Bipartisan Support Needed to Ensure Referendum Success

The Local Government Association of Tasmania is calling on all political parties to
support the referendum on the financial recognition of Local Government, to be held
in September at the time of the Federal Election.

LGAT President, Mayor Barry Easther, said gaining bipartisan support is vital to the
success of referendums, which is why I urge members of the Opposition and all
political parties to support the legislation to deliver a 2013 referendum when it is
discussed in the House of Representatives and the Senate this week.

“Gaining recognition in the Constitution is a long-awaited and an important step
forward for Local Government and the communities we serve,” said Mayor Easther.

“It is important that councils get financial certainty and formal recognition as
legitimate recipients of direct federal funding”.

“If the referendum is successful, all Australian communities stand to benefit from the
secured funding for Local Government services and infrastructure. That is why
gaining bipartisan support to enable the referendum to go forward is so important.”

“Local Government is ready for the challenge of running a successful campaign,
despite the short timeframe, to see that the referendum is passed. Now we call on
the Government’s support to do what it can to enable that process,” he said.

Out of 1,210 residents who were surveyed in 2011, 78.9 per cent of respondents
were strongly in support of ensuring continued direct funding of Local Government by
the Federal Government.
Local Government Association of Tasmania President, Mayor Barry Easther