Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

'Federation of neighbourhoods' brings local democracy to the fore

At its AGM, following the 3rd National General Assembly of Local Government last December, Cr John Campbell, Deputy Lord Mayor of Brisbane, was elected President of the Australian Local Government Association. Joining him on the new Executive is Senior Vice President, Cr John Wearne from NSW and Junior Vice President, Cr John Ross from South Australia.

In a recent FOCUS interview, John Campbell said that it is vital that the voice of Local Government is heard loud and clear on the national stage.

"The overhead cables issue is just one example clearly demonstrating the need for an effective, well networked national organisation," he said. He added that with Federal budget cuts, and both the Federal and State Governments passing more and more responsibility to Local Government, it is vital that local communities and Central Government realise that Councils simply cannot afford to keep 'picking up the tab'.

"With the push for Constitutional Recognition, and the increasing emphasis on local community as the economy globalises, there has never been a more important and challenging time for the ALGA," John Campbell continued.

"People want an anchor and are looking more and more to their local community. As nations become more like a 'federation of neighbourhoods', Local Government has much more relevance to people's lives than the other spheres."

He said that this greater emphasis on local democracy must not be undermined by unnecessary and unfeeling cuts by Central Government.

"ALGA is not against greater efficiency but the full cost/benefits of planned cuts must always be considered," he said. "It is vital policy decisions include local impacts and Local Government is best placed to measure these."

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