LGAT Submissions - Local government reforms

The Tasmanian Government has been consulting on multiple local government reforms over the past few months as part of the Local Government Priority Reform Program. We have provided feedback on these proposed reforms on behalf of the sector.

Targeted amendments to the Local Government Act 1993

The discussion paper outlined 11 proposed reforms to the Local Government Act. These included mandating council learning and development obligations, broadening performance improvement direction provisions, and improving the strategic planning and reporting frameworks.

While our sector is supportive of the broad direction of these reforms, we've requested that consultation continue as significant details remain unresolved. We've also recognised that many of the proposed reforms will place extra financial burdens on councils, which is challenging during a cost-of-living crisis. Therefore, we've asked that the Government prioritise and expedite the revenue-related reforms from the Future of Local Government Review.

Read our submission for a detailed response against each of the proposed reforms.

Remaking the local government regulations

These reforms proposed changes to the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations and the Local Government (General) Regulations. Some of the amendments included making it mandatory to audio record meetings, allowing elected representatives to attend meetings remotely, developing consistent procedures for meeting questions and motions, and updating councillor allowances.

In our submission, we have indicated sector support for most of the proposed reforms and have suggested amendments where necessary. Consultation with councils identified consistent negative feedback on the update to councillor allowances. Although the 3% increase for superannuation is welcomed, it doesn't reflect the current expectations or workload of elected representatives. Additionally, it fails to attract a diverse range of candidates for the 2026 local government elections. We've requested that the Government prioritise the commencement of an independent review into councillor numbers and allowances to ensure that there is an adequate allowance to attract and retain high-calibre elected representatives while limiting the costs to the community.

Local Government Electoral Bill Discussion Paper

The reforms to the Electoral Bill include changes to the election of the deputy mayor, the format of elections, strengthened donations disclosure and eligibility to run for office.

While many of the proposed reforms were supported, councils opposed changes to the direct election of the Deputy Mayor, as the current system works well and supports community democracy. Mandatory pre-nomination training was also not supported by councils, instead recommending that candidates be required to declare if they have reviewed an optional information package.

The discussion paper also presented two scenarios for the format of elections:

1. In-person voting with a weeklong polling period, or a polling day, including a pre-poll period.
2. A hybrid postal model with a four-week polling period and the increased ability to hand return ballots until the close of polls.

The overall view of the sector is that a hybrid approach is the best model at this time, however, further consideration needs to be given to the ballot return locations.

Read our submission for a detailed response against each of the proposed reforms.

We look forward to working with the Tasmanian Government as this important reform work continues.