New South Wales’ Independent Local Government Review Panel has held its inaugural meeting, holding a meeting with the NSW Minister for Local Government Don Page.

 

Built on the Destination 2036 partnership between State and local governments, the review is tasked with identifying how councils can best govern and be structured to support the future prosperity of the state.

 

The Panel is chaired by Professor Graham Sansom, who currently heads up the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government, and also consists of Ms Jude Munro AO, former CEO of Brisbane City Council, and Mr Glenn Inglis, former General Manager of Tamworth Regional Council.

 

The Panel will begin its wide ranging consultation with a background paper to be published by early July. This will be followed by a series of regional meetings with councils, the community and other key stakeholders to understand the issues facing local and regional areas and to shape principles for reform.

 

The Panel is due to report back to the State Government in July 2013.