By NIKKI TODD
TWEED Shire Mayor Barry Longland will be strongly urging residents to `vote yes’ at the upcoming referendum.
The referendum, timed to coincide with the 14 September federal poll, seeks to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution.
It has bipartisan backing, with both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition leader Tony Abbott supporting the yes case.
Councillor Longland, who was in Canberra this week for the National General Assembly, the annual meeting of mayors from across Australia, said he would advocate strongly in support of the `yes’ vote.
“I am strongly recommending a yes vote in the referendum,’’ Cr Longland said.
“The constitution has got to catch up with reality in respect of local government.
“There are three tiers of government and it is very encouraging to hear that both sides of politics here in Canberra are supportive of a yes vote.’’
The three-day National Assembly gives local government leaders an opportunity to lobby their federal colleagues about issues of importance to them.
The referendum, which will be held across Australia, has been timed to coincide with the September poll to save money but is still expected to cost taxpayers up to $55 million.
It was recommended by a parliamentary committee following two landmark decisions in the High Court in recent years which cast significant doubt over the Federal Government’s right to directly fund local government.
