The Tasmanian Greens today described as a blow for the state’s local councils State Labor’s refusal to advocate the ‘Yes’ case for the upcoming referendum question on constitutional recognition of local government.
Greens Local Government spokesperson Tim Morris MP said it was clear that the Greens are the only State Party to support local government’s push for financial recognition.
“The Greens in Parliament dragged out from the Minister the disappointing admission that State Labor will not advocate the ‘Yes’ case in the forthcoming referendum on local government recognition in the constitution,” Mr Morris said.
“It is now clear that the Greens are the only party supporting our local councils in this push.”
“State Labor taking a contradictory position to that of their Federal counterparts is a bitter blow to Tasmania’s local councils. They are trying to have a bet each way, just as the Liberals are who also oppose this move at a state level despite Tony Abbott endorsing it at the federal level.”
“We all know that for referenda to succeed they require the majority of states to return a majority of votes in the affirmative.”
“Having local government recognised in the constitution would enable the federal government to fund local government services directly, rather than funnelling those funds through the states.”
“Given the calls for greater efficiencies it is disappointing that both State Labor and Liberal parties refuse to acknowledge that constitutional recognition for local government would lead to more robust, effective and efficient financial and service delivery.”
“The Australian Greens had made an agreement with Prime Minister Julia Gillard in 2010 to progress this reform and the Tasmanian Greens have already provided in-principle support at a state level.”
Tim Morris MP Greens Local Government Spokesperson Tuesday, 25 June 2013
