About FoLGR

The Future of Local Government Review has been commissioned by the Tasmanian Government to ensure our system of local government is robust, capable, and ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The Review is an ambitious, generational opportunity to explore the role, function, and design of local government in Tasmania.

The Minister for Local Government and Planning, the Hon Roger Jaensch MP, has appointed five members to the Local Government Board established under the Local Government Act 1993, which also includes the Director of Local Government, to undertake the Review. The Board is chaired by the Hon Sue Smith AM.

The Future of Local Government Review commenced on 20 January 2022 and will take approximately 18 months to complete.

You can view the Terms of Reference for the Review. This website is regularly updated with the information on how the Review is being undertaken, including the community engagement and research program.

FAQ

What does this Review mean for me?

We each have a stake in ensuring local government in Tasmania is as good as it can be, and that it is prepared for the challenges and opportunities to come.

Whether we realise it or not, every one of us uses local government services every day—relying on council waste and recycling collection; footpaths; roads; and parks, recreational infrastructure, and other kinds of public space in our cities and towns. Councils manage large environmental reserves; run community facilities and services; and regulate some land use, health, and environmental matters. Councils are a local voice for their communities, and advocate on their behalf to other tiers of government.

How can I have my voice heard?

All Tasmanians will have an opportunity to have their voice heard in the Review, and your input is valued.

The Stage 1 engagement program concluded on 27 May 2022. However, there will be more opportunities to get involved and have your say as the Review progresses.

Our Local Events page will be updated as more events are announced.

What will the process be?

The Review will proceed in three stages:

January 2022 – June 2022

Stage 1 focusses on wide community engagement and research to understand what Tasmanians expect from local government and the needs, challenges and opportunities councils will meet in the future.

Stage 01

July 2022 – December 2022

Stage 2 focusses on the identification and development of opportunities for reform, and the testing of these ideas through focussed engagement and further research and exploration.

Stage 02

January 2023 – June 2023

Stage 3 focusses on the evaluation of options and the delivery of practical recommendations to the Tasmanian Government, along with advice about the implementation of reforms and transition.

Stage 03

The Local Government Board will make its recommendations to the Minister for Local Government and Planning by 30 June 2023.

Who is conducting the Review?

The Review is led by the Local Government Board, comprised of leading Tasmanians appointed by the Minister for Local Government and Planning.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government Association of Tasmania and Local Government Professionals Australia (Tasmania) each makes a nomination to the Board. The Director of Local Government, from the Tasmanian State Service, is also a member of the Board under the Act.

The Board is the Hon Ms Sue Smith AM, Chair; Mr Ric Di Santi, Local Government Association of Tasmania nominee; Mr Paul West, Local Government Professionals Australia (Tasmania) nominee; the Hon Ms Pam Allan; Ms Kym Goodes; and Mr Mathew Healey, Director of Local Government.

How does this Review relate to the Review of Tasmania’s Local Government Legislation Framework?

Following extensive consultation in 2018 and 2019, the Government released the Approved Reforms for the Local Government Legislative Framework Review in 2020.

The Tasmanian Government has confirmed that it stands by these reforms, however it has since initiated a comprehensive review into the Future of Local Government in Tasmania by the Local Government Board. A core objective of the Review is to make recommendations on the future role, function and design of local government in Tasmania.

The Government will not introduce a new legislative framework for local government until there is a clear reform pathway arising out of the Future of Local Government Review.

The intention is that, at the conclusion of the Future of Local Government Review, a new comprehensive and consolidated legislative framework can be established to implement and align reform directions agreed through the Legislation Review, as well as any arising from the Future of Local Government Review.