| Cr Paul Bell, Newstead (Tel: 07 3000 2222) | ||
| Supporting Councillor | Cr Paul Bell, Emerald | |
| Councils | Aramac, Atherton, Aurukun ... [List all] | |
| Closing Date | Monday, 30 October 2006, 10:00:00 AM |
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Residents draw to the attention of.... the Federal Government that for the past 160 years, local government has not been recognised under the Australian Constitution. Being a part of the constituion guarantees and protects the critical role of local councils for the benefit of all communities. Councils seek to formalise their place as Australia's legitimate third tier of government. Your petitioners therefore request that the Federal Government take action to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution. |
22 signatures for, 5 signatures against
View signatures in supportLocal government is broadly recognised as the tier of government closest to the people - delivering important services to diverse communities on a daily basis.
Today, there are 722 local government bodies in Australia accountable to a diverse range of metropolitan, regional, rural and Indigenous communities. Of these bodies, 579 are regional/rural.
There are approximately 6,600 elected councillors in Australia with an average of just under 10 councillors per council.
One of the great strengths of local government is its diversity. The population and geographic size of councils differ greatly. The largest local government authority by population is the Brisbane City Council with 900,000 residents. The average council population is 26,400.
Local councils spend around $17 billion each year providing an increasingly broad range of infrastructure, economic and community services to residents. In total, councils employ around 150,000 people.
Unlike the state and federal governments - local government does not presently enjoy constitutional recognition. This significant anomoly needs to be addressed.
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