The referendum designed to give Local Government financial certainty has been postponed. Evidently, the earliest the referendum could be held was September 14. .

Direct federal funding to local government has delivered safer roads, upgraded public amenities and better playgrounds and parks. However, it is at risk due to two court cases that found direct funding to be unconstitutional.

When the constitution was written federal funding for local government projects wasn’t mentioned, which means today billions of dollars in federal funding for community projects could technically be legally challenged.

The referendum, unlike many, looked likely to be passed as it had bipartisan support.

If you happen to be speaking with candidates for the upcoming election on 7th September, ask them what they intend to do about the referendum

Lake Macquarie Mayor Jodie Harrison said the way in which the constitution was worded meant it was crucial for the referendum to be passed.

“When our constitution was written 112 years ago, federal funding for local government projects wasn’t mentioned, which means today billions of dollars in federal funding for community projects could technically be legally challenged.”

A bill to hold the referendum cleared Parliament on June 24, with only seven Coalition senators voting against it.