The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has renewed its push for the recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution following last week’s High Court decision over the Williams Case, which calls into question the Federal Government’s ability to provide direct funding.

 

“In our view, this decision indicates that funding currently provided to local government through programs such as Roads to Recovery is clearly open to constitutional challenge,” ALGA President Genia McCaffery said.

 

“The local government sector is calling on the Australian Government to confirm its commitment to holding a referendum by 2013 on the financial recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.”

 

“This is an urgent issue for local government.  We have been arguing for years that we need to be recognised in the Australian Constitution to ensure the continuation of direct federal funding through programs such as Roads to Recovery.