Power to the people: Aussies expect more from their local leaders
About two-thirds of Australians believe local governments should have more power than they currently do, according to a from 天美传媒 National University (ANU).
The national survey of 1,350 people also found that 86 per cent of respondents believe local government should actively shape local identity and culture.
Associate Professor Mark Chou, from the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy, said the survey highlights that Aussies expect their local council to reflect their interests and values, while also providing an increasingly diverse range of social services and initiatives.
鈥淭he survey found the vast majority of Australians believe local government should play a more active role in a range of community issues,鈥 Associate Professor Chou said.
鈥淎ussies now expect their local leaders to deliver more than just the basic services of roads, rates, and rubbish, also known as the Three Rs.
鈥淪ixty-six per cent of Australians think local councils should have more power than they currently do to be able to deliver on critical services that benefit the community.鈥
The survey asked participants to rank the types of local government services and initiatives they value the most. Respondents were asked what community issues are 鈥渆xtremely or very important to them鈥 or 鈥渘ot important at all鈥.
鈥淪ixty-one per cent of people believe local governments should be focusing more time and resources to address climate change,鈥 Associate Professor Chou said.
鈥淛ust over half, 52 per cent, of respondents believe reconciliation and Indigenous issues are extremely or very important issues for local councils to address.
鈥淢eantime, only 45 per cent of Aussies think local governments should be doing more to offer support to refugees.
鈥淭he survey also found one-in-five Aussies, or 20 per cent, think LGBTQIA plus support and advocacy is not an important issue for local councils to focus on.鈥
The survey is published in two separate papers and can be viewed online at and .