For the second time in 12 months Liberal and National Party Senators have opposed a Labor move to support Constitutional recognition of local government.
The latest expression of opposition came during debate on the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Democratic Plebiscites) Bill 2007 – a bill that enjoys bipartisan support.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Senator Kate Lundy, said that Federal Labor considers local government an important partner in the extension of cooperative federalism across all three spheres of government.
Local government provides essential services for the Australian people and is central to the life of many local communities.
Unlike the Coalition, Labor believes local government should be recognised in our Constitution.
Senator Lundy told the Senate that a number of Coalition Senators had travelled around Queensland over the past several weeks claiming to support Constitutional recognition and called on them to support Labor’s move.
Queensland National and Liberal Party Senators were among Coalition Senators who opposed Constitutional recognition today.
Senator Lundy said she was disappointed Coalition Senators had again missed the opportunity to support Constitutional recognition for local government and asked them to reconsider their position.
Debate on the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Democratic Plebiscites) Bill 2007 is likely to continue next week.
Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059
