Basil Fitch was a prominent and highly active figure in Tasmanian local governance, serving as a long-term alderman for the City of Launceston and standing as a passionate advocate for systemic council reform. He passed away in July 2022 at the age of 85
Key Governance Roles & Contributions
- Launceston City Council: Fitch served for many years as an alderman, directly shaping municipal decisions, infrastructure developments, and local policies.
- Local Government Advocacy: He frequently engaged in formal processes, making formal submissions to parliamentary bodies like the Tasmanian Electoral Commission regarding local administration and electoral rules.
- Reform Campaigns: Even after his formal tenure, Fitch actively campaigned for a radical overhaul of Tasmanian local government, pushing for structural adjustments to how local councils operate.
Active Public Voice
Fitch remained highly visible in Tasmanian civic life by routinely utilizing public comment periods at City of Launceston council meetings. Well into his later years, he formally questioned the council on major local topics, including:
- The University of Tasmania (UTAS): He frequently raised sharp inquiries regarding UTAS staff movements, business plans, and its highly debated inner-city move to Inveresk.
- Financial Transparency: Fitch consistently sought public accountability regarding council facility running costs, annual budgets, and municipal fire service levies.
- City Operations: He frequently pressed for answers on regional traffic management, local development zones, and the operational structure of council committees.
If you are researching a specific aspect of his work, please let me know if you would like info on his specific reform proposals, his electoral history, or his parliamentary submissions.
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Fitch has radical plan for councils
By Patrick Billings ...Updated August 4 2012 - 9:17am, first published August 3 2012 - 7:57pm
FORMER politician Basil Fitch is calling for a radical overhaul of the way Tasmania does local government.
The former long-serving alderman - who held positions on St Leonards and Launceston City councils through a period of amalgamation - has called for a stripped down model of civic governance.
Launceston aldermen Rob Soward has also joined the chorus putting forward his own savings plan based on mergers.
The two views are in contrast to those of academic Brian Dollery who put the kybosh on mergers in a report handed down last month.
Mr Fitch's proposal is the most radical of the three.
He wants council elections to be shelved and the 29 councils to be merged into three - North, North West and South.
Each would have eight ward representatives serving over an umbrella of community boards.
Once again he has called for an ``age test'' that would see councillors aged just 35 years on average in order to weed out what he sees as elderly elected members topping up their retirement savings.
He also wants to see the level of predicted savings to be deducted from rates charges in advance.
Before amalgamation, Mr Fitch wants councils to pay of their debt to avoid burdening incoming ratepayers whose councils were not in debt.
``Why should residents in West Tamar be lumped with Launceston's debt?'' he said.
In a different approach, Alderman Soward has put forward a plan designed to save $1.4 million in wages alone based on a merger of Launceston, West Tamar, Meander Valley and the Northern Midlands councils.
Alderman Soward said that a great deal more savings would be made once economies of scale were factored in and duplication removed.
Professor Dollery argues that changing the number of councils would only ``scratch the surface'' of problems facing local government and real reform would involve a new funding arrangement.
By Patrick Billings ...Updated August 4 2012 - 9:17am, first published August 3 2012 - 7:57pm
FORMER politician Basil Fitch is calling for a radical overhaul of the way Tasmania does local government.
The former long-serving alderman - who held positions on St Leonards and Launceston City councils through a period of amalgamation - has called for a stripped down model of civic governance.
Launceston aldermen Rob Soward has also joined the chorus putting forward his own savings plan based on mergers.
The two views are in contrast to those of academic Brian Dollery who put the kybosh on mergers in a report handed down last month.
Mr Fitch's proposal is the most radical of the three.
He wants council elections to be shelved and the 29 councils to be merged into three - North, North West and South.
Each would have eight ward representatives serving over an umbrella of community boards.
Once again he has called for an ``age test'' that would see councillors aged just 35 years on average in order to weed out what he sees as elderly elected members topping up their retirement savings.
He also wants to see the level of predicted savings to be deducted from rates charges in advance.
Before amalgamation, Mr Fitch wants councils to pay of their debt to avoid burdening incoming ratepayers whose councils were not in debt.
``Why should residents in West Tamar be lumped with Launceston's debt?'' he said.
In a different approach, Alderman Soward has put forward a plan designed to save $1.4 million in wages alone based on a merger of Launceston, West Tamar, Meander Valley and the Northern Midlands councils.
Alderman Soward said that a great deal more savings would be made once economies of scale were factored in and duplication removed.
