LOCAL GOVERNMENT   GENERAL COMMENTS Australia's present system of local government has been in existence for over a hundred years and during that time it has proven to be robust and generally effective.  It has however also come under criticism for over regulation and in some cases cost overruns. GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) is committed to small efficient government that lets the people get on with their lives with minimum interference and cost. In line with this objective GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA) will examine the entire structure of government from the federal system down to determine where efficiencies and cost savings can be effected. In addition we will seek to reduce duplication between the various levels of government. FUNDING OF GOVERNMENT The whole issue of where government at all levels obtains its income and how that income is used to provide services is to be reviewed by GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA). This is a massive task that raises many issues of importance to the community that cannot be dealt with here. BRIEF OVERVIEW In Australia there are three levels of Government:                                                             a.  Federal or Commonwealth                                                             b.  State                                                             c.  Local Councils  (cities, towns, municipalities, shires and boroughs) Local government functions under acts of parliament passed by the state governments.  Local government is close to the people because it deals with rates, property, zoning, water, sewage, roads and a host of other day to day matters. Local councils also have the power to make laws limited to matters of local affairs and according to the acts under which they operate. Global Action (Australia) is interested in examining methods to speed, simplify and drastically reduce the costs of disputes between councils and ratepayers. Global Action (Australia) will examine and support applications by rate payers to halt the construction of, or remove, certain structures, businesses or organisations considered by a majority of those ratepayers to be incompatible with their suburban values, environment, or lifestyles. Example - brothels and religious or cult structures in suburban areas where the majority of  the ratepayers object. NOTE#  Payment of local councillors is an issue that will be addressed by GLOBAL ACTION (AUSTRALIA). Also see:  BILL OF RIGHTS     JUSTICE   LAW AND ORDER JOIN GLOBAL ACTION DONATE NOW TO GLOBAL ACTION GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK  issues@globalactint.com GO BACK TO POLICIES CONTACT US    |   MEDIA    |    ABOUT US    |     MERCHANDISE   |     EXECUTIVE   |     JOIN  |   VOLUNTEER    |    DONATE  |    HOME