ALL TOGETHER

Replace State and Local Governments with Regional Governments Model created in 2001 by Bob Buick

CHANGING FROM THREE TIERS TO TWO FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE Retain national government without change. To CREATE regional governments replacing state and local Regional governments to be included in new constitution.

Buick Model Outline This model is based on F ederal Electoral Divisions, thereby retaining the organisation and structure of the national government. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) will need to change and/or create new divisions with the removal of state boundaries. Once boundaries are finalized these will not be subject to change based on the population drift as is the situation in The AECs creation of electoral divisions using criteria used for the House of Representatives to determine all regions. A regions elected members being two House Members and one Senator.

How? Capital Cities & Metro and Rural areas are well established and population trends can be forecast. It is anticipated that the AEC will have no difficulty in creating regional areas based on the two electoral division system proposed here. There will be special needs when considering Capital Cities and The Outback. Some considerations will include airports and harbours for cities and centres of adminstration due to distances in The Outback. The OUTBACK see slide. Federal agencies offices within regions will be allocated according to needs, airport/harbours with customs, primary industries DPI and other etc.

Funding etc Funding could be based on GST agreements similar to that already in place with special consideration to The Outback and some regions bordering The Outback. Suggested portfolio responsibility National – all communications including road with a specified usage volumes, education, health & hospitals, law enforcement that is criminal, family and of a national interest. Regional – an expansion of present responsibilities to be determined and created when deciding that which is of not being in the national interest. Responsibilities divided according to National and Regional responsibilities with minimum of duplication. Our present system is well worn and frayed badly at the edges. For this nation to move forward in this millennium changes are needed. The best time for a change is linked with the coming of a republic.

Conclusion Government cooperation: This is a short presentation to generate interest and discussion. It is designed to minimise national government disruption but regions must have agency representation and Federal Politicians offices incorporated near Regional government with close liaison between both governments. Constitution Changes: There will be changes to The Constitution irrespective what model is eventually adopted. A primary consideration is to include portfolio and responsibilities for the National and Regional Government Responsibilities be defined and included. Any change to Constitution requires Referendum. This model includes The Outback – Region, this is the area Beyond the Black Stump. The major consideration is the area and population within the region known as the OUTBACK and unlike the other regions Federal Government must have additional responsibilities. The author believes that this does not create any negative considerations.

Bob Buick