Consultation Begins On Local Government Act Review
The Andrews Labor Government has launched consultation for its review of the Local Government Act 1989.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today released the discussion paper and consultation website, the first stage in the review process.
Ms Hutchins said the review was an opportunity to reflect on the role of local government and encouraged councils and communities from across the state to visit the ‘Your Council, Your Community’ website to have their say.
The Act review will be far-reaching and comprehensive, examining issues from the role and functions of councillors and CEOs, to donation regulation and how complaints should be handled.
It is the first in-depth review of the Act since its inception, and responds to calls from the local government sector and the community for reform.
With over 90 amending acts resulting in hundreds of individual changes, Ms Hutchins said the review was well overdue.
Ms Hutchins has also appointed a six-member advisory committee to provide independent advice on the review, alongside extensive consultation with councils, peak bodies, residents and ratepayers across Victoria.
The review underscores the agenda outlined by Ms Hutchins in her recent Ministerial Statement, including improvements to the integrity and capacity of local government, a modern productive relationship between councils and the Victorian Government and the implementation of the Fair Go Rates system.
Input into the Local Government Act review is welcome until 18 December 2015.
For further information, or to have your say at the new Local Government Act Review website, please visit www.yourcouncilyourcommunity.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“The Local Government Act Review discussion paper starts an important conversation between councils, the community and the Victorian Government about what local government should be.”
“The discussion paper prompts questions great and small. From, ‘what is the role of local government?’ to ‘how should elections be held?’, this is an opportunity for every council and community to have their say.”
“We want to build an Act that creates strong, accountable and responsive local government, and an Act that reflects and responds to the needs of our state.”