Kempsey Shire Council has supported the call for local government to be represented on the newly formed National Cabinet as a key partner in driving economic recovery.
At the September meeting, Council voted unanimously to support the move by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) to seek membership of the Cabinet, reflecting their similar position on the Council Of Australian Governments (COAG).
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, said the changing focus of the National Cabinet made it important to include local government in this key governance body.
“The focus of the National Cabinet at the outset of the COVID crisis was primarily on the health and wellbeing of Australians and managing the health response, and its membership was decided on that basis,” said Cr Campbell.
“National Cabinet has since broadened its agenda to include a focus on managing coronavirus impacts across Australia, with a focus on economic growth. Local Governments are willing and necessary partners in developing and implementing reform.”
“Getting it right on the ground is Local Government’s area of strength.”
The President of ALGA had been a member of COAG since it was convened by Prime Minister Paul Keating in 1992.
Local Government was included because all parties recognised that Australia has three levels of government.
“The challenge facing National Cabinet over the coming months is unlike any which has faced Australian governments in recent times,” said Cr Campbell.
“It will require the concerted, coordinated and complementary efforts of all three levels of government to rebuild consumer confidence, support business and recreate millions of jobs.””
“Councils are skilled at driving locally-led recovery. Local government supports economic growth through regional development policies and initiatives, strategic and land use planning, targeted investment attraction, prioritisation of local procurement, and focusing their annual investment on infrastructure that serves the community and business alike.
“Australians expect their three levels of government to be working together, and to see evidence of that.”
