The milestone of 100 years of nationhood has promoted a long overdue, wider understanding of our Federal system of government. As well as providing an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved over the last century, we are also conscious of where we have failed and how, as a nation, we can move on to become a better, more inclusive society.
The fact that our Centenary of Federation coincides with the start of the third millennium provides further impetus for people to be more receptive to change and fresh approaches.
Key concerns facing us as a nation include our track record on reconciliation; rural and regional development issues, environmental management; and ensuring fairness and equity become a reality for all Australians.
These are also areas where Local Government plays a crucial role.
Nowhere is this more evident than in environment management, where Local Government’s commitment in financial terms far exceeds that of the other spheres of Government and any other industry sector.
Speaking at the National General Assembly last December, Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage, Senator Robert Hill, clearly acknowledged Local Government’s major contribution, noting that of the $2.1 billion spent during 1998/1999 on measures to protect our environment, 90 percent came from Councils’ own revenues.
Once again Local Government is providing the financial commitment and work on the ground but continues to be denied representation on peak decision making bodies, such as, in the case of the environment, the Australian and New Zealand Environmental Conservation Council (ANZECC).
Although the Federal Minister, again pledged that he will argue for the inclusion of Local Government on ANZECC, a quirk of our Federal system finds the State Environment Ministers still holding out on this.
So 100 years on from the creation of our Federation, Local Government continues to be locked out, without Constitutional Recognition or a guaranteed share of taxation with a built capacity for growth.
On top of this, Local Government still remains legislatively hamstrung by the whims of State Governments and their relevant Ministers.
Promising a better deal for Local Government in the run up to the last election, the current Victorian Government has the opportunity to address this situation and start the ball rolling around the nation.
The Municipal Association of Victoria and Victorian Local Governance Association have put in place a process aiming for constitutional reform.
However, given the Victorian Local Government Minister’s recent treatment of Melbourne City Council — as Dr Chris Aulich argues (refer page 4) after a decade of turmoil and reform effort, and in spite of strong community support for Local Government, little has actually changed in the local democracy stakes.
