This month, with Federal Parliament sitting for the first time since the election of the Rudd Government, FOCUS put various questions to the new Minister for Local Government, Anthony Albanese, and the Shadow Minister, Warren Truss.
 Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese |
Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government – Leader of the House
Q. Covering Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government, how do you see this combination of portfolio areas working to the advantage of Local Governments and the communities they serve?
In today’s world, the areas covered by my portfolio are all ultimately about achieving the same economic goal: continued prosperity through higher productivity and stronger local communities. Fulfilling this long term ambition will require not only a flexible, open economy and a highly skilled workforce, but well developed infrastructure that links and supports all the nation’s regions.
The Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government portfolio therefore brings together the core elements of Labor’s productivity agenda for the future, and acknowledges that lifting productivity requires a broad approach, including a more significant role for Local Government.
Local Government deserves a true partnership with the Commonwealth. Accordingly, this year we will be setting up the Council of Australian Local Government to talk directly with Local Governments on major issues like infrastructure and housing affordability. Local Government will also be represented on Infrastructure Australia, a new body that represents a dramatic shift in national economic policy and will bring national leadership to infrastructure development for the first time since Federation.
Q. In addition to the recent announcement that Local Government will have representation on the new Infrastructure Australia Council, in progressing its policy objectives what other key roles does the Rudd Government see for Local Government?
The Rudd Government believes that Local Government should be formally recognised in the Australian Constitution. In 1974 and 1988 Federal Labor sought constitutional recognition for Local Government. Unfortunately both referendums failed after a lack of support from the Liberal/National parties.
I will be setting up the Council of Australian Local Government as a means by which the Commonwealth can talk directly to local communities about issues of national significance, including the need to build a public case for any future constitutional amendment.
Q. Constitutional recognition of Local Government and a direct share of taxation are two key policy areas Local Government will pursue with the Government. What is the current Government position on these two issues?
Federal Labor has long supported constitutional recognition for Local Government. In terms of financial arrangements, we understand the need for financial sustainability at the Local Government level and I look forward to receiving the Productivity Commission’s final report and recommendations on this very matter. That said, this financial year the Commonwealth Government will provide about $2.1 billion in direct assistance to Local Government. Further money will be provided under the AusLink Strategic Regional and Black Spot programs.
Q. What other new policy areas are set to benefit Councils and their communities?
The Rudd Government has committed to a
number of new initiatives that will assist with the provision of new and upgraded infrastructure, like:
- the establishment of Infrastructure Australia
- the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan
to help secure water supplies for Australia’s
major cities - a housing affordability package to provide
housing linked infrastructure to reduce the cost
of new homes.
 Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government, Warren Truss. |
Warren Truss, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government – Leader of the National Party
Q. Covering Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government, as Shadow Minister what do you think about this combination of portfolio areas?
The makeup of the portfolio is very similar to the organisation of responsibilities that was maintained under the Coalition for many years. These are related issues and of particular importance to Local Government and local communities.
Q. Although these areas all have relevance to Local Governments, do you believe Local Government will get due consideration up against national transport and
infrastructure concerns?
The Coalition always had a Minister with direct responsibility for Local Government, and I will be asking my shadow parliamentary secretaries to also take a particular interest and develop a close working relationship with Local Government.
Q. How will you work to ensure Local Government does receive adequate attention from the Rudd Government?
We have to keep the Rudd Government honest. For example, we do not know what they intend to do about Roads to Recovery funding, which a previous Labor leader described as a waste of money. I am concerned they might bow to the States, and channel funding for this very popular program back through State bureaucracies. This would just be wasting money and wrapping it in red tape. We will press Labor to ensure that Local Government is treated with respect and is included as a right in important national fora.
Various regional programs are also under attack from Labor, which I know is concerning to many Councils. Labor believes it can skate through and make whatever decisions it likes; my view is the Coalition needs to shine light in dark places. We will also develop policies that provide a better alternative for the millions of Australians who believe that Local Government is important and needs to be properly supported.
Q. Constitutional recognition of Local Government and a direct share of taxation are two key policy areas Local Government will pursue with the Rudd Government. What stand will the Opposition take on these two issues?
The Coalition in government provided increasing general purpose funding grants to Local Government and developed the Roads to Recovery program to boost funding for Council roads. While this funding was not tied to a direct share of Commonwealth taxation receipts, I am prepared to discuss these issues with ALGA as part of preparing the Coalition’s policy platform for the future.
Previous attempts to provide Federal constitutional recognition to Local Government have failed in referendum. While I am sympathetic to the proposition, there would be no point in pursuing another constitutional referendum unless it stood a better chance of success.
