The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to a strong partnership with local government was confirmed today at the signing of the 2019 Partners in Government Agreement with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ).
Joining Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe for the signing, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement again formalised the roles and responsibilities of the State and local government so Queensland continued to be a great place to live, work and play.
“We know that when State and local governments work in partnership, we can achieve great things for the people of Queensland,” the Premier said.
“This agreement continues to recognise the critical role of Queensland’s 77 local governments, delivering services and driving growth and opportunity across our State.
“By identifying the roles and responsibilities of each party, it provides a solid foundation for effective negotiation and engagement between both levels of government for the year ahead.”
The Agreement includes the Advancing Queensland Priorities, which are designed to produce six positive community outcomes.
- Create jobs in a strong economy
- Give all our children a great start
- Keep Queenslanders healthy
- Keep communities safe
- Protect the Great Barrier Reef
- Be a responsive Government.
The signing of this new agreement by the Premier, Mr Hinchliffe, Local Government Association of Queensland President Mark Jamieson and LGAQ Chief Executive Greg Hallam confirms both parties’ commitment to working together to ensure Queensland councils are well placed to lead their communities.
Mr Hinchliffe said this was the second Partners in Government Agreement the Palaszczuk Government had signed and it built on the significant relationship between the two tiers of government.
“This is a very important step in the lead-up to the March 2020 local government elections, reinforcing the significant role that councillors and mayors play in their communities,” he said.
“While the role of a councillor is challenging, it is also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to their communities.
“This agreement reinforces the importance of councils in our communities and the need for the State to support this role.
“l look forward to a continued positive and productive partnership during the life of this three-year agreement.”
Mr Jamieson said the Partners in Government Agreement contained important principles for ensuring the relationship between local councils and the State Government was strong, productive and for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
“The LGAQ is committed to working with the Queensland Government and will continue to be a passionate advocate for councils, to serve our joint jurisdiction for the people of Queensland,” he said.
