Local Government Policy
Revised October 2006
Principles
1. The Australian political system is top down with power often exercised far too remotely.
2. Local government is the closest sphere of government to the people and is in the best position to identify and respond to their needs.
3. A commitment to grassroots and participatory democracy means there must be a fundamental restructuring to devolve decision making to the most local sphere appropriate.
4. Local government is a crucial voice for local communities, particularly in rural and regional areas. It deserves real sovereignty and independence.
5. A far more constructive engagement between local government and other spheres of government is also required as is close cooperation and information sharing between all councils and shires.
6. Ecological sustainability and social justice are core principles in local government, along with the precautionary principle and intergenerational equity.
7. A culture of non-violence that delivers inclusive, non-aggressive decision-making is also fundamental to local government.
8. The representation of Indigenous Australians, women and all other marginalised people on councils and shires and in local government administrations must be increased to reflect the diversity of their communities.
Goals
The Greens NSW seek:
9. To promote the importance of heritage preservation, support quality sustainable development and oppose overdevelopment;
10. Constitutional review and reform delivering true political and financial autonomy for local government;
11. Clear definition of the responsibilities of all spheres of government and appropriate financing for local government's responsibilities to bring an end to cost shifting;
12. Genuine consultation by other spheres of government on all new legislation and programs and their financial impact;
13. An end to forced amalgamations;
14. Electoral reform ensuring proportional representation and mandatory referendums for changes to how councils and shires are elected;
15. Open processes for council dismissals and strict limits on administrators;
16. Increased transparency and access for council and shire meetings;
17. Community consultation that engages and empowers citizens in local government decision-making;
18. Expanded cooperation between all councils and shires;
19. Greater commitment to planning from other spheres of government and increased planning autonomy for local government;
20. Deeper engagement with and support for local Aboriginal communities by local government;
21. Citizen focused and responsive local government that treats all equally;
22. A model employment environment in local government that deliver an exciting and vibrant place to work; and
23. Remuneration for councillors that is commensurate with the hours they work.
Detail
The Greens NSW will work towards:
Constitutional Recognition
24. Recognition of local government in the Australian and NSW Constitutions;
Cooperation and Financial Sustainability
25. A memorandum of understanding between NSW local and state government setting out responsibilities, appropriate financing and a commitment to cooperation and consultation;
26. An end to rate pegging;
Democratic Reform
27. A minimum of three councillors per ward;
28. Requiring a referendum in each of the council areas affected for any council amalgamations;
29. Open, public consideration of council boundary change proposals by the Local Government Boundaries Commission;
30. Requiring a referendum in each of the areas affected for any council boundary adjustment;
31. Requiring a referendum for any changes to the number of wards and any changes to ward boundaries other than minor changes due to population shifts;
32. Full public inquiries with public reports before any dismissal of councils;
33. Requiring elections to be held within 3 months of any dismissal;
Improved Meetings
34. Requiring all council and shire meetings, and the voting of councillors, to be recorded;
35. Enshrining the right of citizens to address council and shire meeting;
36. Establishing the right of citizens to address council and shire meetings;
37. Expansion of the reporting of meetings including consideration of media broadcasts;
Community Consultation
38. Improved mandatory requirements for community consultation on local government issues including development applications, rezonings, programs, budget prioritisation and the sale of public land;
39. The establishment of precinct committees to expand community involvement in local government decision making;
40. Establishing annual surveys of citizen satisfaction;
Indigenous Rights
41. Formal recognition by councils and shires of Aboriginal traditional land ownership and the importance of genuine reconciliation; and
42. The establishment by all councils and shires of local Aboriginal consultative committees.
