Query:IULA
Date: 2 November 1988
Page: 1803
Senator CHILDS-I ask the Minister for Local Government: What is the International Union of Local Authorities and what is Australia's relationship with this organisation?
Senator REYNOLDS-The International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) is holding its twenty-ninth congress in Australia next year. I am sure that the city of Perth is very pleased that it has been chosen as the site for this congress. Given the debate that has gone on in Australia over the past six months, particularly about the role and responsibilities of local government, I think it is most appropriate that the congress is being held in Australia next year. The Office of Local Government is a member of the International Union of Local Authorities.
This worldwide representative organisation of local government was founded in 1913 and is based in The Hague. Perhaps the longevity of the organisation indicates quite clearly just how long local government has played a very important role in communities throughout the world, and indeed here in Australia.
During the recent referendum debate many people were suggesting that local government, with its responsibilities, was somehow a new, challenging and radical proposition. I think that the existence of this organisation indicates just how long local government has been important and how it is recognised in international forums. 'IULAs objectives are to strengthen the status and capacity of local government, which I am sure Opposition senators would agree with; to raise the standard of local administration; to encourage citizens to participate in community affairs; and to promote cooperation and consultation among councils and, I hope, in intergovernmental relations.
IULA has compiled a worldwide declaration of local self-government,
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That's strange, my copy was released on the 10th February 1987 after it was adopted at the 27th congress in September 1985
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