New Local Govt Act will lead to streamlined council operations

13/12/95

Major changes to the way local councils operate are set to come into force next year following passage of the new Local Government Act through the Legislative Council in the early hours of this morning.

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei said the new Act was the first major revamp of local government legislation this century.

It would have far-reaching effects with stringent new accountability measures, greater capacity for people to scrutinise council activities and some limited additional powers for councils to make local laws and provide services and facilities for the community.

The changes range from a new 'first-past-the-post' voting system and limits on councillor numbers to four-year terms for councillors and elections every two years, rather than annually.

Once the Bill is enacted next year, councils will have to prepare annual reports, to be available to the public, as well as four-year strategic plans.

Some other reforms include:  a tightening of rules relating to pecuniary interests, a requirement that councillors and senior staff disclose their financial interests in an official register, new penalties of up to $10,000 or two years' gaol, provision to suspend councils while serious allegations are investigated, provision to pay councillor sitting fees, changes to voter eligibility and provision for rates to be paid in instalments.

Mr Omodei said the Bill attracted over 50 hours of debate in Parliament.  It would be necessary early next year to amend over 200 separate pieces of legislation affected by the new Local Government Act before it was due to come into effect on July 1.

Media contact:  Amanda O'Brien 222 9595 or 366 0200