Special Edition: Local Government Reform No Images? Click here Special Edition from the LGA President Local Government Reform Update - Monday 27 November 2017 Dear Mayors and CouncillorsLocal government has a strong record of driving its own reform agenda. This week’s special update is about working together to drive change that will make our sector even more efficient. LGA President Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg Local Government Reform Our sector has a strong a record of driving its own reform agenda, with the aspiration of being the most efficient sphere of government. With our recent work with the Government on boundary adjustment reform, our review of the code of conduct for council members, and the LGA’s “prevention to intervention” peer support program, we believe we’re on the cusp of achieving significant and positive change for the sector. In the past twelve months we have also commenced a benchmarking program, produced a public lighting business case, undertaken various regionalisation and shared services projects, kicked off the first stages of a workforce sector alignment project, and reviewed the LGA’s governance arrangements. We are committed to continuous improvement, and to working as partners in government to further advance our sector. Our 2018 state election platform – South Australia. Uncapped potential – commits to providing all parties with a road map for local government reform ahead of next March, and we have prepared a draft paper outlining what these reform opportunities could be. The LGA is now seeking feedback from all councils and council members on this document. We want to know what you would change about the legislation that governs how councils operate and work with their communities, and hear other ideas you have to improve local government sustainability, efficiency, and consistency, support local decision making and simplify regulation. To finalise our reform agenda in time for the election, feedback must be provided no later than Wednesday 17 January 2018, and should be sent to Lisa Teburea at lisa.teburea@lga.sa.gov.au Based on this consultation, a proposal will be presented to the LGA Board for endorsement in January. We will then provide this document to all parties, and ask that they support us to drive our own reform agenda. Experience interstate suggests that unless we make bold decisions now, then decisions regarding our future will be taken out of our hands. This could mean rate capping, it could mean forced amalgamations, or it could involve other measures being forced upon us and damaging our communities. We’ve all spent years – and some of us decades – serving as council members. We understand local government better than anyone, and are best placed to identify opportunities for continued improvement. I look forward to reading your feedback, and working with you to make local government in South Australia even better. For further information or to submit feedback please email: LGA President or call 08 8224 2000. |