Reform of the Australian Constitution
December 11, 2008
Local councils in Australia have reached an historic agreement about how to reform and modernise the Australian Constitution.
The Prime Minister asked local government to develop a blueprint for constitutional reform at the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) in November. Local Government has responded today at the Constitutional Summit by developing a model for constitutional change which does the following:
- proposes a new power be added to the constitution to expressly empower the Australian Government to fund local councils; and
- proposes that the existence of local government be reflected in the Constitution and provides for the right of people to democratically elect their local council.
The model is the culmination of a three-day Summit concluded today in Melbourne and attended by almost 600 Mayors and Councillors from all states and territories.
The Constitutional Summit has featured some of Australia's most eminent constitutional scholars. It has also been addressed by the Attorney General, Hon Robert McClelland, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Hon Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull and Leader of the National Party, Warren Truss.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Summit, the President of ALGA, Cr Geoff Lake said, "Today local government has developed a plan for the Australian Government and the Australian people to drag Australian federalism into the 21st century."
"This is fundamentally about modernising Australian federalism so government functions better and unnecessary bureaucracy is removed so services are delivered more efficiently and effectively to people. The model proposed will not radically alter government in this country, but it will provide sensible, sober and logical improvement.
"Inserting a financial power for the Australian Government to directly fund local councils reflects the growing links between the two levels of government and will strengthen the opportunity to provide local infrastructure and services which meet the expectations of local communities.
"This is all about strengthening accountability between local communities and their councils. These reforms will improve the accountability of local councils and councillors to their communities and entrench the principles of democratic decision-making and control at the local level."
Leading constitutional law expert, Professor George Williams from the University of New South Wales welcomed the plan finalised today by Australian local government. "This plan provides for sensible and practical reform of the Australian Constitution to better reflect the status of modern government in this country. This is a great opportunity to modernise the Constitution so Australian federalism works better."
The Summit outcomes will be passed to the Australian Government by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). ALGA will develop the proposals further in consultation with councils and all of the major political parties.
- Media inquiries:
- ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake - 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs - 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434; and
- Professor George Williams on 0414 241 593
