The Joint Select Committee tasked with investigating the likelihood of Australians voting ‘yes’ in a referendum to recognise local government in the constitution has announced it will be holding a second public hearing this month.

The Committee will hold the hearing on February 20 to hear from local government bodies and Commonwealth agencies that have provided submissions to the inquiry.

The first hearing, which was held on 16 January, informed the 24 January report which recommended that a financial recognition referendum be held at the same time as the 2013 Federal election, slated for 14 September.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has voiced its strong support for the need for constitutional change, saying that it can only be achieved through a referendum.