An incoming Rudd Labor Government will in its first term of office establish a Council of Australian Local Governments.
The Council of Australian Local Governments will provide a forum that allows local and Federal governments to meet to discuss issues of national importance and will ensure that local government representatives have a more effective voice at the Council of Australian Governments.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Local Government Association of Queensland, the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Kate Lundy, indicated that she would invite local government organisations including the national and state local government associations, the Capital City Lord Mayors, regional bodies and other stakeholder organisations to nominate representatives for the Council. The Council will also include other Federal portfolio Ministers.
Federal Labor recognises that there are now many shared areas of policy and program responsibility between the Commonwealth, the States and local government. The Council will help end the blame game by providing a forum in which different spheres of government could work together to achieve better outcomes for local communities.
The announcement reflects Federal Labor’s commitment to cooperative federalism.
On Monday Senator Lundy announced that an incoming Rudd Labor Government would move to recognise local government in the Constitution. Senator Lundy said that Constitutional recognition would redefine the relationship between Commonwealth, state and local governments and guarantee that communities have an effective local voice in decision making on the issues that affect their lives.
One of the first tasks for the new Council will be to plan for a national referendum on the Constitutional recognition of local government.
Senator Lundy again called on the Liberal and National parties to support this important constitutional initiative.
Click here to view Kate’s speech: 29 August 2007 – Speech to the annual conference of the Local Government Association of Queensland
Contact: Taryn Langdon – 0417 148 059
Background on Council of Australian Local Governments
Who will be on the Council?
The Council of Australian Governments will include representatives from:
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the national and state local government associations |
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the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, |
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regional bodies; and |
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other stakeholder organisations. |
The Council will also include federal representatives not just from the local government portfolio, but from portfolios across the Federal government, including:
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a senior economic Minister (Treasurer or Minister for Finance) , |
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the Minister for Local Government |
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the Minister for Regional Development |
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the Minister for Infrastructure and Water; and |
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other Ministers, as required. |
How will the Council operate?
The Council will meet twice a year to consider a formal agenda of items.
What will the Council do?
The Council will provide a forum in which local government can be involved in addressing issues of national importance. The Council will be charged with developing policy on areas of joint interest to the Federal and Local spheres of government, including:
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Consultation on matters to be discussed at subsequent meetings of COAG |
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Preparation for a referendum on Constitutional recognition |
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Advice on fiscal relations between the Commonwealth and local governments |
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Development of reform opportunities such as in planning, housing affordability and health promotion; and |
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Improving delivery of jointly provided services in healthcare, transport and community facilities. |
One of the first tasks for the Council will be to plan for a national referendum on the Constitutional recognition of local government, including hosting a form of constitutional convention if that is what is agreed by stakeholders.
