The new Minister for Local Government in Western Australia, David Templeman MLA, can be expected to make a smooth transition to the role.
The minister’s credentials as former Shadow Minister for the sector and Deputy Mayor of Mandurah auger well for a sympathetic ear and a collaborative approach to future State and Local Government relations.
Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) President Councillor Lynne Craigie said she was pleased to see David Templeman’s appointment and she looked forward to working closely with him across the sector’s portfolio.
“Minister Templeman has committed to establishing a quality relationship with the sector framed within an environment of mutual respect, honesty and trust including the establishment of a Partnership Agreement between the spheres of government.
“A Partnership Agreement will set an agenda for business between our two sectors and helps to establish time frames and processes for achieving common goals.
“The agreement is critical to establishing a joint approach to our shared responsibilities and is something we’ve been requesting since the previous agreement lapsed in 2006.”
Cr Craigie said Minister Templeman’s background meant he was familiar with the sector and the challenges it faced.
“Minister Templeman has spent a lot of time with our members and has been exposed to many of the issues and challenges we’re experiencing.
“I congratulate him on the appointment and am looking forward to working together across the many areas in which Local Government contributes to the amenity and wellbeing of local communities.”
Cr Craigie thanked both Tony Simpson and Paul Miles for their contributions to the sector during their time as Local Government Minister.
