Local government service delivery to remote Indigenous communities: Review of service delivery models and approaches in various jurisdictions

Local government service delivery to remote Indigenous communities: Review of service delivery models and approaches in various jurisdictions Report

• Author(s): Michael Limerick, Robyn Morris, Melissa Sutton
• Published: 2012
• Publisher: Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government, University of Technology Sydney

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Abstract: This report presents the findings of the first phase of an investigation into models for the funding and delivery of local government services in remote Indigenous communities in Australia. The study was undertaken by the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Local Government (WADLG). This research reviewed and analysed models and approaches in various jurisdictions across Australia and elsewhere to identify key principles and success factors underpinning leading practices and innovative solutions to current challenges in service delivery. A case study approach was used employing a combination of desktop research and telephone interviews with selected policymakers and practitioners. This was complemented by a review of current academic and policy literature on remote service delivery. Six case studies were chosen for in-depth investigation based on their potential to yield valuable information that could be used to design future funding and service delivery models. A set of guiding principles critical to the design of any model for funding and delivering local government services to remote Indigenous communities was formulated from a synthesis of the case study learnings and literature review. The principles highlight the importance of: benchmarking service delivery against mainstream standards; balancing the costs and benefits of regionalised and community-based delivery models; avoiding undermining Indigenous community governance; innovating to achieve better place-based coordination of the many stakeholders; meeting the challenges of sustainable resourcing; and enhancing local employment and economic development outcomes for Indigenous communities. These research findings provide an evidence base that can benefit practitioners, policymakers and researchers alike. The information and analysis will not only inform jurisdictions involved in the process of transitioning the responsibility for municipal service delivery in remote Indigenous communities from the Commonwealth to local governments, but also provides helpful insights for those jurisdictions focussing on improving local government service delivery in remote Indigenous communities.

• Urls: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258839612_Local_Government_Service_Delivery_to_Remote_Indigenous_Communities_Review_of_Service_Delivery_Models_and_Approaches_in_Various_Jurisdictions
• Publisher Location: Sydney