Thursday, March 21, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW


Well the government has reported back and it is somewhat disappointing that only 382 submissions were presented. Given the relative dysfunction of some Councils, Launceston's in particular, it is perhaps understandable if people say 'why bother' despite their distress.

There is a real need to stay on the case here as the Govt. has put this in the hands of LGAT and as the 'councils' peak body' they have an awful lot invested in the status quo.

Keep in mind that councils' operational wings have invested heavily in the status quo and mention 'accountability and transparency' in their company and they are liable to break out in a income threatening rash.

DO NOT LOOK AWAY! DO NOT RISK IT!


Phase One Closes with Strong Stakeholder Engagement - Submissions to the Review closed on 1 March 2019, finalising the initial consultation phase. 

There was strong interest and engagement throughout the consultation phase, with over 7,000 people engaging with the Review webpage and/or project team............... A total of 382 submissions were received from the local government sector, peak representative bodies, interest groups and the broader community............... Thanks to all those who engaged with the Review and/or made submissions. Your input is appreciated and valued............... The submissions can be viewed on the Review website at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/lgreview .............. Key Themes from Consultation.............. There were several key themes that emerged from the initial consultation phase. Among these were:.............. - A desire for more meaningful engagement and consultation with communities.............. - Greater transparency and accountability for councils.............. - Greater consistency across council services.............. - Reforming electoral processes, particularly the General Manager’s Roll............... - Removing unnecessary prescription and creating principles-based legislation .............. - Providing councils with flexibility to make decisions that best suit their local communities............... ISSUE 03 – MARCH 2019.............. What’s Next?.............. Reference Group Workshops.............. Feedback from the Phase 1 consultations will now be worked through by the Reference Group. This Group will consider options for reform and provide advice to the Steering Committee............... Phase 2 – Reform Directions Paper .............. The Government has committed to releasing a Reform Directions Paper by mid-2019. This Paper will set out options for reform based on the advice of the Reference Group and Steering Committee............... Consultations in Phase 2.............. There will be further consultation on the Reform Directions Paper during Phase 2, which will commence in mid-2019. Further information will be You can keep up-to-date with the progress of this process through this newsletter, as well as the Review website.

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