South Australian Councils take up the challenge
‘Local Renaissance: New Ideas, Real Opportunities, Exciting Partnerships’ was the theme for the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) 2002 Conference. President, Mayor Johanna McLuskey, welcomed delegates, particularly a number of international guests and the leaders of various Youth Councils who had been encouraged by the Councils to attend.
“This is one of our most exciting programs,” she said. “It is forward looking and reaches beyond the parochialism of which we are sometimes accused. The conference embodies why we work in Local Government – to come together and network, to learn from others and take back new ideas to our communities.”
During the conference Mayor McLuskey completed her term as President. At the Annual General Meeting, Councillor Max Amber from Campbelltown City Council was elected President.
In his address to delegates, South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, pledged that, working closely with the Local Government Association, his Government’s relations with Local Government would be open, accountable and accessible. With the Economic Development Board about to release the first of a series of reports, the Premier told delegates that a major summit is planned for early next year that will involve Local Government.
“In building a strategic plan for the future, this will not only cover economic issues but social justice, and in particular, social inclusiveness,” Premier Rann said.
He pointed to a number of issues that are impacting adversely on social inclusiveness, including falling retention rates in schools, homelessness and drug abuse, all requiring whole of government or whole of community solutions. To engage directly with Councils and communities, in the first eight months of the Rann Government’s term, two day Community Cabinet Meetings have been staged in various localities around the State.
“We seek further invites from Local Governments to come to their area,” the Premier said. “These meetings include an open public forum where Ministers and Heads of Department are on hand to answer questions.”
The Federal Minister for Local Government, Wilson Tuckey, told delegates that the failure of State Governments to legislate to reinstate non-feasance is exposing ratepayers to spiralling public liability premiums. He said to date only New South Wales has acted on this.Pointing to two electoral promises the Federal Government took to the last election, the Cost Shifting Inquiry and Constitutional Recognition for Local Government, the Minister said that if the first cannot be fixed, then you will not get people to support the second at referendum. “The terms of reference for the Cost Shifting Inquiry are wide and I have no objection to you bringing forward issues of cost shifting by the Federal Government,” the Minister told delegates.“The issue is on the table. With the Inquiry going before a Standing Committee, both Government and Opposition are represented, on a 60/40 ratio.”
He said this Inquiry is about the relationship between the three spheres of government, to assist Local Government in delivering improved services.
“It is about adequate funding, clearly defined responsibilities and being able to fix problems the day they arise,” the Minister said. “Challenge your communities, ask them what they think.”
