Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing has today encouraged local residents to have their say on the Andrews Labor Government’s review of the Local Government Act 1989.

Ms Shing said the release of a discussion paper and launch of the consultation website, ‘Your Council, Your Community’, was the first stage in the review process.

Ms Shing said the review was an opportunity for communities across Gippsland to reflect on the role of local government and shape the future of Victoria’s local councils.

The Act review will be far-reaching and comprehensive, examining issues from the role and functions of councillors and CEOs, to donation regulation and how complaints should be handled.

It is the first in-depth review of the Act since its inception, and responds to calls from the local government sector and the community for reform.

The review underscores the Labor Government’s local government agenda, which includes improvements to the integrity and capacity of local government, a modern productive relationship between councils and the Victorian Government, and the implementation of the Fair Go Rates system.

Input into the Local Government Act review is welcome until 18 December 2015.

For further information, or to have your say at the new Local Government Act Review website, please visit www.yourcouncilyourcommunity.vic.gov.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“The Local Government Act Review is an important opportunity for councils, the community and the Victorian Government to work together to decide what local government should be.”

“With over 90 amending acts resulting in hundreds of individual changes, the review is well overdue.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring strong, accountable and responsive local government, and an Act that reflects and responds to the needs of our state.”