Queensland’s June 13 election result certainly attracted national and international coverage. With confirmation from Independent, Peter Wellington, that he will support Labor in regard to Supply Bills and Confidence Motions, Queensland again faces three years of minority Government.
As with the former Borbidge Government, Peter Beattie’s Government will have to negotiate much of its legislation through Parliament. However, Premier Beattie has stated that he intends to govern for all Queenslanders and as though Labor has a 10 seat majority.
In reaching an agreement with Peter Wellington, the Premier has pledged to introduce a number of changes designed to bring about more accountable and open government. This includes staging up to 15 Community Cabinet Meetings in regional locations around the State.
Indicating a desire for a more participatory style of Government through closer community contact, in each of the major regions, the Cabinet and senior public servants will spend a full day discussing specific concerns with individual citizens and community groups.
Queensland’s Minister for Local Government, Planning, Regional and Rural Communities is Terry Mackenroth. He sees Local Government as a key player in these regional Cabinet meetings.
As Minister for Local Government and Planning in the Goss Government, Terry Mackenroth was responsible for the introduction in 1993 of the new Local Government Act.
“This Act provides more autonomy for Councils than anywhere else in the nation,” the Minister said. “It took away much of the scope for State interference, enabling Councils to make decisions and then stand by them through being answerable to the community which elected them.”
He said that the Government will continue to let Councils get on with the job but, at the same time, will assist Local Government as it works through changes, such as the requirements of National Competition Policy and the new Planning Act introduced earlier this year.
“Local Government has indicated a strong support for regional planing,” the Minister continued. “Starting off with SEQ 2001, there are now nine Regional Plans in place. We will continue to work closely with Local Government, with no further amalgamations unless this is requested by Councils themselves.”
In Rob Borbidge’s Shadow Cabinet, Howard Hobbs, Member for Warrego, is Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning.
