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.