A STRONG FUTURE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN TASMANIA

NIC STREET MP, Minister for Local Government

The 2023-24 Tasmanian Budget has been carefully considered to prepare Tasmania for the future, and we recognise that a more robust and capable system of local government is vital to ensure councils are well equipped to serve their communities into the future.

Minister for Local Government, Nic Street, said the key piece of reform in the sector will continue to be the Future of Local Government Review, which is currently being undertaken by the independent Local Government Board.

The Board will make recommendations on the future role, functions and design of local government and the structural, legislative, financial reforms required to meet its objectives.

The Stage 2 Interim Report released last month outlines the substantial work the Board has done and sets the scene for how they will approach the development of the final package of reform options.

During Stage 3, the Board will continue to work closely with councils and communities to explore what the future shape of the local government sector could look like, to enhance service delivery and local representation for all Tasmanians.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government is committed to supporting our local government sector by strengthening council processes, and recently released a discussion paper on merit-based recruitment in councils,” Minister Street said.

“We are working hard to support elected members and to build a more positive culture in local government.

“We’ve introduced legislation to modernise the Local Government Code of Conduct Framework as well as releasing a discussion paper on serious councillor misconduct – and there’s plenty more work to be done.

“I am committed to working with our 29 Tasmanian councils, the Local Government Association of Tasmania and the Director of Local Government to continue to find ways in which we can provide support to the sector.”