Professor Dollery argues that changing the number of councils would only ``scratch the surface'' of problems facing local government and real reform would involve a new funding arrangement.
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Former City of Launceston alderman Basil Fitch passes away aged 85
By Alison Foletta ... Published July 25 2022 - 3:00pm
Mr Fitch held positions on St Leonards and Launceston City councils during amalgamation in the 1980s and he maintained an interest in local government in the following decades. In 2018, he put his hand up to be Launceston mayor.
Mr Fitch was elected to the Launceston City Council in 1985, having served previously on the former St Leonards Council. He was re-elected in 1986 and 1989, stepping away from the council in 1992.
Launceston deputy mayor Danny Gibson said Mr Fitch was a great servant to his community.
"Mr Fitch was passionate about Launceston and dedicated to defending the interests of his community," Cr Gibson said.
"He kept an eye out for how council decisions might impact the elderly and those less well off in Northern Tasmania; if he felt he could make a positive difference in these areas he sought to do so.
"Even in his later years, Mr Fitch routinely brought matters to the council's attention, asking questions in public question time, advocating on various issues, and dropping off newspaper articles of interest to councillors.
"Mr Fitch was a dedicated and engaged member of the Launceston community, and his determination will be missed.
"The staff and elected representatives of the City of Launceston extend their deepest sympathies to [his wife] Janice and Mr Fitch's extended family and friends."
Former Launceston mayor and now Labor Bass MHA Janie Finlay said Mr Fitch "was a character".
"He was a passionate and persistent man," she said.
"He was so beautifully old school. If you had him in your corner, you always knew he'd never let up."
Ms Finlay highlighted his devotion to Launceston.
"He loved this city so much and was determined to always see things done right."
Mr Fitch was active about his community, with his Facebook page, Basil Fitch Journal, posting just a week before his passing. In his 'about section' was Mr Fitch's strong beliefs in good governance and the power of people. "Irrespective of our political persuasion we have to speak up and work to bring back transparency, good governance, openness, honesty so that all elected reps abide by their codes of conduct," his page said.
Mr Fitch would also be a frequent writer to The Examiner, probing action into council and issues in the community in his letters to the editor. In his mayoral debate statement, he advocated for people to "use their vote, to use their voice".
Former City of Launceston alderman Basil Fitch passes away aged 85
By Alison Foletta ... Published July 25 2022 - 3:00pm
The 2018 City of Launceston mayoral debate. Picture: File
Long-serving City of Launceston alderman Basil Fitch died on July 17, aged 85.Mr Fitch held positions on St Leonards and Launceston City councils during amalgamation in the 1980s and he maintained an interest in local government in the following decades. In 2018, he put his hand up to be Launceston mayor.
Mr Fitch was elected to the Launceston City Council in 1985, having served previously on the former St Leonards Council. He was re-elected in 1986 and 1989, stepping away from the council in 1992.
Launceston deputy mayor Danny Gibson said Mr Fitch was a great servant to his community.
"Mr Fitch was passionate about Launceston and dedicated to defending the interests of his community," Cr Gibson said.
"He kept an eye out for how council decisions might impact the elderly and those less well off in Northern Tasmania; if he felt he could make a positive difference in these areas he sought to do so.
"Even in his later years, Mr Fitch routinely brought matters to the council's attention, asking questions in public question time, advocating on various issues, and dropping off newspaper articles of interest to councillors.
Archived photo of Mr Fitch as an alderman in 1985.
"Mr Fitch was a dedicated and engaged member of the Launceston community, and his determination will be missed.
"The staff and elected representatives of the City of Launceston extend their deepest sympathies to [his wife] Janice and Mr Fitch's extended family and friends."
Former Launceston mayor and now Labor Bass MHA Janie Finlay said Mr Fitch "was a character".
"He was a passionate and persistent man," she said.
"He was so beautifully old school. If you had him in your corner, you always knew he'd never let up."
Ms Finlay highlighted his devotion to Launceston.
"He loved this city so much and was determined to always see things done right."
Mr Fitch was active about his community, with his Facebook page, Basil Fitch Journal, posting just a week before his passing. In his 'about section' was Mr Fitch's strong beliefs in good governance and the power of people. "Irrespective of our political persuasion we have to speak up and work to bring back transparency, good governance, openness, honesty so that all elected reps abide by their codes of conduct," his page said.
Mr Fitch would also be a frequent writer to The Examiner, probing action into council and issues in the community in his letters to the editor. In his mayoral debate statement, he advocated for people to "use their vote, to use their voice".
