A wrap up of what the politicians present at the Summit had to say.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development
and Local Government, Anthony Albanese
“The inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) has lifted the relationship between the National Government and Local Government,” Minister Albanese told delegates.
“The 400 plus Mayors and council leaders that attended represented 97 per cent of Australia’s population.”
He said that for a day or two Local Government dominated newspapers and the airways, with the positive outcomes coming as somewhat of a surprise and shake up for many in the Canberra press gallery.
“Mutual respect is the key,” he said. “The Prime Minister went to sessions and spoke to as many Mayors as possible, as did many of our Cabinet Ministers and backbenchers.
“Local Government engaging in a dialogue on an equal basis was a fantastic achievement.”
Minister Albanese paid particular tribute to the work of ALGA’s Immediate Past President, Councillor Paul Bell, in helping to build ACLG.
“The Government is serious about a new partnership – based on mutual respect – to improve quality of life in our local communities,” the Minister said. “From big cities to remote towns, all mayors present at ACLG, regardless of their political persuasion, were keen to work together for the common good.
“The Rudd Government supports the recognition of Local Government in the Australian Constitution – with no ifs or buts.”
But the Minister said that it would fail if there is not bipartisan support from all major and minor parties, as well as grassroots support from all councils.
“One of the sessions at the recent ACLG meeting looked at constitutional recognition,” the Minister said. “However there was not a unified position from Local Government so this summit is vital to bring one view back to us.
“The Prime Minister will argue the case that there is a clear need to recognise Local Government as our third sphere of government but will only do this in conjunction with Local Government.
“Local Government is important, so we just have to get out there and make a convincing case.”
He said the Government will work closely with ALGA on this particularly through ACLG, which will meet annually with all Mayors and more regularly with an inner group of 20 to be announced once the Victorian council elections are finalised.
The Minister announced he will be Chair of ACLG, while ALGA President, Councillor Geoff Lake, will be Deputy Chair.
Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull
“You are the level of government closest to the people,” said Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull. “The bulk of issues raised by constituents with MPs are Local Government related.
“This is why we want to work more closely with Local Government and its representatives.”
Turning to constitutional change, the Opposition leader said, “Good luck is all I can say. As Chair of the 1999 Republic referendum, I have a track record of constitutional failure.
“But the Constitution is ours to change and work with. Currently it omits the level of government closest to the people and Local Government should be there.”
Malcolm Turnbull told delegates that bipartisan support is not enough, they need to build up a constituency to ensure almost no opposition.
“If people are not interested or do not have a strong view they are likely to vote ‘no’”, he said. “It could also be opposed by some of the State Governments if they believe it will reduce their powers.
“Identify those potentially opposed to the change, accommodate them and bring them onside.”
He said the Coalition is not opposed to Constitutional recognition but its support will depend on what the proposal says. “We won’t give you a blank cheque,” Malcolm Turnbull said. “Any proposal for constitutional reform will be considered on its merits.
“There is no point playing politics on this.
“The more people you get to say ‘yes it’s good’ and ‘yes it is safe’, the better chance you will have. So good luck in your endeavours.”
Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Warren Truss
Having previously spent 14 years in Local Government as a Councillor, Leader of the Nationals, Warren Truss, said he is generally supportive of a proposal to recognise Local Government in the Constitution, but would like to see the wording first.
“Constitutional recognition was debated in my term in Local Government as it is now,” he said.
“However, this summit is the most serious step forward to date.
“Before putting forward another question, Local Government must ensure it is likely to be supported by the Australian people, and that it will achieve something for councils.
“It will be hard to get the proposal through, but if you do, it must be able to provide new direction for Local Government.
“The bigger the ask, the less likely it is to succeed, but if you succeed with a small ask, you haven’t really achieved much at all.”
In 1974, the failed proposal asked people to give the Commonwealth power to give money to councils.
“However, this was already happening and still is,” Warren Truss said. “Roads to Recovery is one of the most successful programs the country has seen, allowing local people to make decisions on local issues.
“It is efficient, and it works, even though people didn’t want to support programs like this being recognised in the Constitution.”
Warren Truss said for this attempt to be successful, a monumental effort is needed.
“You need watertight government support from Federal and State Government, as well as a united Local Government front,” he said.
“Support generally wanes over time, so if you don’t have at least 50–60 per cent to start with, you will not have it at the end.”
With regard to the cost of a referendum, Warren Truss said councils will have to face the question of why the money is not being spent on roads, infrastructure and other essential items.
“It will also be hard to persuade people to vote yes when their rates have just come in, there is an overlooked pothole in their street, their dog has just been impounded, or they have been waiting months for the house plans to be approved,” he said.
“There are many issues to overcome, but it doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying.”
Attorney General, Robert McClelland
“The Rudd Government sees Local Government as pivotal in building local community infrastructure in all of Australia’s 565 local council areas,” Robert McClelland said. “However, there is nothing in the Constitution to acknowledge the important role that it plays in the everyday lives of Australians.
“That is why the Government has indicated that if there is adequate support in the Local Government community, we will support a referendum to amend the Constitution to recognise the autonomous role of Local Government.
“Without Constitutional recognition, councils are subject and victim to amalgamation and dismissal.”
Robert McClelland said the small number of successes in changing the Constitution shows at the very least that the Australian people demand clear and compelling arguments for constitutional change, and are unlikely to be satisfied with less.
“Before Local Government enters the battlefield, it is important to know what is on it and what it needs to prevail,” he said.
“If just one Federal politician opposes the proposal, the Federal Government is obliged to fund both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ case.
“In short, what lies at the heart of constitutional change is democratic support.
“The only way to achieve this is to nurture convincing, broad based consensus that change is either necessary, or highly beneficial, for the Australian system of government.
“That support can only be achieved through engagement with the community on the issues.
“The people are the final arbitrators in the Australian democracy – they must be involved every step along the way if a referendum proposal is to have any chance of success.”
