Local government councils around Australia are passing resolutions to support the financial recognition of local government in the Constitution, according to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

 

ALGA has called for councils to demonstrate to all major parties that there is a wide base of support amongst councils for constitutional recognition, enabling  direct funding of local government bodies by the Commonwealth Government. ALGA is also pressing for any new Preamble to include local government.

 

The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has stated that while the Government has announced its intention to hold a referendum prior to the 2013 election, it would need to be convinced of wide support before proceeding with it. Funds of $250,000 have been provided to support a community education program on the issue.

 

Constitutional recognition of local government will be a major theme at the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in June. There will be a panel session on the advertising pitch which could support the public marketing campaign - featuring James O'Loughlin (Host of New Inventors), John Hewson (former Opposition Leader), Annabel Crabb (political journalist), and Jane Caro (social commentator).

 

A campaign update will be provided and constitutional expert Prof. George Williams will present the legal framework and the financial imperative. The NGA will culminate with each council being able to show their support to the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean.