government is a long standing commitment of Federal Labor and was recently endorsed as a key element in the National Platform.
The Federal Parliamentary Labor Party has a long history of supporting the constitutional recognition of local government. In 1974 and 1988 Federal Labor sought Constitutional recognition – on both occasions this was not supported by the Coalition and the referenda failed.
As Leader of the Opposition in 1988, John Howard campaigned against the constitutional recognition of local government and as recently as last year, the Howard government failed to support a proposal by Federal Labor in the Parliament for the constitutional recognition of local government.
Labor calls on the Liberal and National parties to support this important constitutional initiative.
Contact: Taryn Langdon – 0417 148 059
