The Northern Territory Government has fulfilled an election commitment by introducing a Bill to make changes to the Local Government Act (the Act).
Minister for Local Government, Alison Anderson, said the Bill would mark the beginning of a new era of local government in the Northern Territory, and the first stage in the process to give a voice back to those who lost theirs under the super-shire model.
“Amendments to the Act will introduce regional councils, and as Minister I will require regional councils to establish local authorities, made up of local people.
“Local authorities will be a direct link between the Regional Council and communities, ensuring local government is far more responsive to the needs of its residents.
“A set of detailed ministerial guidelines outlining the roles and functions of local authorities will be released shortly and we will seek comment from key stakeholders before implementation.”
These changes are the result of the 25-member Regional Governance Working Group (RGWG), established by former Minister for Local Government and now Chief Minister Giles, and feedback received throughout the extensive consultations.
“The message from the RGWG was very clear – they do not want to be back in three or four years time discussing this exact same issue. It is paramount we get these reforms right,” Ms Anderson said.
“Stage two of the reforms will involve a full review into sustainability and viability of regional local government in the Northern Territory. Any further changes such as boundaries will be a result of this process.
“We understand that there is a yearning in the bush for immediate change. However we owe it to [people] to develop a model that will work well now and into the future.
“People in the Northern Territory, especially those in our regions, know all too well what happens when governments rush important reforms, and political expedience is put before serious input from those affected.
“The Country Liberals Government will not make these same mistakes. We have already undertaken a comprehensive consultation process, completing 177 community visits and asking residents: ‘What do you want from your local government?’.
“Proposed legislation for the initial changes will receive a full third reading in parliament, giving all members of the Legislative Assembly a chance to debate the Bill. I look forward to this opportunity.”
