ALGA welcomes historic Parliamentary Resolution
September 7, 2006
The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Cr Paul Bell, welcomed the tabling in Federal Parliament late yesterday of a resolution recognising the role of local government as historic and a symbolic step on the road to formal constitutional recognition.
"This is a milestone for local government and for Australia as a whole," said Cr Bell. "For the first time, both houses of Federal Parliament have the opportunity to recognise the role and importance of local government as part of Australia's system of democratic government.
"Local government works tirelessly to deliver services and infrastructure to local communities and to provide a voice for those communities on important local issues. Our elected representatives and the professional staff who support them are a vital part of the fabric of this country and recognition by Parliament is well deserved.
"ALGA worked with the Australian Government on developing the resolution, which was part of the Government's response to the Fair Share report on cost shifting, and I want to thank Local Government Minister Jim Lloyd for his efforts in this regard.
"I have written to Members of Parliament and Senators asking them to support the resolution and I hope that they will all take the opportunity to speak out in support of local government and the role it plays. The resolution also acknowledges the importance of consulting and cooperating with local government and signifies the importance of all spheres of government working together to address the challenges faced by local communities."
- Contact
- Cr Paul Bell AM, ALGA President - 0418 791 596
- Ms Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs - 02 6122 9434 or 0419 123 862
