A call was made today for Tasmanians to support the referendum for local government recognition in the Australian Constitution. The referendum will be held in conjunction with this year’s federal election.

Greens’ Senate candidate and Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet said access to funds for Tasmanian Councils was critical to ensure federal funding to local councils had greater certainty.

“Without constitutional recognition we could find funds hindered by state governments and any other challengers. Federal programs such as Roads to Recovery are a critical part of most Tasmanian Councils’ works, and a Yes vote on September 14 would ensure these and other funds were protected,” said Alderman Burnet.

“The federal election will be critical to deliver for Tasmania’s future. Voting Yes provides an easy way to ensure direct funding to local governments across our state, which is good for Tasmania.

“Given that this is such a critical vote for councils, both rural and metropolitan, I call on all Tasmanian Councils to actively campaign for the Yes vote,” said Ald Burnet.

Greens local government spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said “It is vitally important that we get strong cross-party support to give this referendum the best chance of success.

“The Greens are calling on the Liberal party to stop playing politics with the referendum and put their full support behind a Yes vote.

“Constitutional recognition for local government is long overdue. The referendum was a key plank of the Greens agreement to ensure stability for Labor in government in 2010 and Greens councillors around Australia will campaign strongly for a Yes vote” said Senator Rhiannon.

Alderman Burnet was in Canberra yesterday attending the Australian Local Government Association’s Annual Conference.

“I met with Councillors from across Australia and Tasmania who recognise the importance of a Yes vote,” Ald Burnet said.

A High Court decision brought down last year cast a shadow of doubt over Federal funds flowing to local governments. [http://alga.asn.au/newsletter/newsletters.ALGANEWS22June2012]
Greens’ Senate candidate and Hobart City Council Alderman Helen Burnet