Local Government Reform recommendations are finally out for Public Consultation. The Government now wants to hear from you.
Local government reform and cutting the cost of local government was one of the election platforms of the State Government. They lost out to the Opposition and the Minor Parties with their blunt rate capping strategy. Notwithstanding this, they have been working hard on coming up with a suite of legislative changes that are aimed at a more efficient local government sector.
The local government industry has been in conversation with them since they took office. This continues the dialogue we had with the previous government. As I have blogged before, change is needed.
They now want to hear from you, and me.
With a view to introducing a draft bill in March next year the Minister has endorsed 72 recommendations. He is keen to know what we all think about these proposed changes. We all have until November 1st to provide our feedback.
If you have an interest in how local government might best serve you, here is perhaps your best chance. Go to the DPTI website and read through the recommendations.
If you have an opinion on any of them please make it known through their have your say. You can do this on the have your say page.
The 72 Local Government reform recommendations are spread over 4 areas.
The areas are as follows:
In summary, the proposals for reform are—
Reform Area 1 | Stronger Council Member Capacity and Better Conduct
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Reform Area 2 | Lower Costs and Enhanced Financial Accountability
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Reform Area 3 | Efficient and Transparent Local Government Representation
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Reform Area 4 | Simpler Regulation
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While this plays out they are also awaiting the report from the Productivity Commission. When their report is received it will sit alongside the survey results to inform their 1st draft bill.
I will be contributing, not just through the submission from Unley Council, but on my own volition. Watch out for future blogs for my thoughts.
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