Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I know the local government areas within New England are also very supportive of local government recognition. I know of the work the member for New England has done in this place and I do acknowledge that. I also acknowledge the work that Senator Joyce has done as shadow minister for local government. He also said it is very important that we note that within the coalition there will be a no case mounted—we heard that from the member for Tangney—but it is crucial that we get this through.

Local governments have spent money to push the case for the yes vote. That expenditure needs to be recognised in the context of the need to get people to vote in favour of this proposal. It is going to be a tough ask. Federal Labor has not allowed enough time to mount a good, educational campaign sufficient to get this across the line. We know that the success rate of referenda is not high, but may I again emphasise to the people of Australia—certainly those who rely on good, grassroots representation—that there ought to be constitutional recognition of local government.

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