The Andrews Labor Government is getting on with its election commitment to review the Local Government Act 1989, to improve accountability and create a more contemporary, accessible Act to meet the current and future needs of Victorian communities.
Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today announced the Terms of Reference and members of an Advisory Committee tasked with providing independent advice on the review - the first since the Act’s inception.
Ms Hutchins said the Terms of Reference provide for a comprehensive examination that will consider all aspects of the current Act.
The six-member Advisory Committee will be chaired by Member for Yuroke Ros Spence and is made up of Councillors Mary Delahunty and David Clark, former local government Chief Executives Kathy Alexander and Kay Rundle, and public policy academic Nicholas Reece.
The Committee will provide advice to Ms Hutchins, who will also consult with local government organisations, including the Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association and LGPro.
Ms Hutchins said the review will ensure that local councils can improve their service delivery and build stronger communities for local residents.
The review will be a conversation with communities across Victoria on what they want from their local government, with the first round of consultation running from August to December 2015.
The Terms of Reference are available at:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins
“We’re reviewing the Local Government Act to bring it into the twenty-first century and give communities the strong, transparent and efficient local councils that they deserve.”
“The Act needs to be modernised and the Labor Government is ensuring that local residents, councils and experts all have their say, so that we have the best possible system.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence
“This Committee will help ensure that communities, councils and the Government work together to improve governance and cut red tape, helping local government reduce costs for local ratepayers.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020