In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Tom Pyne, retiring president of LGAQ and Mayor of Cairns.
I had the distinction of presiding over the 103rd Annual Conference of the Local Government Association of Queensland in September – my last as its President.
When I came to this job, following the resignation of my dear friend and colleague, the late Jim Pennell, I held no illusions about the demanding task that lay ahead, having been his sidekick for so many years.
It has been a privilege to lead the LGAQ during this triennium of grass roots governance in this state. I would however, love to get hold of the Chinaman who, in a sophisticated curse centuries ago, said “May you live in interesting times.” “It’s been bloody interesting all right, pardon the French!
One of the striking things about Local Government in Queensland is the unity of purpose between all Councils, but we have lost considerable ground at the Federal level over the past four years. That is not a political statement, it is a matter of fact.
Local Government must aspire to the same presence and standing in Canberra as do the farmers, doctors and environmental lobbies. After all, Councils across this country manage hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure on behalf of their communities, not to forget the 14 billion dollars they spend nationally every year. This is a debate which has only just begun.
I well recall that 20 years ago, a person did not say if they were a member of the executive, so poor was the standing of our organisation among Councils. Today, things have changed and 98.5% of all CEOs, Mayors, Councillors and Council employees rate the performance of the LGAQ as ‘good to excellent’ in terms of its overall performance.
I have found that, almost without exception over the past 40 years, Councillors across the State are the salt of the earth. They are decent, honest, caring and hardworking community representatives. Queenslanders can feel proud of their Mayors and Councillors, who are a positive force for good in this State.
To the motley crew at Local Government house in Newstead, my heartfelt thanks. They are truly wonderful and dedicated employees who serve Local Government well and often bleed for the cause.
