David Coles, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Local Government, reaffirmed to delegates that the NT Government will not be using a ‘one size fits all approach’.
“It is up to Councils to find a solution that best meets their own local needs,” he said.
“But, at the end of the day, Councils must be credible and legitimate, comprising the people that the community believes are the right people to make decisions.
“We do not want to throw away something that is good, that is, community representation.
“You need to look at the options, to keep what is working but look for new ideas to improve community representation.”
David Coles said that, in many regions, neighbouring Councils are already looking at options for working closer together to improve service delivery. He pointed to the Tiwi Island Councils, as well as Jabiru and Kunbarlianjnja as just two examples.
Delegates at the Workshop were invited to break into regional groups to discuss how they believed the reform would affect their communities and to identify key issues relevant to their region.
In a plenary session, the regional groups reported back on matters discussed.
Issues raised include the following.
- Sufficient time to work through the issues, as well as raise community interest and support for change.
- Ensuring smaller Councils retain a fair and equitable say.
- Appropriate and ongoing training.
- Deciding boundaries.
- Assessing community needs.
- Appropriate resources to carry out the reforms.
- The role and influence of traditional law and traditional owners.
- Devising a model that takes account of minority groups.
- Extending rating to pastoral properties.
- Current Commonwealth funding arrangements and ATSIC funding.
Bob Beadman, Secretary of the Local Government Department told delegates that funding to assist with the reform agenda has been sought from the Commonwealth Government, under the Local Government Development Program. There would also be funding from the Northern Territory Government.
