National Constitutional Summit - December 2008

The achievement of formal recognition remains one of the most cherished goals of local government, so we can finally take a seat at the federalism table as an equal partner with the states and the Commonwealth. The recognition of local government in the Constitution has been central to debate at successive National General Assemblies of Local Government.

The push to achieve constitutional recognition of local government has been given new impetus with the election, last November, of a Labor Federal Government. The Australian Labor Party went into the election with a commitment to consult, during its first term, with local government on the process for achieving constitutional recognition. ALGA President Cr Paul Bell says that this time we have a chance to get it right. "We must all work together to ensure we get a successful result," he said. "I strongly believe we now have our best opportunity for a generation."

ALGA, in consultation with state and territory local government associations, is convening a National Constitutional Summit at the end of this year to bring together councils to discuss and reach agreement on a position to put to the Federal Government. Prior to that Summit, meetings will be held at state and territory level to consider the issues in detail.

Recognition in the Australian Constitution is one of the most important challenges facing local government today. Note the dates of the National Constitutional Summit in your diary now to ensure you don't miss out on this important event. Venue and registration details will be included in forthcoming.