ALGA has warmly welcomed Mayor of Marion in South Australia, Felicity–ann Lewis as the next ALGA President, following the retirement of long–serving Mayor of North Sydney and ALGA President since November 2010, Genia McCaffery.
After 17 years in local government and having served four terms as North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery has decided not to run again for the Mayoral position during tomorrow’s local government elections to be held across New South Wales.
In retiring from local government, Mayor McCaffery is also stepping down as ALGA President.
ALGA thanks Mayor McCaffery for her strong advocacy for constitutional recognition of local government, which has ensured that the Opposition and all political parties at the federal level are well–informed of ALGA’s commitment to a referendum on this issue at a time that maximises the chance for success.
Local government has maintained that the only way to ensure that direct federal funding for community services and infrastructure is protected is to have local government recognised in the Australian Constitution.
As ALGA President, Mayor Lewis will take the lead in negotiating ALGA’s case for constitutional change.
“I am looking forward to working with all sides of politics to progress our proposal for constitutional recognition of local government,” Mayor Lewis said.
“ALGA has presented the Government with a proposal to take forward the case for constitutional change of local government, which includes the establishment of a Parliamentary Committee; funding of a public education and awareness campaign; and suggestions for the specific wording of the amendment to the Constitution.”
Mayor Lewis will also be a strong advocate for a better deal for councils, following the Federal Government’s announcement last week of the review of Financial Assistance Grants for local government.
Mayor Lewis has served as ALGA Vice President since 2010 and has been a member of the ALGA Board since 2009.
Mayor Lewis is the city of Marion’s first–ever female Mayor and is the longest serving Mayor of more than 10 years.
The ALGA Board appointed Mayor Lewis to fill the role of President until it votes on the presidency at its Annual General Meeting in November.
