4Principles

4 Principles (1) The underlying principles of this Act are as follows: (a) local government is a distinct and essential sphere of government; (b) the system of local government: (i) needs to be flexible and adaptable to the diverse interests and needs of the many communities within the Territory; and

Local Government Act 2019 2 (ii) needs to be comprehensive, democratic, responsive to community needs and accountable both to local communities and the public generally. (2) Anyone exercising a power or performing a function under this Act must, as far as practicable, uphold the principles. (3) However, the principles do not affect the operation of any law in force in the Territory.