STATE LIBERALS LET DOWN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

& Contradict Abbott on Constitutional Referendum

The Tasmanian Greens today accused the State Liberals of abandoning Tasmania’s local councils by their call for a campaign against the referendum on constitutional recognition for local government.

Greens Local Government spokesperson Tim Morris MP pointed out that the move by Liberals spokesperson Rene Hidding MP in Parliament today, contradicts the position of Federal Leader Tony Abbott who has publicly supported the ‘Yes’ case for the referendum.

Mr Morris also said the Tasmanian Greens had long supported constitutional recognition for local government, with a motion tabled the House of Assembly earlier this year supporting the move and calling on the State Labor and Liberal parties to also back the move.

“Well now we have flushed the State Liberals out. Unfortunately they have also sold out Tasmania’s local councils,” Mr Morris said.

“By calling for a ‘No’ vote campaign in the upcoming referendum, Mr Hidding has also put his state party at odds with their Federal Leader Tony Abbott.”

“Recognising local government in the constitution would help to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each tier of government, improving things like service delivery and funding.”

“It has been clear for a long time that constitutional recognition is necessary to strengthen the role of local government, and create a more efficient framework for delivery of funding and services across all three tiers of government.”

“Two expert committees have now supported this change to our Constitution, yet clearly the Tasmanian Greens are the only state party campaigning for our local councils on this important matter, with the Liberals campaigning against and State Labor sitting on the fence.” Mr Morris said.
Tim Morris MP Greens Local Government Spokesperson Thursday, 30 May 2013