The historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Northern Territory Government and the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) signifies the desire by both spheres of government to achieve a greater level of coordination and cooperation.
Signed in May last year, development of the MOU involved extensive consultation with Councils, industry, Commonwealth and Territory agencies and the community at large. Comprising formal recognition and mutual agreement on a range of policy matters, it also clarifies the respective roles of both spheres of government.
“The document provides a framework for discussion,” said David Coles, Assistant Secretary, Department of Housing and Local Government. “However, this is reliant on it not being abused by either side too often.”
He said that already the MOU has led to a number of positive outcomes. These include the review of operational subsidy funding in cooperation with LGANT, and a Steering Committee, comprising LGANT and Department personnel, which is driving the current Reform and Review process.
“There will always be items we agree on, items we need to discuss and items where we disagree,” David Coles said. “The MOU sets out a process to iron out the differences in a mature and reasonable manner.”
Under the provisions of the MOU, the Agreement is for an initial five year period, with provision for reviews at intervals not exceeding two years.
