Division Description Changes — Bills — Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading — 24th Jun 2013

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senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by mackay staff on 2014-11-07 15:08:36	Title Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Read a second time Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Agree with the bill's main idea Description The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16) to read the bill a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html). ~~This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.~~ ~~Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.~~ ~~_Background to the bill_~~ This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia). Previous attempts occurred in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29). Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128) apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means: - more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and - more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [here](http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm).) More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [here](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) in its bills digest. ~~References~~ The majority support the bill's main idea (in parliamentary jargon, they want to read it for a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html)). The main idea of the bill is to recognise [local governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_Australia) in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia) but it can't do this on its own. To amend the Constitution, there must be a successful [referendum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Referendums_in_Australia) (as required by [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128)). ###Rebellious Coalition senators Coalition senators were split on this question. Seven Liberal senators and three National Party senators voted 'yes' while six Liberal senators and 1 National Party senator voted 'no'. Liberal and National Party members are allowed to [rebel](https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/help/faq#rebel) (unlike Labor Party members), but it is increasingly uncommon. ###What does recognising local governments mean? Recognising local governments in the Constitution would mean that the federal government could directly fund local governments instead of having to fund them through state governments. For an academic discussion of the effects of recognition, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB). ###Background to the bill This is the third time that the federal government has tried to change the [Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia) to recognise [local governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_Australia). The first time was in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and the second time was in [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29). See the [bills digest](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) for more background information.
senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by system on 2014-10-07 16:20:55	Title Description ~~The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time].~~ ~~This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.~~ ~~Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.~~ ~~''Background to the bill''~~ This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988]. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means: * more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and * more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].) More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest. ~~References~~ The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16) to read the bill a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html). This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail. Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill. _Background to the bill_ This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia). Previous attempts occurred in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29). Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128) apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means: - more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and - more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [here](http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm).) More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [here](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) in its bills digest. References
senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by system on 2014-10-07 16:16:51	Title Description The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time]. This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail. Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill. ''Background to the bill'' This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988]. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.[1] Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means: * more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and ~~* more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')[2]~~ * more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].) More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest. References * [1] For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). * [2] Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].
senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by mackay staff on 2014-03-03 11:07:09	Title Bills - Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Read a second time Description The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time]. ~~<p>This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.</p>~~ This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail. <p>Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.</p> Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill. ~~<p><b>Background to Bill</b></p>~~ <p>This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states. </p> ''Background to the bill'' <p>Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.</p> This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988]. <p>An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives ~~">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.</p>~~ Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.[1] Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states. ~~<p>The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers. </p>~~ Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means: * more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and * more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')[2] More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest. References * [1] For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). * [2] Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here]. <p>More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>.
senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by Natasha Burrows on 2013-10-17 16:08:12	Title Description <p>This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.</p> <p>Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.</p> <p><b>Background to Bill</b></p> <p>This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states. </p> <p>Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.</p> <p>An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives ">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.</p> <p>The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers. </p> <p>More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>. ~~<b><p>Qualifiers</b></p>~~ <p>While this is a vote that mostly relates to parliamentary procedure, aye votes are listed as supporting constitutional recognition of local government because those who vote aye would support the passage of this piece of legislation more quickly.</p>
senate vote 2013-06-24#8 Edited by Natasha Burrows on 2013-10-17 16:06:10	Title ~~Bills — Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading~~ Bills - Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading Description ~~<p class="motion-notice motion-notice-notext">No motion text available</p>~~ <p>This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.</p> <p>Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.</p> <p><b>Background to Bill</b></p> <p>This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states. </p> <p>Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.</p> <p>An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives ">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.</p> <p>The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers. </p> <p>More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>. <b><p>Qualifiers</b></p> <p>While this is a vote that mostly relates to parliamentary procedure, aye votes are listed as supporting constitutional recognition of local government because those who vote aye would support the passage of this piece of legislation more quickly.</p>

Change

Division

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-11-07 15:08:36

Title

Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Read a second time
Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Agree with the bill's main idea

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16) to read the bill a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html).
~~This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.~~
~~Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.~~
~~_Background to the bill_~~
This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia). Previous attempts occurred in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29).
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128) apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means:
- more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and
- more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [here](http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm).)
More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [here](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) in its bills digest.
~~References~~
The majority support the bill's main idea (in parliamentary jargon, they want to read it for a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html)).
The main idea of the bill is to recognise [local governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_Australia) in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia) but it can't do this on its own. To amend the Constitution, there must be a successful [referendum](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Referendums_in_Australia) (as required by [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128)).
###Rebellious Coalition senators
Coalition senators were split on this question. Seven Liberal senators and three National Party senators voted 'yes' while six Liberal senators and 1 National Party senator voted 'no'.
Liberal and National Party members are allowed to [rebel](https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/help/faq#rebel) (unlike Labor Party members), but it is increasingly uncommon.
###What does recognising local governments mean?
Recognising local governments in the Constitution would mean that the federal government could directly fund local governments instead of having to fund them through state governments.
For an academic discussion of the effects of recognition, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB).
###Background to the bill
This is the third time that the federal government has tried to change the [Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia) to recognise [local governments](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_Australia). The first time was in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and the second time was in [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29).
See the [bills digest](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) for more background information.

