I am always proud to say that I’m the Minister for Local Government. I have also said many times that it is my belief that decisions about local matters should be made at the local level. I believe there is considerable potential for Councils to play a greater role in the provision of services direct to their communities. Councils are, after all, best placed in our government structure to understand and address the needs of their people. They are closest to the community.
The National Awards for Local Government are wonderful examples of the diverse role played by Local Government in their communities. The Awards celebrate the collective contribution that all councils continue to make to the health, vitality, prosperity, and welfare of the communities they serve, while continuing to maintain the traditional responsibilities of Local Government.
Local Government plays a very important role in facilitating the economic development of their area – a role that is critical by virtue of their proximity and accountability to local communities and their ability to articulate their communities priorities – they are an important partner in building stronger communities in our regions.
Local Government bodies are demonstrating informed leadership and are at the heart of a sea change in the way people see Local Government and its role as a driver of change at the regional level. Through the Awards process we get to know more about what they are achieving. We hear of Local Government bodies that are listening to their communities in order to serve them better, to improve their communities’ economic, social and environmental well being – councils that are delivering quality local services and who are playing a vital role in improving the quality of their communities lives. The Awards recognise the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and self-reliance of Local Government and importantly assist in the sharing of expertise and experience across the nation.
Each year the Awards attract hundreds of entries – this year being no exception – with 373 entries received across the 11 categories. It was with great pleasure that I announced the National Winners for the 2002 National Awards for Local Government on 4 November 2002. May I congratulate the winners and indeed all entrants. I thank you all for taking the time to share your experience with your Local Government colleagues. Keep up the great work.
Thank you also to the many others involved in the Awards process, the National Judges and Category Judges for the time and expertise they put into what I am sure would have been an extremely difficult task – and in particular the sponsors. The continued support of the Awards by a number of Federal Government agencies reflects the importance placed on the work of Local Government in the community.
Another major event on the agenda in Alice Springs is a matter of importance to us all, the House of Representatives Economics Committee Inquiry into Local Government and Cost Shifting. The Inquiry is a one in fifty year opportunity to thoroughly re-examine the provision of government services. Nearly 300 submissions have been received by the Inquiry. Hearings are being held around Australia to ensure as many views and ideas as possible can be heard.
The Inquiry is conducting a public hearing in Alice Springs on Tuesday, 5 November at 3.00pm, at the Alice Springs Town Council. For those of you who are at the Assembly and get this paper hot off the presses – may I remind you that it is an excellent opportunity for the Committee to hear from you. Through its examination of the role of Local Government the Inquiry provides a unique opportunity to reconsider which spheres of government are best placed to deliver services.A further half-day hearing will be held in Warrnambool, Victoria on Friday, 6 December, with more public hearings to be held early in the new year after Parliament resumes. Information about hearings will be posted at the Inquiry’s website at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/efpa/localgovt/ph.htm.
I encourage all interested people to participate.
View winners:
National Winners – Listing of National Winners.
Category Winners – Listing of Category Winners.
Commendations – Listing of Commendations.
Award Sponsors – List of Award Sponsors
