❓ Hon Ray Halligan asks about the Minister's stance on local government amalgamations, following a statement by her predecessor. Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich confirms the government opposes forced amalgamations, contrasting this with the perceived Liberal Party agenda.
AnsweredQoN 1119Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
The minister’s predecessor, Hon Tom Stephens, said he would not call for the amalgamation of local government councils. Can the minister tell the House her philosophy on the amalgamation of local government authorities? Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for the question. The policy has not changed from the previous minister to the current minister. The Government has been clear on that policy. I have met many local government authorities, and very divergent views are expressed regarding amalgamations. I note with interest that the Liberal Party candidate for Collie, I think, has put on the record that it is the intention of the Liberal Party to amalgamate the 144 councils down to 70 councils. Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. The policy has not changed from the previous minister to the current minister. The Government has been clear on that policy. I have met many local government authorities, and very divergent views are expressed regarding amalgamations. I note with interest that the Liberal Party candidate for Collie, I think, has put on the record that it is the intention of the Liberal Party to amalgamate the 144 councils down to 70 councils. Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
I thank the honourable member for the question. The policy has not changed from the previous minister to the current minister. The Government has been clear on that policy. I have met many local government authorities, and very divergent views are expressed regarding amalgamations. I note with interest that the Liberal Party candidate for Collie, I think, has put on the record that it is the intention of the Liberal Party to amalgamate the 144 councils down to 70 councils. Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: I thank the honourable member for the question. The policy has not changed from the previous minister to the current minister. The Government has been clear on that policy. I have met many local government authorities, and very divergent views are expressed regarding amalgamations. I note with interest that the Liberal Party candidate for Collie, I think, has put on the record that it is the intention of the Liberal Party to amalgamate the 144 councils down to 70 councils. Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
I thank the honourable member for the question. The policy has not changed from the previous minister to the current minister. The Government has been clear on that policy. I have met many local government authorities, and very divergent views are expressed regarding amalgamations. I note with interest that the Liberal Party candidate for Collie, I think, has put on the record that it is the intention of the Liberal Party to amalgamate the 144 councils down to 70 councils. Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Several members interjected. The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
The PRESIDENT: Order, members! Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: That is the hidden agenda of the Liberal Party. I ask Hon Ray Halligan which councils will be amalgamated if that is the position the Liberal Party will take to the polls. Which ones will be amalgamated, who will lose jobs and which chief executive officers will not be able to front for work? I need members opposite to come clean on their agenda of forced amalgamations of local government authorities. I can tell members opposite that people are waiting with bated breath for members of the Liberal Party to come clean on this policy. My position and the position of this Government is very clear: we will not force amalgamations. There are very divergent views in the community about the amalgamation of local government authorities, and those divergent views depend upon whether people are with strong and big councils with ample resources, or with smaller councils that may not have sufficient resources and see larger councils as a possible threat to their future. Issues certainly arise in terms of resourcing and rating ability in some local government authorities; in particular I refer to local government authorities in the wheatbelt region, some of which have an income of only about $1 million. Therefore, it is difficult for them to employ the right people with the right skill sets to achieve their policy objectives. The Government has said there will be no forced amalgamations and that it encourages regional cooperation and resource sharing between councils. To my way of thinking, that is a very pragmatic and sensible approach to this issue. My Department of Local Government and Regional Development - The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
The PRESIDENT: I trust that the minister is bringing her answer to a conclusion. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH: I am, Mr President. In fact, we have said to local government authorities that if they want to move into a non-forced amalgamation and a model of resource sharing, we will assist them in that process.
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