The Queensland Government has announced significant reforms aimed at empowering local councils and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. At the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference, the Crisafulli Government revealed plans to introduce the Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill to Parliament later this year. This initiative addresses long-standing calls from councils for a more supportive legislative framework.
The reforms are part of a broader commitment by the Crisafulli Government to rebuild relationships between state and local authorities. For many years, councils have advocated for these changes, which were largely ignored by the previous Labor Government. The new legislation aims to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary red tape that has hindered local government operations.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy emphasized that these reforms will provide councils with the necessary tools to serve their communities effectively. “We are delivering a fresh start and empowering local governments to deliver for Queensland communities,” she stated. According to Minister Leahy, the previous administration neglected the needs of local councils, treating them as secondary entities. The new bill represents a reversal of that approach, positioning local governments as essential partners in implementing state initiatives.
Key Features of the Reforms
The Empowering Councils Bill proposes amendments to several key legislative acts, including the Local Government Act 2009, the City of Brisbane Act 2010, the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, and others. These changes are designed to create a more effective governance structure for local councils, allowing them to operate with greater independence and efficiency.
In addition to the Empowering Councils Bill, the Crisafulli Government has signed an Accord with Indigenous Leaders, advancing the Equal Partners Agreement. This Accord aims to foster collaboration between local governments and Indigenous communities, addressing critical issues such as water supply, sewerage, infrastructure, and job creation. The initiative aligns with the Rural and Remote Councils Compact and reflects the government’s commitment to practical outcomes for all Queenslanders.
A Vision for Collaborative Governance
Minister Leahy highlighted the importance of collaboration among elected officials to achieve positive results. “Queenslanders rightly overwhelmingly rejected the Voice to Parliament while at the same time called for greater practical outcomes to be delivered in Indigenous communities, which is exactly what the Accord does,” she noted. This statement underscores the government’s focus on tangible results rather than abstract proposals.
As the Crisafulli Government moves forward with these reforms, it aims to establish a new era of cooperation between state and local authorities. The proposed changes are expected to enhance the ability of councils to respond to the needs of their constituents, ultimately benefiting communities across Queensland. The introduction of the Empowering Councils Bill marks a crucial step in realizing this vision, reinforcing the government’s commitment to empowering local governance.
