In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Brad Matheson, President of the Municipal Association of Victoria.
The year ahead offers an important opportunity for the Australian Local Government sector to renew its focus and positioning with other levels of government. To date, successiveCommonwealth and State Governments have for the most part failed to effectively capitalise on the unique capacity of Local Government to engage with communities, and to deliver infrastructure and services that respond to local needs.
We are entering a crucial phase of structural reform, primarily through the development of new funding and partnership arrangements. Local Government must maximise its involvement in this process and formalise a permanent place at the decision making table.
The challenge now for the sector is to assert its position as a crucial and formidable partner with all levels of government and to work together to develop an agreed process that underpins the formulation and implementation of policies, legislation and regulations that impact on councils.
Recent reforms in Victoria include the creation of a new Department for Victorian Communities, which has increased the State’s focus on community capacity building initiatives. Local Government’s involvement has been acknowledged as integral to the department achieving its objectives of delivering integrated and complementary services that achieve local and statewide outcomes.
While there is still a long way to go, the two levels of government are now proactively working more closely to improve the quality and level of services to Victorian communities.
In 2003, the State Budget commitment of over $50 million in new recurrent funding for a variety of social, environmental and planning services delivered by Local Government demonstrated their commitment to this approach. Recognition of this significant role and position of Local Government is a trend I expect will be increasingly utilised on a national scale.
The work of the Australian Local Government Association in strengthening partnerships with the Commonwealth is already producing important outcomes, such as the continuation of the Roads to Recovery program beyond 2005. It is testament to the collective determination of the sector that recognition of cost shifting and the need to achieve more cohesive partnerships is on the agenda of the Commonwealth and State Governments in 2004.
This places Local Government in an ideal position to take the next step and assume a national leadership role, with a decisive influence on the upcoming reform agenda.
Our success will depend on our ability to harness our emerging influence and together identify practical solutions that will stimulate long term improvements in the recognition and financial sustainability of Local Government. If we can achieve this role it will truly secure the sector’s position as a significant contributor to the political and economic agenda at the national, state and local levels.
Perhaps more challenging will be activating Local Government to play an influential role in ensuring that the Commonwealth and all States recognise and embrace the development of a true partnership approach.
