Senator Milne told the Assembly the Greens strongly supported the upcoming referendum – and the Opposition Leader should do the same.
“The Greens strongly support a referendum on whether local government should be recognised in the Constitution. This would enable the federal government to fund local government services directly, rather than funneling money through the states.
“It’s up to local government representatives to lobby the Coalition to ensure Mr Abbott understands the need for direct funding from the Commonwealth.
Senator Milne said that despite Tony Abbott’s ‘in principle’ support of the referendum, the Coalition had been playing politics with the issue inside the parliament, and Mr Abbott had not come out strongly backing the yes vote.
“We know that referenda have little hope of succeeding unless they have cross-party support.
“Recognition of local government in our Constitution is important for securing important community services and all parties should commit to making it happen.”
The referendum on constitutional recognition for local government was one of the Greens’ requirements for supporting Labor to form government in 2010.
