Objectives

Stage 1 objectives 

The objective of stage 1 of the review was to:

• modernise local government; and
• better position local government to deliver services to the community. 

The following principles underpinned stage one of the review:

• transparency: providing easy access to meaningful, timely, and accurate information about local governments; 
• participatory: strengthening local democracy through increased community engagement; 
• accountability: holding local governments accountable by strengthening integrity and good governance; 
• efficiency: providing a framework for local governments to be more efficient by removing impediments to good practice; 
• modernising: embracing contemporary models for governance and public sector management; 
• enabling: local governments will be empowered to deliver for communities as autonomous bodies with powers and responsibilities specified in legislation. 

The topics considered during stage one of the review included:

• Administrative efficiencies
• CEO recruitment and performance review
• Code of conduct (standards of behaviour)
• Gifts
• Public notice
• Universal training
  

Stage 2 objectives

Three new key objectives were identified for stage 2 of the review:

Agile

The new Act will seek to empower local governments to be ‘Agile’ - allowing local governments to best use their resources to adapt to changing conditions.

It is important that local governments can strike a balance between community expectations, external pressures and the practical limitations of revenue and expenditure.

Smart

The new Act will seek to enable local governments to be ‘Smart’ - allowing local governments to better meet the needs and expectations of their communities through being transparent and accountable.

Inclusive

The new Act will seek to support local governments to be ‘Inclusive’ - ensuring local governments represent and involve their communities in decision-making.

As the tier of government closest to the community, there is an expectation that local governments represent the whole community, recognise diversity within their district and are responsive to community needs.