May 9, 2013
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann has urged all South Burnett residents to vote ‘Yes’ in a referendum that will be held in conjunction with the Federal Election on September 14.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced today that a referendum would ask voters to decide whether Local Government should be recognised in the Australian Constitution.
The question has been put twice before, in 1974 and 1988, but was rejected both times.
Ms Gillard said this time there was a better chance of success because the change has bipartisan support.
In 1988, the issue was voted down after a successful campaign from the ‘No’ camp which claimed State Government powers would be compromised.
But Federal Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese said today the change would not affect the relationship between local governments and State governments.
“It will recognise that local governments are creations of State governments and are still responsible to, and accountable to those State governments,” he said.
Mr Albanese said the “modest change” was based on advice that the Federal Government had received from an expert panel and endorsed by the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee.
He said the proposal would receive broad and bipartisan support in the Federal Parliament.
The draft legislation and the proposed words would be released shortly.
Mr Albanese said the change would ensure the Constitution “reflects the reality of modern Australia”
“That’s why we will be campaigning for … a yes vote on September 14,” he said.
Queensland Local Government Association President Margaret de Wit also voiced her support for the change.
“I call on all Queenslanders to stand up for their local communities by voting Yes in this referendum,” Cr de Wit said.
“That way they can achieve certainty for the assets they use every day and protect nationally funded local programs.
“People want to know that direct funding from Canberra – for programs and services that bring countless benefits, and help build functional, livable communities – is beyond legal challenge.”
Mayor Kratzmann was also quick to lend his voice to the “Yes” case.
“I think this is the best thing that’s come out of the Prime Minister’s mouth in years,” he said today.
“I congratulate the LGAQ for their continual lobbying to bring this issue in front of the Australian people.”
He said he would be very surprised if the State Government didn’t share this view.
“Our Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government all come from a local government background,” he said.
