The Local Government Association of Northern Territory (LGANT) has prepared four Information Papers on the Reform Agenda.
The first Paper addresses the issue ‘Why Reform?’. It outlines the role and functions of Local Government in the Territory and the current constraints under which it is operating.
The second Paper, titled the ‘LGANT Reform Agenda’, outlines 52 issues set out in 16 broad areas that need to be addressed through this reform process. These issues were endorsed by LGANT members at its Annual General Meeting in Katherine in 1997.
The third Paper covers the NT Government’s response to the 52 issues set out in the previous Information Paper.
The final Paper clearly spells out LGANT’s approach to the reform agenda.
LGANT is committed to the reform agenda and will work cooperatively with the NT Government.
However, it does not want to see boundary changes or amalgamations dominating the debate. It believes all mergers must be voluntary, and adequate resources need to be made available to assist Councils in implementing change.
Jeff Hoare, Executive Director of LGANT, urges everyone involved in Local Government in the Territory to read the four Information Papers.
In relation to Information Paper No. 3, on the numerous agreed reform issues, he believes work should begin immediately in a careful and planned way.
