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Mayors Message
In the lead up to the 2010 election, the Australian Government committed to holding two referendums; one referendum on the question of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian Constitution and the other referendum question on local government recognition. Both would be held by 2013. Both have merit and deserve our support.
Local Government Recognition
Put simply, local government is an essential part of Australia's system of government.
Blacktown City Council makes a significant contribution to the well-being of our community. This can be seen in the economic impact of infrastructure expenditure on building local roads, our network of stormwater and waste management, the wide range of sporting and recreational facilities, our support for the arts, libraries, community hubs/centres and child care services.
Council's Community Engagement Strategy gives every resident the opportunity to become involved in civic affairs, enhancing our democratic way of life. We facilitate grass roots democracy.
In order to carry out our local government responsibilities, Council relies on a range of funding sources, including our own revenue measures, as well as grants from the State and Federal government.
In 2009, a High Court decision, often referred to as the Pape case, put into serious doubt the Federal Government's ability to directly fund local government projects such as the Road to Recovery projects that are sign posted around the City. The Pape case threatens our future prosperity and quality of life in Blacktown City.
Our ability to work through a backlog of infrastructure projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars is now at risk due to the fact that local government is not mentioned at in Section 96 of our Australian constitution. Together at the 2013 referendum, we can fix the uncertainty that follows the High Court decision in the Pape Case.
It simply makes sense for local government to be included in our national Constitution, and Council strongly supports this initiative.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People - Recognition
In relation to the other 2013 referendum, I quote the words of one of the leaders of reconciliation, Professor Pat Dodson. He said that the need for reform to the Constitution is a matter of "justice, not special benefit," which will redress a history of exclusion.
On behalf of all Blacktown residents, particularly our 8,000 Aboriginal people, I seek your participation in the public consultation currently underway for the 2013 constitutional referendums. This website provides updates on these issues and how you can become involved.
I invite you to join our yes team in this important campaign for constitutional reform.
Councillor Alan Pendleton, Mayor of Blacktown City Tweet
