The Government’s response to the Future of Local Government Review

In 2022, the Tasmanian Government commissioned an independent Local Government Board to undertake a wholesale review into the role, function, and design of local government in Tasmania – the Future of Local Government Review. The objective of the Review was to create a more robust and capable system of local government, for the benefit of all Tasmanians.

The Board provided its Final Report to the Minister for Local Government in October 2023, which included 37 recommendations for reform. The Government undertook public consultation on the Final Report from November 2023 to the end of February 2024.

The Government has now confirmed its support – either in full, in part, or in principle – to all but one of the recommendations of the Final Report. The Government’s detailed response to each recommendation, including indicative timeframes for delivery, can be found below.

Tasmanian Government’s response to the Future of Local Government Review Final Recommendations.

In response to the broader Future of Local Government Review reform package, the Government has also released its Local Government Priority Reform Program 2024-26.

The Program includes a commitment to implement FoLGR recommendations that the Government considers to be of the highest priority, and additional initiatives informed by consultation with the sector to respond to several pressing priority issues.

The Reform Program is built around five priorities:

• Priority 1 - Lifting standards of professionalism, conduct, and integrity
• Priority 2 - Driving a high-performing, transparent, and accountable sector
• Priority 3 - Improving local democracy and representation
• Priority 4 - Supporting council financial sustainability
• Priority 5 - Facilitating council and community-led structural reform.

The Government has committed to implementing the Reform Program ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Facilitating council and community-led amalgamations.

In response to the Final Report, several councils have approached the Government expressing interest in exploring the benefits of voluntary structural reform for their communities. As part of the Priority Reform Program, the Government has committed to support interested councils to scope, develop, and refine detailed proposals for structural reform studies.

The Government has released a Fact Sheet - Supporting Local Government Voluntary Structural Reform – Principles and Process which provides more information and guidance on its approach to potential voluntary council amalgamations.