Local Government Reform – Have YourSAy

The Marshall Liberal Government is calling on local communities and the public to put forward their ideas for key local government reform measures as it launches a YourSAy website today.

South Australians will be invited to have their say on key reforms including;

• Stronger council member capacity and better conduct;
• Lower costs and enhanced financial accountability;
• Efficient and transparent local government representation; and,
• Simpler regulation.

The Marshall Government is undertaking a review of local government legislation that South Australian councils operate under wants the community’s ideas for reform.

“Through this process Marshall Government wants to cut red tape, lower costs and help improve service delivery for South Australian ratepayers,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.

“Councils play an important part in delivering for our local communities and that’s why it’s crucial we have community input throughout the reform process.

“South Australians are being invited to share their ideas about ways in which they think councils can work better.

“These ideas will contribute towards discussions papers that will be released in the middle of the year.

“Earlier this year we also held a round table with the local government sector and are currently awaiting their feedback about the changes that would like to see within their own sector.

“These are important steps in the State Government’s thorough consultation process ahead of developing, drafting and introducing proposed legislative reforms to State Parliament later this year.

“We want to work closely with the local community, local government sector and other key stakeholders throughout this process.

“To their credit, the local government sector is very aware that there is a lot of room for improvement and I’m looking forward to reviewing their submissions about ways in which we can slash red tape, cut costs where possible and improve service delivery for ratepayers.”

The public will be able to submit their ideas for local government reform until Friday 26 April 2019.