Vote ‘Yes’ for Local Government

The Australian Government today announced their support for a referendum on Local
Government at the time of the September Federal Election.

LGAT President, Mayor Barry Easther, says it will now be ‘full steam ahead’ to
convince Tasmanians to support inclusion of Local Government in the Constitution.

“Voting ‘yes’ in September will secure funding for Local Government services and
infrastructure”, Mayor Easther said. “This is important for every Tasmanian
community and I urge all political parties to support the referendum proposal and
referendum legislation when it is debated in Parliament next week”.

The Local Government Association of Tasmania will be working closely and
intensively with the Australian Local Government Association and member councils
for the next few months. Every council around the country will be involved in an
integrated campaign.

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

“Recent High Court challenges put programs such as Roads to Recovery and the
Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program at risk.”

“Getting a referendum passed is a major challenge, but a challenge we are ready
for,” said Mayor Easther.

“We are building off a strong base”, he continued. “In 2011, our statewide community
survey found a high level of support for the Constitutional Recognition of Local
Government”.

1,210 residents were surveyed in 2011, with 78.9 per cent of respondents strongly in
support of ensuring continued direct funding of Local Government by the Federal
Government.

A referendum on the question of financial recognition for Local Government must be
passed by the majority of voters in the majority of the states in order to be enacted.
Local Government Association of Tasmania President, Mayor Barry Easther