More than 1000 delegates from councils across Australia came together in Canberra for the National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), united in their commitment to constitutional recognition.
Federal politicians and council representatives from across the political spectrum agreed that the sector’s number one priority was constitutional recognition to support direct federal payments to local government via a referendum.
The then Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese told delegates that despite his many differences of opinion with Opposition Local Government Spokesman Barnaby Joyce, “On this referendum issue we will unite to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote”.
Senator Joyce said councils must work hard to win the campaign for constitutional change.
“I am fighting on your behalf …but this is really up to you.
“You have to win this argument in the media and in your local communities… what works is when you get around and talk to people in the community individually.”
Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne and Nationals Leader Warren Truss – both long-term supporters of the ALGA’s case for constitutional reform – echoed Senator Joyce’s sentiments.
Day one of the NGA saw Minister Albanese confirm the Federal Government’s contributions to support the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases, with the amount of funding for each case to reflect the proportion of Members that voted for and against the Constitutional Alteration Amendment Bill.
The ALGA introduced to the Assembly its National Campaign Director, Digby Nancarrow, whose credentials include leading the ‘no’ campaign for the Republic Referendum in 1999.
Mr Nancarrow’s campaign briefing to delegates emphasised the important role of mayors across the country using local examples of projects that have benefited from direct federal funding. He said the use of localised examples would play a critical part in the campaign.
Boost for community infrastructure
Further reinforcing the message that direct federal funding benefits communities, on day three of the NGA Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new round of community infrastructure funding of $150 million.
Minister Albanese said the funding recognised that “Local councils are better positioned than the Commonwealth to establish local priorities for community developments”.
He said the funding would be provided under two programs: the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) and the Livable Cities Program.
“Seventy percent of funding, or $105 million, will be provided to regional and rural councils and the remainder will be provided to major cities. This is an opportunity for rural and regional areas to get funding for a good project that missed out on previous funding under RDAF. All councils will receive an allocation of funding.”
ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis urged councils to submit an application via the Regional Australia website for their share of the funding.
“[Minister Albanese’s] announcement is another example of why we need constitutional recognition of local government.
“Direct funding from the Commonwealth for community infrastructure is important funding that we need to protect and the only way to protect this funding is by including local government in the Constitution.”
The funding can only be used to build and renew community infrastructure, and councils will need to outline the projects they intend to put the funding towards.
Sporting facilities, libraries, town halls, playgrounds and child care facilities are all expected to benefit from this investment in local community.
10 Point Plan for local sector
Another major announcement was ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis’s launch of the ALGA’s 10 Point Plan for Resourcing Community Priorities. Councillor Lewis invited all political parties to respond to the list of policy priorities identified for resourcing communities.
“Our 10 Point Plan urges all political parties to commit to resourcing community priorities as a major plank of their 2013 election campaign and calls for a strong commitment to:
- constitutional change to support continued direct Commonwealth payments to local government
- more sustainable funding to meet local community priorities, including through Financial Assistance Grants
- better and safer roads through a permanent Roads to Recovery program
- agreement that funding should accompany new responsibilities and put an end to cost shifting
- support for community infrastructure
- help to adapt to climate change
- a coordinated approach to national biodiversity
- better arrangements for natural disaster mitigation
- investment to improve online business capacity and
- adequate funding to deliver municipal services to Indigenous communities.
Cr Lewis said the plan demonstrated ALGA’s awareness of the need for investment in local communities to ensure all Australians enjoy equal opportunities and an appropriate level of services and infrastructure.
“Commonwealth investments through local governments strengthen local communities and help to deliver on national objectives such as regional equity. In periods of economic challenge, such investments can deliver fiscal stimulus at the local level resulting in greater employment, diverse economic activity and increased productivity.
“Local government has a lot more to offer Australian communities but it needs the appropriate support and resources to do so. This 10 Point Plan puts forward local government’s agenda and presents a way for local communities to achieve their potential with support from the Federal Government.”
