A call for local government representation on national cabinet
A push to include local government representation on national cabinet has been welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) today.
Councils across Victoria have been campaigning for several months now for a voice on the intergovernmental forum, saying it is unreasonable for local government to be excluded from the national decision-making process.
MAV President, Cr David Clark, said the MAV strongly supported the proposal. He stressed that the broader community is best-served when all three levels of government work collaboratively together.
“The decisions made at national cabinet are wide-ranging and far-reaching, and given that local government is the level of government closest to the community, it should have a say,” Cr Clark said.
“Each level of government has an important role to play in community well-being, and the vital role of Councils is never clearer than during times of emergency such as bushfires, drought and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is in the national interest to adopt a constructive approach and ensure the voice of local government is heard.”
Cr Clark’s comments came after the Federal Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, committed to ensuring local government has a seat on the national cabinet during a keynote address at today’s Australian Financial Review Business Summit.
“It just makes sense, especially as we move forward in the social and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic, to have a stronger level of engagement between Federal, State and Local Government,” Cr Clark said.
“Local Government is positioned to make an invaluable contribution, and we are pleased that the Opposition Leader has recognised this. We now hope that the Prime Minister will do the same.”
For further information, contact the MAV Communications Unit on (03) 9667 5590.