Grave concerns on ‘Early Intervention Bill’
As a newly elected Councilor for the Shire of Murray in New South Wales I have grave concerns regarding a recent document emanating from the office of the NSW Division of Local Government.
The document relates to a proposed Bill to be tabled in State Parliament in the near future, with the intent of providing power to the Minister for Local Government to dismiss a council without notice.
Having served six months of a four-year term I am totally incensed that such a document could be released without first seeking comment from those elected by the people.
It concerns me greatly that, if the Bill is passed, councils are operating at the whim of the Minister, who could dismiss them at any time.
What needs to be understood is that a council’s first responsibility is to seek outcomes for our ratepayers and to act in a proper manner. I am concerned that any effort to question how that responsibility is carried out or to ‘rock the boat’, so to speak, will be fraught with the possibility of immediate dismissal. How democratic is that?
Recently I received an email from the Lord Mayor of Sydney in which she commented on the ramifications of providing such power to a Minister. I gained the strong impression that we are in danger of being controlled by the State Government and not retain the independence for which we strive.
As a case in point, I have noted over recent years the delegation of responsibilities to councils and I maintain that the proposed NSW Fire Services Levy will, in the end, be the responsibility of councils, not the State Government. It is not unreasonable to infer that governments are steadily placing greater responsibility on councils in a number of areas.
I urge all fellow councillors to vent their displeasure at this proposed Bill to their State Members of Parliament and relevant member associations.
The issue must be deferred until such time as both councillors and the relevant associations have been consulted and have had time to comment.
By all means remove corrupt councillors/administrators if the case against them is proven but at least provide them with the knowledge of their rights.
Sincerely,
Councillor Gavin Burke
Shire of Murray, NSW
