paul mallett proposes that Tasmania explore a radical change in the number of local councils. Since 1993, Tasmania has 29 local councils (reduced from 43 councils prior to this reform).

paul proposes this could be reduced further to 9, while increasing democratic representation across the State.

paul proposes that the existing six city councils remain, with some minor variation in boundaries (to ensure a fair balance of electors in each council), while introducing “wards” or “districts” to ensure all corners of each city have a dedicated representative.

Additionally, paul proposes the remaining 23 regional councils amalgamate into three regional councils, one each for the north, the north-west and the south. Each of these regional councils would encircle the city or cities in their region, hence the term “doughnut”, and have “wards” or “districts” representing the previous local government areas.

Reducing the regional council numbers in this way, but maintaining a local representative for each “district” would ensure local issues were represented at that the council table. The remuneration for councillors representing “wards” would increase to reflect the “full time” role these positions would require. The infrastructure, and resource sharing between councils would continue and be enhanced with hub and spoke administration across the regions.