Communiqué - 5 February 2009 - Canberra
First meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) - Steering Committee
The Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) Steering Committee, established by the Australian Government, with membership made up of representatives of local government bodies in Australia and other persons able to make a contribution on local government issues, convened in Canberra today.
The meeting was chaired by the Australian Government Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP.
The ACLG is an advisory body providing a forum to facilitate a new partnership between the two levels of government.
The ACLG agreed that it will:
- provide a forum for the Australian Government and local government, including the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), to consider policies and initiatives in areas of mutual interest;
- provide advice to the Australian Government on matters relevant to local government and local communities;
- contribute to dialogue on issues of national significance that affect local government and local communities;
- promote collaboration between the Australian Government and local government, as well as between local governments themselves to address emerging economic, social and environmental challenges;
- encourage innovation and best practice in local government; and
- improve the provision of information and data to support the long term development of local government.
The ACLG noted the progress on the following issues:
Constitutional Recognition of Local Government
The Australian Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Constitutional Recognition of local government. Members noted that local government has been consulting widely, including through the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Constitutional Summit held in Melbourne in December 2008, to identify options for Commonwealth consideration and recognised that the primary role of raising public support for any constitutional amendment lies with local government.
The ALGA Constitutional Summit and the Summit Declaration identified three components for potential recognition:
- the Australian people should be represented in the community by democratically elected and accountable local government representatives;
- the power of the Commonwealth to provide direct funding to local government should be explicitly recognised; and
- if a new preamble is proposed, it should ensure that local government is recognised as one of the components making up the modern Australian Federation.
The Declaration is the first step in local government developing its public case for recognition. The ACLG acknowledged the importance of engaging with local and regional communities on this issue. Local government will need to debate the issues with a range of stakeholders including the states, political parties and the broader community in general.
The ACLG affirmed that there was broad agreement on the issue, but there is a need:
- to define the benefits of constitutional recognition and develop an agreed proposal;
- to promote a community awareness campaign;
- for broad political support; and
- to give support to ALGA in providing ongoing leadership within local government on this issue.
Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP)
Members warmly welcomed the announcement by the Australian Government on 3 February 2009 to an additional $500 million over two years to expand the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program - Strategic Projects. The Australian Government confirmed that the $500 million was expected to fund local government community infrastructure projects such as town halls, libraries, community centres and sport centres.
The funding would be provided in addition to the $50 million Program established in November 2008 to fund larger-scale community infrastructure and to deliver an additional injection of investment in communities. The expanded investment would mean more projects in the existing application process receive funding.
The ACLG noted the Minister’s report on the assessment process currently underway and expressed its willingness to provide advice on the program should further opportunities for funding become available.
Local Government Centre of Excellence
The ACLG noted the progress of the development of a Centre for Excellence which will encourage the wider adoption of innovative practices and solutions to the issues and challenges facing local government in building workplace capability and attracting and retaining skilled staff.
The Australian Government advised that consultations would commence shortly with local government associations and peak bodies. The Government would be seeking to provide formal input to the process and ensure terms of reference for a tender proposal are developed to meet local government needs.
Major Cities Unit
Members welcomed the establishment of the Major Cities Unit, which aims to provide coordinated action across all spheres of government to help improve the productivity, liveability and the sustainability of our cities. A presentation was given by Ms Dorte Ekelund, head of the Australian Government’s Major Cities Unit. Members noted that the Unit marked the re-engagement of the Australian Government in urban policy and communities and looked forward to the continuing involvement of local government in the process.
Working closely with Infrastructure Australia, the Major Cities Unit will facilitate improved partnerships between and within the three spheres of government, with the private sector, community and other key stakeholders to achieve greater coordination in the planning and development of major cities.
The success of the Major Cities Unit will be dependent upon building strong, effective partnerships around issues of common concern.
The ACLG will meet next in Canberra, in June 2009, in conjunction with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National Assembly.
Contact:
Australian Council of Local Government Secretariat
Department of Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government
GPO Box 594
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: +61 02 6274 8144
Email: aclg@infrastructure.gov.au
Web: www.aclg.gov.au
