2 March 2012
TCCI releases local government reform discussion paper
Statement by Mark Bowles – TCCI Chief Economist
IN a new discussion paper, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says reform of local government in Tasmania must reflect the needs of ratepayers and take account of the local context.
TCCI Chief Economist Mark Bowles said it was vital that well-conceived measures were undertaken, as history shows a poorly managed reform process is unlikely to deliver the anticipated gains.
Mr Bowles said over many years in Tasmania and nationally there had been a somewhat ad hoc expansion of local government from a ‘minimalist’ model providing property-based functions to a ‘maximalist’ model providing many more human services and ever-widening regulatory responsibilities.
“This has imposed a large financial imposition on local governments and ratepayers. Despite the greater complexity, no changes to the structure of local government have occurred in Tasmania since 1993, apart from the corporatisation of water and sewerage services in 2008.
“The starting point of this discussion paper is the acknowledgment that having well represented local communities of interest is vital.
“As well as considering the needs of local ratepayers, the design process must take into account contemporary best practice,” Mr Bowles said.
The TCCI has drawn on a number of recent reports and forums in developing the discussion paper and intends to consult widely with stakeholders in the formulation of its local government policy.
“This process will feed into a major financial modelling exercise that the TCCI has engaged independent advisory firm BDO to conduct. This model will be used to evaluate various reform options in a transparent and open manner”
“Strong local governments have the ability to enhance Tasmania as a place to live, work and invest,” Mr Bowles said.
The discussion paper can be access here: [The future of local government in Tasmania]
Comments are sought by Monday 19th March 2012.
For more information contact: Mark Bowles – 0418 967 377