South Australian local government advocates have laid out plans for sector-wide reforms.

The Local Government Association of South Australia says the party that wins the state’s upcoming election should pay attention to their road map for local government reform, outlining priority changes that can be implemented in the first 100 days of the next government and beyond.

President Lorraine Rosenberg said the LGA’s reform agenda has been developed through consultation with member councils, and provides a sensible pathway to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in local government.

“The LGA’s 2018 state election platform – South Australia. Uncapped potential ­­– identifies local government reform as a priority for the next state government,” Mayor Rosenberg said.

“Blunt instruments like rate capping and forced amalgamations don’t work – you only need to look interstate to see how these policies have hurt communities.”

“A prescriptive, legislated approach to reform can tie the sector to a “one size fits all” outcome that creates additional red tape, and can give communities less say about how their local council should operate.”

“Our proposal is based on a genuine partnership, with the state government providing local government with a robust legislative framework, and councils working to best practice standards to drive efficiencies, enhance local decision making and deliver value to communities.”

The LGA’s local government reform agenda includes:

  • Implementing a bench marking program
  • Standardising external council audits
  • Maximising the effectiveness of council audit committees
  • Strengthening the code of conduct for council members
  • Reviewing the representation review process
  • Considering opportunities to diversify local government revenue
  • Implementing local government elections reform

The full report is accessible here.