The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has clarified its position on the contentious resolution for councils to lobby the Federal Government to change the Australia Day date.
Raised at the local government National General Assembly (NGA) in June, the motion spurred a lengthy debate and was carried with a slim margin.
Put forth by Hobart City Council, the motion stated: “That the National General Assembly encourage Australian councils to consider efforts they could take to lobby the Federal Government to change the date of recognition of Australia Day.”
The ALGA board met yesterday to consider all resolutions passed during the NGA and decided that the discussion around changing the date should be up to each individual council and its community.
ALGA President, Mayor David O’Loughlin, said councils should consult their communities on the matter and, if deemed necessary, Federal Members could then be approached.
“The resolution from Hobart City Council simply asks that councils consider actions they might take to lobby the federal government on changing the date,” he said.
“While Hobart City Council has started a conversation on the issue, it realises that it will be up to individual councils to consider their positions and how they wish to consult their communities.
“Ultimately, of course it is up to the federal government to deliberate over the date of Australia Day but such a decision would have to be based on broad community consultation and support.”
