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LGANT Welcomes historic Parliamentary resolution.

LGANT President, Alderman Kerry Moir today welcomed the tabling in Federal Parliament late yesterday of a resolution recognising the role of local government as historic and a symbolic step on the road to formal constitutional recognition.

“This is a milestone for local government and for Australia as a whole,” said Alderman Moir. “For the first time, both houses of Federal Parliament have the opportunity to recognise the role and importance of local government as part of Australia’s system of democratic government”.

“Local government works tirelessly to deliver services and infrastructure to local communities and to provide a voice for those communities on important local issues. Our elected representatives and the professional staff who support them are a vital part of the fabric of this country and recognition by Parliament is well deserved”.

“The Australian Local Government Association (which includes State/Territory Local Government Associations) worked with the Australian Government on developing the resolution, which was part of the Government’s response to the Fair Share report on cost shifting, and I want to thank Local Government Minister Jim Lloyd for his efforts in this regard”.

“The Local Government Association asks Members of Parliament and Senators to support the resolution and I hope that they will all take the opportunity to speak out in support of local government and the role it plays. The resolution also acknowledges the importance of consulting and cooperating with local government and signifies the importance of all spheres of government working together to address the challenges faced by local communities.”

(see over for resolution)

Ends

7 September 2006

Contact: LGANT President Alderman Kerry Moir 0419 303 378

Phil Maynard Manager Information Services 89362890 0429 090833

Parliamentary Resolution on Local Government

That the House/Senate:

1) recognises that local government is part of the governance of Australia, serving communities through locally elected councils

2) values the rich diversity of councils around Australia, reflecting the varied communities they serve.

3) acknowledges the role of local government in governance, advocacy, the provision of infrastructure, service delivery, planning, community development and regulation.

4) acknowledges the importance of cooperating with and consulting with local government on the priorities of their local communities.

5) acknowledges the significant Australian Governmentfunding that is provided to local government to spend on locally determined priorities, such as roads and other local government services.

6) commends local government elected officials who give their time to serve their communities.