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:20:55

Title

Description

~~The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time].~~
~~This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.~~
~~Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.~~
~~''Background to the bill''~~
This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988].
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means:
* more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and
* more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].)
More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest.
~~References~~
The majority voted in favour of a [motion](http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16) to read the bill a [second time](http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html).
This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.
Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.
_Background to the bill_
This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [Australian Constitution](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia). Previous attempts occurred in [1974](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29) and [1988](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29).
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [report](http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf) (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [Section 128](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128) apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means:
- more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and
- more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [here](http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm).)
More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [here](http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22) (775 KB) in its bills digest.
References

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by system

on 2014-10-07 16:16:51

Title

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time].
This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.
Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.
''Background to the bill''
This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988].
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.[1] Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.(For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB). ) Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means:
* more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and
~~* more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')[2]~~
* more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')(Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].)
More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest.
References
* [1] For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB).
* [2] Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by mackay staff

on 2014-03-03 11:07:09

Title

Bills - Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading
Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 - Second Reading - Read a second time

Description

The majority voted in favour of a [http://www.openaustralia.org/senate/?gid=2013-06-24.151.16 motion] to read the bill a [http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html second time].
~~This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.~~
This means that the majority support the main idea of the bill and will now discuss it in greater detail.
Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.
Coalition senators were split on the question of whether they supported this bill.
~~Background to Bill~~
This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states.
''Background to the bill''
Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.
This bill represents a third attempt to have local government recognised in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia Australian Constitution]. Previous attempts occurred in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1974_%28Local_Government_Bodies%29 1974] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_referendum,_1988_%28Local_Government%29 1988].
An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives
~~">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.~~
Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government.[1] Currently the Federal Government can only fund local governments through the states.
~~The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers. ~~
Because this bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Section_128_of_the_Australian_Constitution#Section_128 Section 128] apply. These conditions include that the bill must pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. To be successful, there must be a double majority, which means:
* more than half of voters in Australia must vote 'Yes'; and
* more than half of voters in more than half the States must vote 'Yes' (in other words, a majority of voters in at least four of the six States must vote 'Yes')[2]
More information about this Bill and the context surrounding it can be found [http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22 here] (775 KB) in its bills digest.
References
* [1] For an academic discussion of what it means to recognise local government in the Constitution and the background of this latest attempt to do so, see Professor Anne Twomey's [http://sydney.edu.au/law/cru/documents/2013/CRU_Report_3_%20Local_Government.pdf report] (906 KB).
* [2] Read more about what a double majority is [http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm here].
More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>.

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by Natasha Burrows

on 2013-10-17 16:08:12

Title

Description

This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.
Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.
Background to Bill
This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states.
Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.
An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives
">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.
The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers.
More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>.
~~Qualifiers~~
While this is a vote that mostly relates to parliamentary procedure, aye votes are listed as supporting constitutional recognition of local government because those who vote aye would support the passage of this piece of legislation more quickly.

senate vote 2013-06-24#8

Edited by Natasha Burrows

on 2013-10-17 16:06:10

Title

~~Bills — Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading~~
Bills - Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013; Second Reading

Description

~~<p class="motion-notice motion-notice-notext">No motion text available~~
This is a vote on the <a href="http://www.peo.gov.au/students/fact_sheets/making_law.html">second reading</a> of this Bill in the Senate.
Someone who votes aye in this division supports the main idea of the legislation. The majority voted aye the so the Bill will progress to the Third Reading stage in the Senate.
Background to Bill
This is the third attempt to have local government recognised in the <a href="http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/~/media/AC79BBA0B87A4906A6D71ACCEEF10535.ashx">Australian Constitution</a>. Pervious attempts occurred in 1974 and 1988. Recognition of local government in the Constitution would mean that the Commonwealth can directly fund local government. Currently the Federal Government can only fund local Government vis-à-vis the states. </p>
Because this Bill requires altering the Constitution, conditions under <a href="http://www.aec.gov.au/elections/referendums/Referendums_Overview.htm">Section 128</a> apply. This includes that the Bill must pass both Houses of Parliament and then be submitted to voters in the states and territories in the form of a referendum. The majority of both voters in the states must support this legislation and voters in Federal Parliament in order for a constitutional change to be successful.
An <a href="http://www.localgovrecognition.gov.au/">Expert Panel</a> to explore the issue of constitutional recognition of local government released it's <a href="http://localgovrecognition.gov.au/sites/localgovrecognition.gov.au/files/ExpertPanel-FinalReport.pdf ">final report</a> on 22 December 2011. On 9 May 2013 <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Julia_Gillard&mpc=Lalor&house=representatives">Prime Minister Gillard</a> announced that the referendum would take place on 14 September 2013, the same day as the proposed federal election. However when <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Kevin_Rudd&mpc=Griffith&house=representatives">Prime Minister Rudd</a> came to power the federal election date was moved to 7 September. As such, the referendum for the recognition of local government is was <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-05/election-date-puts-local-government-constitutional-recognition/4865116">put on hold</a>. It is not yet known if or when the <a href="http://publicwhip-test.openaustraliafoundation.org.au/mp.php?mpn=Tony_Abbott&mpc=Warringah&house=representatives
">Abbott</a> Government will hold a referendum on local government.
The State governments generally support constitutional recognition of local government in principal, but express concern that this will come at the expense of state powers.
More information about this Bill and the context surround it can be found <a href="http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/legislation/billsdgs/2531622/upload_binary/2531622.pdf;fileType=application%2Fpdf#search=%22r5071%22">here</a>.
Qualifiers
While this is a vote that mostly relates to parliamentary procedure, aye votes are listed as supporting constitutional recognition of local government because those who vote aye would support the passage of this piece of legislation more quickly.