A review of the 1993 Tasmanian Local Government Act is expected to be completed this year. Regional workshops have been held in Launceston, Burnie and Hobart to encourage public discussion of the review. Public submissions on the first phase of the review closed on April 4.
The committee appointed to oversee the review has released an Issues Paper to community and industry groups, ratepayer and progress associations and other interested organisations.
The review has run to schedule since being announced by the Minister Assisting the Premier on Local Government, Jim Cox, in February this year.
“To assist people who wish to make submissions, the Issues Paper has been developed, based on a range of issues identified by the Government, or raised by members of the public and Local Government,” Minister Cox said. “A further opportunity for public submissions will be provided later this year, when a draft Bill is prepared. It is my preference that any necessary amendments to the Act will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.”
The Local Government Act 1993 is the constitutional basis of Local Government in Tasmania. It establishes the 29 Councils, provides for the election of Councillors and enables Councils to undertake day to day activities, including providing local services and levying of rates. The review will update the Act to ensure it promotes the best Local Government practices, meets the needs of local communities and reflects the goals of the Government’s Tasmania Together program.
“It was time for the Act to be updated, to meet modern needs and reflect the Government’s closer working relationship with Local Government,” Minister Cox said. “While I expect Local Government to play a significant role in the review, I am also keen to encourage all interested parties, including community groups and members of the public, to participate in this process.”
Further information about the review and copies of the Issues Paper can be obtained from the Local Government Division by visiting www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/lgd or by telephoning (03) 6233 6758.
