A Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services has kicked off this week, with residents and local councils encouraged to make submissions.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said potential cost-shifting issues ranged from waste collection to school crossing attendants, and the repair of regional roads.
The Committee will investigate local government funding and service delivery in Victoria, including:
- Cost shifting from state and federal governments to local council;
- Ability of local governments to meet core service delivery objectives
- Local government’s revenue structure, as well as whether these structures are sustainable and appropriate; and
- Whether there are alternative models of funding to consider.
The inquiry was instigated by the Liberals and Nationals in response to concerns from many local government areas.
“The Euroa electorate that I represent covers over 11,000 km², and there are six local councils in the region,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I have met with councils across the region, and between state and local government it’s not always clear who pays for what, and how much each should pay.
“We’ve seen this with the ongoing concerns over school crossing supervisors, the state of our roads, and several other areas that directly impact our communities and those who live within them.
“This inquiry will provide an important opportunity to examine what is working well and what can be done better.
“I encourage both local councils and residents to make submissions to the inquiry.”
Submissions are due by June 28, 2024 and can be made via the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s webpage: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/localgovernmentfunding/submissions .
You can also register to receive email updates for the inquiry on the committee’s website.
