The Queensland government has signed a new Equal Partners in Government Agreement at Parliament House, reaffirming its commitment to working closely with local government.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith and LGAQ and Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Mayor Matt Burnett formally signed the agreement, which is the first step in rebuilding the relationship between the state and local government.
The Equal Partners in Government Agreement was first signed in 2012 by the Queensland government, then Minister for Local Government David Crisafulli and the LGAQ.
This new agreement empowers councils to improve their livability and strengthen local economies.
Premier Crisafulli said that the agreement was another example of how the government was resetting the relationship with local government to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders.
“We are delivering a fresh start and empowering local governments to deliver for their communities,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We promised this would be a government that worked with, not against councils, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with this partnership.
“This is about less red tape and more support for Councils to deliver what’s needed on the ground in communities across Queensland.”
Minister Leahy said that she was proud to put forward the Equal Partners in Government Agreement, which signified the mutual respect between state and local government.
“The Queensland government is committed to ensuring local government operates in a fit-for-purpose framework, and in a relationship of mutual respect, delivering the best outcomes for the people of Queensland,” Minister Leahy said.
“I’m particularly proud to be a signatory to this agreement because the state government recognises the valuable contribution that local governments make to our communities and we are focused on giving real help to our Local Government partners.”
Mayor Burnett welcomed the new agreement which he said further cemented the excellent working relationship the state had garnered with councils since coming to office in October.
“Partnerships only work when they are truly equal. And we know that when the state and local governments work together, that’s when we really achieve for local communities right across Queensland,” Mayor Burnett said.
“This agreement heralds the start of a new era of working together to drive this State forward.”
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the Equal Partners in Government Agreement formalised an election commitment made by Premier Crisafulli and Minister Leahy to Queensland’s councils to prioritise the relationship with local government.
“The importance of the partnership between the state and Queensland councils has never been more important than during the natural disasters that have impacted North Queensland and South East Queensland in recent weeks,” Ms Smith said.
“With 15 MPs with local government experience who bring solid knowledge of the sector to their work with councils in the state government, we look forward to continuing to work in good faith and in equal partnership over the term ahead.”
