The nation’s Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in support of the proposed changes to the Constitution to recognise local government.

The vote passed with 134 to 2, and reflects a strong endorsement of the bid to recognise the nation’s local government community, according to Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese.

“The passage of the legislation is the culmination of work done by the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government, led by the Hon James Spigelman AC, QC and the Parliamentary Joint Select Committee and follows strong advocacy by local governments across Australia,” Mr Albanese said.

“It is a small but important change that reflects the fact that the Commonwealth has partnered with local governments to deliver local roads, sporting fields, libraries, child care and community services.”

The amendment would add 17 words to our almost 12,000-word long Constitution and alter Section 96 to read:

96  Financial assistance to States and local government bodies

During a period of ten years after the establishment of the Commonwealth and thereafter until the Parliament otherwise provides, the Parliament may grant financial assistance to any State, or to any local government body formed by a law of a State, on such terms and conditions as the Parliament thinks fit.