The City of Busselton President, Cr Wes Hartley has welcomed the outcomes of an historic Local Government Summit, held in Melbourne from 8^th-11^th December, which examined improving Australia's constitution for future generations.

Cr Hartley said the initiative was an important one, as it was the first occasion in Australia's history in which Councils and their communities had been invited to be involved in the design of changes to the Constitution.  "I want to see the importance of communities given a greater emphasis in the future governance of Australia", the Shire President said.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had requested local government to develop a blueprint for constitutional reform at the inaugural meeting of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on 18^th November in Canberra.  Local Government responded at the Summit by developing a model for constitutional change which does the following:

1. Proposes a new power be added to the constitution to expressly empower the Australian Government to fund local councils; and
2. Proposes that the existence of local government be reflected in the Constitution and provides for the right of people to democratically elect their local council.

The model was the culmination of a three day summit attended by 570 Council representatives from all states and territories.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Summit, the newly-elected President of Australian Local Government Association, Cr Geoff Lake said, "Today local government has developed a plan for the Australian Government and the Australian people to drag Australian federalism into the 21^st Century".

"This is fundamentally about modernising Australian federalism so government functions better and unnecessary bureaucracy is removed so services are delivered more efficiently and effectively to people.  Inserting a financial power for the Australian Government to directly fund local councils reflects the growing links between the two levels of government and will strengthen the opportunity to provide local infrastructure and services which meet the expectations of local communities.  This is all about strengthening accountability between local communities and their councils."

Leading constitutional law expert, Professor George Williams from the University of New South Wales welcomed the plan finalised by Australian local government.  "This plan provides for sensible and practical reform of the Australian Constitution to better reflect the status of modern government in this country.  This is a great opportunity to modernise the constitution so Australian federalism works better."

The Shire President said that ideally, the Council will facilitate community input as the process was developed with the Australian Government.  "This opportunity is a welcome change to past approaches where the ‘answers' have been determined centrally", Cr Hartley said.

Media enquiries can be directed to the City of Busselton's Public Relations Officer, Helena Webb on 97810446 or helena.webb@busselton.wa.gov.au