The Federal Government has announced the formation of a bi-committee to advise on the future of constitutional recognition of local government.

 

The Parliamentary Committee will explore possible constitutional solutions to Council funding challenges faced by the country’s local government bodies.

 

The announcement comes following a concerted push by various local government bodies, who have sought funding certainty following a number of high profile Federal Court rulings that have cast doubt over the future funding avenues for local government bodies.

 

The formation of the committee has received bi-partisan support, with the Federal Opposition, Greens and independents backing the announcement.

 

President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Felicity-ann Lewis has welcomed the formation of the Select Committee, which the Association has been calling for for several months.

 

"If the motion to create a Parliamentary Committee is carried in Parliament later this month, ALGA intends to make a submission to the Committee highlighting the importance of having local government recognised in the Constitution and we will be encouraging all councils to do the same."

 

The Local Government Association of South Australia has welcomed the announcement, with President Mayor Kym McHugh saying all the state’s council support codifying the local government in the nation’s constitution.

 

"Every SA Council has formally resolved to support our national position seeking a narrow amendment to Section 96 of the Australian Constitution to clarify the powers of the Commonwealth to provide funding to communities via Councils," Mr McHugh said.