A Bill introduced to Parliament today will provide greater clarity, detail and accountability for local government councils.

New provisions include:

• strengthening of local decision making;

• provision for councils and LGANT to better manage council governance issues;

• early support for councils experiencing financial administration difficulties;

• provision of registers of annual returns of interest, declared conflicts, gifts and benefits for council members and donations made to principal member candidates in elections;

• better definition of conflicts of interest; and

• requirement to include details of CEO salaries and remuneration in annual reports. 

Changes to the current Act will increase involvement from local authorities on budgets, service delivery, funding and cemeteries.

It provides measures to strengthen Local Decision Making by improving working relationships amongst councils, local authorities and communities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Gerry McCarthy:

“The new Act will work better for Territorians, councils and local authorities by supporting democracy, transparency and financial accountability within the local government sector.

“The Bill is based on good governance principles. Proposed changes mean there will be increased transparency on local government processes while communities will have more say in the plans and priorities of councils.

“This Bill has been extensively consulted over several years and I thank the Local Government Association of the NT, councils across the Territory and stakeholders for their constructive contribution.”

Media contact: Jasmin Afianos - 0419 361 127