The 9th National General Assembly of Local Government was staged in Alice Springs from 3-6 November. This was the first time the Assembly has not been staged in Canberra. A record 860 delegates, together with various Members of Parliament and other expert presenters, acknowledged that this move of venue was a fitting contribution to the Year of the Outback celebrations.
Alice Springs Town Council is to be congratulated for its initiative in inviting the Assembly to the heart of Australia’s famous outback. The opening of the Assembly included addresses from the Prime Minister, John Howard; Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean; the Northern Territory Chief Minister, Clare Martin; and Australian Local Government President, Councillor John Ross.
“There is doubt that the nation’s mind is firmly fixed on the motion you just overwhelmingly supported,” the Prime Minister, John Howard told delegates. “In the three weeks since the Bali bombings, there have been emotions of anger and grief but also immense pride in the way Australian people have united in the spirit of teamwork. There has been a determination by the Australian people to fight but, at the same time, to retain our openness and friendship both within Australian communities and the rest of the world. Your motion echoes the spirit of the nation in times of challenge.”
The Prime Minister told delegates that the Australian spirit of generosity and working together is also being put to the test as we battle the worsening drought that is afflicting many parts of the continent.
“All Government must work together,” he said. “Each sphere has specific roles and each is discharging those roles at the present time.”
The Prime Minister said that we face the long term challenge of availability and sustainability of water resources.
“We are a dry and arid continent but too much water is wasted,” he said. “Governments at all levels must address this. As a nation we are very resilient and able to stare down challenges as they evolve including the world economic downturn after 11 September 2001, October 12 this year and the drought.”
The Prime Minister said the Federal Government needs the cooperation and understanding of Local Government, and will continue to provide a fair provision for Local Government in fulfilling its role.
