Local government needs stronger powers

Those who are increasingly aware about the dysfunctional nature of Australian federalism (there are many including the Business Council of Australia [Report 10/06] and Kevin Rudd) still refer to some new kind of federation in which the blockages of the present one are removed.

They are either frightened of a complete revamp of the structure of government or think that it is politically unachievable.

Yet, this is precisely what needs to be considered.

At the very least, we should be able to put all the options on the table.

Several groups and individuals have written about far more substantial alternatives and it is high time that these ideas are put before the public.

Federal government is often a transitional phase for a nation, even though it can last over a 100 years.

Hanging on to it in some way or other will remain costly and dysfunctional piecemeal tinkering.

There are plenty of two-tier alternatives.

Does it make sense for the Central Coast to remain subservient to Sydney?

Sydney would be better off with a City Government and the Central Coast needs stronger local government powers as delegated by a National Government.

Two-tier Government should replace federation.

Klaas Woldring Pearl Beach