Welcome to this first National Perspective for 2002. It gives me great pleasure to write to you for the first time as Federal Minister with responsibility for Local Government.
I intend to keep you informed through these pages of Federal Government initiatives of interest to you and your communities.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank my predecessor, Senator Ian Macdonald, for his work in this portfolio. Senator Macdonald was a tireless advocate for Local Government at the Federal level.
I come to the portfolio with a long-standing interest and experience in Local Government. I served on Carnarvon Council from 1964 to 1980, including a term as Mayor. I was also elected to the Executive of the Country Shires Councils Association of WA, serving as Deputy President and President. I was also appointed a State Grants Commissioner.
As with my previous portfolio responsibilities, it is my intention to operate as the Minister FOR Local Government, and the Regions and Territories, with which Local Government is intrinsically associated. Those whose interests are covered by my portfolio areas of responsibility can expect my advocacy within parliamentary and governmental forums of their needs and ambitions.
To this end I will also continue my practice of face to face meetings throughout Australia, which I trust will also be two way-traffic.
The Federal Government has made an election commitment to actively raise the debate concerning constitutional recognition for Local Government. I look forward to vigorous dialogue on this matter both within Local Government itself and the broader community.
2002 is the Year of the Outback and many events and celebrations have been planned to recognise and encourage the work and achievements of the seven million Australians who live outside our cities. I encourage councils to participate in this important activity by planning their own local Year of the Outback programme.
Planning for this year’s National Awards for Innovation in Local Government is well under way. Many councils have developed unique solutions to local challenges, and competition will be keen for this year’s awards, which will be launched at the Local Government Managers National Congress in Sydney on 12 May.
International Women’s Day falls on 8 March. It is timely that we record our appreciation for the considerable contribution women have made to serving their local communities as both elected and appointed officers. The National Framework for Women in Local Government, which I have forwarded to all councils, was developed in recognition of the need to do more to increase women’s participation in Local Government decision-making. The Steering Committee established to develop for implementing the Framework will meet in Adelaide on 7 March.
Let me conclude by wishing councils and their elected representatives and staff all the best for 2002. I look forward to working with you in meeting the many challenges that lie ahead.
The Hon Wilson Tuckey, Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Govenment.
