An independent Expert Panel is inviting all Australians to have their say on whether local government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution.
To help get discussion off the ground, the Panel, headed up by the Honourable James Spigelman AC QC, has released a discussion paper on its new website www.localgovrecognition.gov.au.
“It has long been the wish of local councils throughout Australia, and the policy of a number of parties and political leaders, that local government be recognised in our founding political and legal document", said Mr Spigelman.
"Whether, and if so how, this should be done is what the Panel has been asked to consider", he added.
In consulting with the community, the Panel would like to receive a diverse range of information and views from Australian groups and individuals. This will help the Panel form a view on:
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the level of support for constitutional recognition of local government, and
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the various forms that such recognition could take, together with the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
You can participate by making a submission, taking the online survey, or attending a community meeting. Written submissions can be lodged until 4 November 2011.
Upcoming community meetings include:
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Dubbo, New South Wales, 30 September 2011
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Karratha, Western Australia, 5 October 2011
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Wodonga, Victoria, 13 October 2011
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Townsville, Queensland, 18 October 2011
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Launceston, Tasmania, 25 October 2011
Murray Bridge, South Australia, to be confirmed
For more information visit the Local Government Recognition website.
