Saturday, 8 September, 2007

by Matt Cunningham
NT News

FEDERAL Labor leader Kevin Rudd has taken a swipe at the Territory Government's local council reforms and called for a plebiscite on the issue.

"Federal Labor is opposed to forced local government amalgamations anywhere in Australia, including the Territory," he said.

"We believe there are other ways other than forced amalgamations to achieve economic and financial efficiencies, including more effective working relationships between local governments."

Mr Rudd, who toured Darwin last week, said the people should be given a say if forced council amalgamations are to go ahead.

"Federal Labor believes all proposals for forced amalgamations should be tested through the democratic process of a local plebiscite," he said.

But Local Government Minister Elliot McAdam said the Territory Labor Government would not back away from its "vital reforms to strengthen councils".

"Better, more efficient councils mean low rates," he said.

"People deserve good, functional councils. They deserve better services. This is a Territory matter and we will sort it out with locals."

Mr Rudd also criticised the CLP for running a scare campaign on the issue ahead of the federal election.

Federal Member for Solomon Dave Tollner and Lingiari CLP candidate Adam Giles are featured in ads that attack Labor over a range of Territory Government issues including demerit points and the council reforms.

"Local democracy is important," Mr Rudd said.

"That's why Northern Territorians will welcome the opportunity to cast a vote in the upcoming federal election on the CLP's support for nuclear power plants and nuclear waste dumps in the NT."