Local Government Representation Under Threat
Summary
A few weeks ago we sent an urgent call to action: the Legislative Council could vote on the Local Government Amendment (Targeted Reform) Bill 2026 within 24 hours. You responded, and we are so grateful.
Debate has continued longer than anticipated, which means the window is still open. We anticipate the Bill could be debated as early as 23 June. We have heard directly from Legislative Councillors that your emails are making an impact. Please keep them coming!
Here’s what’s at stake.
The Tasmanian Government want to remove 50 councillors statewide with the draft Bill to facilitate this never being released for public consultation. Disturbingly, the Bill also establishes new processes to remove even more Councillors without public consultation.
Tasmanians may have mixed views on reducing councillor numbers, but they should at least be given the opportunity to have their say.
Local Government is critically important as it is responsible for implementing our planning system which regulates use and development across our municipalities.
Local Government affects our everyday lives and is where communities have a say on developments, where elected Councillors are held accountable and where development decisions can be appealed.
We are calling on the Legislative Council to release the Bill for public consultation. If the Government will not commit to that, we are calling on the Legislative Council to vote the Bill down, or remove the contentious changes to councillor numbers entirely.
The vote could be as early as 23 June. Please take action now by emailing your Legislative Councillors below.
STEP 2 – Copy email subject heading:
The community has a right to be consulted on removing 50+ seats from Local Government
STEP 3 – Send suggested email text:
Please courteously personalise your email. Personalising your message creates a powerful impact with Parliamentarians.
The Tasmanian Government want to remove 50 councillors statewide with the draft Bill to facilitate this never being released for public consultation. Disturbingly, the Bill also establishes new processes to remove even more Councillors without public consultation.
Communities and councils have a right to a say on local representation.
We are calling on the Legislative Council to release the Bill for public consultation. If the Government will not commit to that, we are calling on the Legislative Council to vote the Bill down, or remove the contentious changes to councillor numbers entirely.
Sincerely,
Your name
STEP 4 – Share!
This is our chance to be heard before the vote. Please share immediately and thank you, truly, for your support.
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