An independent inquiry into the financial sustainability of local government in South Australia has been commissioned by the Local Government Association of SA.

The Inquiry was officially announced on 9 February 2005.

The Inquiry formally commenced on Monday, 14 February.

The Financial Sustainability Review Board (Independent Review Board) appointed to conduct the Inquiry comprises:

• Mr Bill Cossey (Chair)

• Ms Juliet Brown

• Mr Wayne Jackson

The Inquiry was established pursuant to a resolution of the LGA State Executive Committee and mindful of a motion being debated in the SA House of Assembly calling on the LGA to:

(a) consider the desirability or otherwise of changing the number of metropolitan Councils and their configuration, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the status quo;

(b) make recommendations as to how Councils can be more efficient and effective in the delivery of services both as individual Councils and through cooperative endeavours; and

(c) make recommendations about how changes, including to rates, can be implemented in accordance with equity principles; and consider ways to ameliorate upward pressure on rates and other charges.

Recommendations arising from the Inquiry are to be considered by the LGA. The LGA anticipates that the Inquiry report will also foster public (community) debate, and that the Local Government Forum established under the auspices of the relevant State Government Minister will take a direct interest in the outcome of the Inquiry.

While the LGA is funding the Inquiry, the Inquiry is being conducted independently of the LGA and its member Councils. Submissions to the Inquiry from the LGA, any of its member Councils, the Government of SA or other interested stakeholders are being assessed in the same way as any other submissions put forward.

Click here to access the LGA SA's media release announcing the Inquiry.