Local government Tasmania: Review complete but won’t be available to the public

Tasmania’s 29 councils have been long awaiting the findings of a review into the local government sector. Now it’s complete, but they’ll have to wait a month to learn the recommendations.

Minister Nic Street with Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The long awaited final report on the review into Tasmania’s local government sector has been handed down, but it will be weeks until the public is able to see the recommendations.

It’s been nearly two years since the review was announced to look at the role of local government and how councils can improve the way they operate.

During the review, an independent board consulted with councillors, council workers and other stakeholders about potential changes.

Local Government Minister Nic Street received the final report on Tuesday, but it will be weeks before members of the public will see it.

“I will take some time to read the report and discuss it with my cabinet colleagues, before releasing it for community and council feedback in late November,” Mr Street said.

“It will be open for comment until the end of February so everyone can have their say on the recommendations.

“Each council will be invited to review the final report and make a submission so their unique wants and needs are given the recognition they deserve.”

Labor’s local government spokesman Luke Edmunds said it should be released sooner.

“There is no reason for Local Government Minister Nic Street to take a month to sit on the latest report on the Future of Local Government,” he said.

Luke Edmunds MLC at Parliament Lawn. Picture: Chris Kidd

“Tasmanians paid $3m for this report, we deserve to see it.

“In the interests of transparency Street should release the report today. This report will be made public anyway so there’s no need for delay.”

The Local Government Review Board has previously released possible new boundaries as part of an interim report, but regardless of the findings, there could be no changes resulting from the recommendations.

Mr Street earlier this year promised there will be no forced amalgamations for Tasmania’s 29 councils, a position, he says, has not changed.

“Any group of councils that see boundary changes in their best interests will be encouraged to progress their plan with the Government, and then ensure it has community support to proceed. There will be no changes unless both the council and community want them,” he said.