Correspondence Agenda - Ordinary Council Meeting - 9 July 2013

Our ref:
WR13/7040
20 June 2013
Councillor Bill Lowis
Mayor
Burdekin Shire Council
PO Box 974
AYR QLD 4807
Dear Councillor Lowis
I am writing to let you know why the Queensland Government cannot support the Federal
Government’s proposal for Constitutional Recognition of Local Government, as it is presently
proposed.
The Queensland Government has made it clear to the Federal Government that the wording
chosen for the constitutional amendment must not allow the Commonwealth to take
decision-making power from local communities. Further, we have stressed that the amendment
must not undermine the role of the State Government.
Advice received by the Queensland Government confirms that the wording proposed by the
Commonwealth could lead to the Federal Government conditioning funding on policy
outcomes that are inconsistent with the views of the State Government, or indeed local
communities. On this basis, the Premier and I have written to Federal Minister Albanese with
suggested changes to the wording that would achieve the goal of direct Commonwealth
funding to local government, without shifting the balance of power from local communities to
Canberra (see attached).
While the Queensland Government continues to support the principle of local government
constitutional recognition, it will not accept a power grab by Canberra.
Without any amendment to the question proposed by the Federal Government, the Queensland
Government will be forced to advocate for a ‘no’ vote in the referendum. It is not in the interest
of any Queenslander to allow Canberra to have more direct control over our local communities.
I hope this clarifies the State Government’s position on this important matter.
Yours sincerely
David Crisafulli
Minister for Local Government,
Community Recovery & Resilience