Constitutional recognition the key for local government
August 10, 2007
The need for recognition for local government in the Australian Constitution has been highlighted by the Beattie Government's heavy-handed approach over the consolidation of councils, according to Australian Local Government Association Vice President Cr Bill Mitchell.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie yesterday declared he would sack any local government in that state that accepted Federal Government funding for community consultation on the amalgamations of councils.
Cr Mitchell said local communities across Australia should be outraged.
"What is happening in Queensland is a complete disregard for democracy by a State Government that has seemingly lost interest in governing for the people," Cr Mitchell said.
"The Beattie Government is acting like a dictatorship. It is denying local communities a say on their future and if they try to exercise their democratic right, their elected representatives will be removed and commissioners appointed.
"It is hypocritical for Premier Beattie to object when the Federal Government wants to back democracy in Queensland, but quite happily support Federal Government road funding direct to councils.
"Every local community that values its independence and entitlement to contribute to its future should be outraged."
"Constitutional recognition, achieved through a referendum, offers the prospect of removing local government from the sole control of the states and giving us the right to appeal to the Federal Government in circumstances like the current one in Queensland," Cr Mitchell said.
"The Australian Constitution only recognises the Federal and State and Territory Governments. There is no mention of local government in the Constitution. Local government is a subsidiary of the states and created by State Acts of Parliament."
Cr Mitchell, who is also President of the WA Local Government Association, said the action by the Beattie Government should be of particular concern for communities in WA - the only state not to have structural reform imposed on local government.
"The only commitment we have had from the WA State Government has been that amalgamations will not be forced in the term of the current government but with an election due in 2009, time is running out," Cr Mitchell said.
- Contact
- Amanda Lynch, Director Government and Media Relations, ALGA - 0419 123 862
- Cr Bill Mitchell, President, WALGA 042 7171896
