The Local Government Act 2002 (Greater Local Democracy) Amendment Bill has been voted down at its first reading.
The bill would have reinstated the requirement for a poll of affected electors in each district or region to ensure support for changes to the organisation of local authorities and restore the democratic right of constituents to participate in changes affecting them.
The Bill’s promoter Stuart Nash said the current requirement of a majority of voters across all areas was unfair as it meant small communities could be defeated by larger areas. He said it would be fairer if any council amalgamations had to be approved by a majority in each area involved.
National MP Scott Simpson argued the current arrangements were more democratic as it ensured the minority could not veto the majority.
The bill was defeated by 61 to 60 with National, ACT and United Future opposed.
MPs began the first reading debate of the Public Collections and Solicitations (Disclosure of Payment) Bill
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