The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is urging federal MPs to support legislation introduced into parliament today to allow a referendum to be held at the time of the September federal election to include local government in the Constitution.

The Constitutional Alteration Bill outlines a simple and pragmatic change to Section 96 of the Constitution to acknowledge the financial relationship between the Commonwealth and local government and confirm the continuation of direct federal funding for community infrastructure and services.

"We want to stress to every MP that without recognition in the Constitution, direct federal funding for their communities is under threat," ALGA President, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said.

"Recent High Court challenges, including the successful Chaplaincy in Schools Court Case, are examples of where direct federal funding has been called into doubt.

"Without direct funding from the Australian Government for local roads and community infrastructure, councils would not be able to provide all the services that our communities need.

"Councils simply can't afford to fund the growing list of services that have been passed on to local government in recent years without Commonwealth support.  We need the vote of every MP to ensure the Constitutional Alteration Bill is passed and every Australian has the opportunity to vote on this important issue at a referendum."  

To allow councils to continue to receive federal funding directly without it having to be administered by State Governments, the Australian Government is proposing to include the following additional words in Section 96 of the Constitution:

...the Parliament may grant financial assistance to any State, or local government body formed by a law of a state, on such terms and conditions as the Parliament thinks fit.

"This is a simple change to acknowledge that councils require some federal funding to carry out the many community services and activities that local governments now provide.  It is acknowledgement of the reality that the Commonwealth partners with local governments to deliver local roads, sporting fields, libraries, child care and other community services," Mayor Lewis said.

Media enquiries:
Megan Magill, Director Public Affairs, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) 0418 415 649