Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Mayor Rosemary Craddock, President of the Local Government Association of South Australia.
In recent weeks I have been keen to raise on the agenda the role of the Senate and the resolution of key issues through funding packages to particular States.
I believe this scenario has the potential to see a fundamental shift in the Senate from a house of review based on party lines to a more American style of Senate in which members are increasingly breaking party ranks to deliver for their State. The alternative is to have more independents and minor parties who are seen as able to deliver for their State of origin.
Deals struck by independents, Brian Harradine for Tasmania and Mal Colston for Queensland, over the sale of Telstra raise some serious equity considerations. I am increasingly hearing people in South Australia and other States ask what their Senators are doing for their State or Territory.
The Senate was meant to be a States’ house but it looks more like a party dominated appendage to the House of Representatives. If it continues people will become more attracted to independents who are willing to speak out and vote in the interest of their State.
I am particularly annoyed at the entrenching of unfair sharing between States of untied grants to Local Government as a result of the Howard/Lees GST deal.
It means we are supporting an iniquitous system in which more needy communities are denied a fair access to funds and therefore must pay more or miss out on more and better roads, libraries, jobs, infrastructure, development, environmental protection and community services.
Additional funding in relation to telecommunications infrastructure in regional areas will be welcomed, but the question about equity in distribution of the funding will become an increasing issue
On this issue I am pleased that the roll out of public access to the internet in country South Australian libraries has begun in July following a $1.5 million grant from the Commonwealth and significant support from PLAIN Central Services and the South Australia Regional Development Association.
Other grants to the LGA have resulted in 10 communities gaining local call access to the internet and preparations for establishment of a video conferencing network in regional South Australia in collaboration with the State Government.
