Over the past three decades, all Australian State and Territory local government systems have experienced episodes of reform of varying degrees of intensity, often involving controversial programs of forced amalgamation. Perspectives on Australian Local Government Reform draws upon the insights and expertise of an extraordinary group of contributors, drawn from practitioners with extensive and exceptional 'hands-on' experience in local government, as well as scholars of Australian local government. The book seeks to blend the wisdom derived from long years as practitioners of local government with the insights flowing from scholarship.


This book comprises three main parts. The first part provides reflections on the aims of Australian local government reform. The second considers the process of the reforms, while the final part of the book contemplates the future of Australian local government.


There are twelve chapters each written by separate contributors who have distinguished themselves as policy makers, practitioners or scholars of local government in Australia. The methodological approach employed harnesses the perspectives of experts from all seven Australian local government jurisdictions in an effort to provide a holistic appreciation of the nature of local government reform in the Australian federation.


Perspectives on Australian Local Government Reform will be of special interest to those engaged in local government and those with an interest in the 'grassroots' sector, given the continuing discussion in Australian jurisdictions about the need for ongoing local government reform.