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City of Launceston candidates continue to announce campaign plans By Tarlia Jordan August 20 2018 - 5:00am
The race to become the City of Launceston deputy mayor is well and truly underway, with another candidate announced.
Alderman Simon Wood announced his plans to run for the position on Sunday. Alderman Wood said his time on council had given him the added experience to further advocate for the community, in particular local retailers.
“I am focused on creating the right conditions for Launceston to become one of Australia's most liveable cities,” he said.
Alderman Hugh McKenzie also announced his plans to run for deputy mayor earlier this month. He said his strong leadership qualities and seven years experience as an alderman provided him with the skills to serve Launceston well.
“During my time I have listened and worked hard to further the reputation of this great city and am committed and ready to be part of a strong leadership team leading Launceston in to the future.”
The pair join Alderman Danny Gibson and former Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins, who have previously announced their plans to contend for the deputy mayor position.
Current deputy mayor Rob Soward said he expects to make an announcement about his plans in the next couple of weeks.
Launceston resident Basil Fitch also plans to run for mayor.
Mr Fitch said he has 12 years of local government experience.
He was a part of the St Leonards Council before its merger with City of Launceston Council.
Alderman Ted Sands, and alderman Emma Williams are also running for re-election.
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Saturday, November 21, 2015
MEDIA RELEASE: Citizens Petition
Under Section 57 Local Government Act a petition must carry at least 1,000 signatures from ratepayers and residents to be effective.
Today former Ald. Basil Fitch, warned "if LCC are allowed to give this land worth millions $$'s away, it will set an awful precedent for the future."
He also "urged all ratepayers and residents to consider the petition very carefully."
"All our assets should be sold, not given away, thereby reducing rates by the proceeds of sale" Basil Fitch said.
I’ll contact Mr Hodgman and I’m sure he will agree to make sure the money is immediately
I read in Sunday’s Examiner that Mr Fitch has a petition signed by 1500 objecting to UTAS been given free ratepayers land. So they should object, how dare you give our land
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For further information contact Basil Fitch – 03 6344 2686
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TO MR SULTAN AND MR ROCKEFELLER
No water for a doctor to scrub up, a 95 year old lady lying on the hospital floor, a lady
No water for a doctor to scrub up, a 95 year old lady lying on the hospital floor, a lady
suffered a miscarriage sitting in the emergency department waiting room.
Please Mr Sultan would you give back the FIVE MILLION DOLLARS that UTAS gave to you, Mr Rockefeller you return the 2.8 MILLION DOLLARS, UTAS gave you. After all gentlemen you
Please Mr Sultan would you give back the FIVE MILLION DOLLARS that UTAS gave to you, Mr Rockefeller you return the 2.8 MILLION DOLLARS, UTAS gave you. After all gentlemen you
are in procession of stolen money, worry not, I’ll keep that a secret. Give your mates at
the Mercury a call and they’ll do a big feature story on your generous donation to the RHH.
I’ll contact Mr Hodgman and I’m sure he will agree to make sure the money is immediately
sent to the RHH. And hopefully no one else will ever have to endure the indignities suffered
by those poor people.
I read in Sunday’s Examiner that Mr Fitch has a petition signed by 1500 objecting to UTAS been given free ratepayers land. So they should object, how dare you give our land
to those highbrow thieves.
You say it’s supported by the State Government, Property Council and Chamber of Commerce, all of whom say ‘how high when UTAS says jump’. And all big noting themselves with
taxpayers money. Prominent private developers like XXXX.be aware, very aware, given UTAS has a
penchant for banking rolling their developers mates with TAXPAYERS MONEY.
In Hobart they ran out of money to finish the Performing Arts Development, so Mr Hodgman
hands over another 15 million. They ran out of money as Mr Hodgman was well aware
because they gave it to Ali and Bobby.
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Spokesman for the Concerned Citizens Group, former Ald. Basil Fitch, said the launch of the petition against LCC's 'in principle' decision to give to UTas land known as 'Willis Street Car Park' and 'Old Velodrome' free, now gives Launceston's ratepayers and residents an opportunity to call a public meeting to fully discuss this matter.
Under Section 57 Local Government Act a petition must carry at least 1,000 signatures from ratepayers and residents to be effective.
Today former Ald. Basil Fitch, warned "if LCC are allowed to give this land worth millions $$'s away, it will set an awful precedent for the future."
He also "urged all ratepayers and residents to consider the petition very carefully."
"All our assets should be sold, not given away, thereby reducing rates by the proceeds of sale" Basil Fitch said.
For further information CLICK HERE
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