Local government inquiry underway

A Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services is now underway, with hearings set to be held in the coming weeks.

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; and
• Whether there are alternative models of funding to consider.

The inquiry was instigated by The Nationals in response to concerns from many local government areas.

The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the inquiry was important to ensuring councils could effectively and clearly operate across the state.

“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.”

Ms Cleeland also encouraged interested locals to put their hand up for upcoming council elections, set to take place in October.

“This is a great opportunity to have genuine, community-focused people in positions that allow them to represent their region,” Ms Cleeland said.

“A clean slate is just what some of our councils need, and I encourage any would-be councillors to put their hand up for the role.

“I know our community is filled with people that can make a real difference at a local government level and put the needs of the local region as their number one priority.”

For more information on the inquiry, visit the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee’s webpage: Inquiry into Local Government funding and services

You can also register to receive email updates for the inquiry on the committee’s website.