❓ Hon Rod Caddies questions the Minister about increasing local government rates and whether the State Government is shifting cost responsibilities. The Minister acknowledges concerns and highlights state government support and local government financial management responsibilities.
AnsweredQoN 116Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Local government—Rates
116. Hon Rod Caddies to
the minister representing the Minister for
Local Government:
I refer to the
increase in local government rates for Western Australians.
(1) Has the minister been approached by
local governments expressing concern about their ability to fund the increasing
amount of services and processes they are expected to perform by the state government?
(2) If yes to (1), can the minister
address concerns that the state government is shifting its cost
responsibilities to local government, requiring local government authorities to
significantly increase rates?
116. Hon Rod Caddies to
the minister representing the Minister for
Local Government:
I refer to the
increase in local government rates for Western Australians.
(1) Has the minister been approached by
local governments expressing concern about their ability to fund the increasing
amount of services and processes they are expected to perform by the state government?
(2) If yes to (1), can the minister
address concerns that the state government is shifting its cost
responsibilities to local government, requiring local government authorities to
significantly increase rates?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. I am answering this question
on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, who is out of the chamber
on urgent parliamentary business. It is a rather lengthy answer, so I seek the
President's guidance as to whether I should read this in or maybe have it
incorporated into Hansard .
The President: I was nearly going to make a comment
about questions so open-ended that they elicit large responses. I think we can
indicate that you can give an answer and I might make a comment at the end
relating to the standing order.
Hon Samantha Rowe replied:
No problem. I thank
the honourable member for some notice of the question. I give the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Local Government.
(1)–(2) Local governments at times raise a
variety of matters relating to financial situations that affect their
municipality. For the awareness of the honourable member, local governments are
responsible for their own financial management, including long-term financial
planning and annual budgeting processes that guide rate setting. The state
government provides substantial support to local governments, including major
investments in emergency services, roads, community facilities and regional
programs. Recent examples include the $80.6 million emergency services
package, $250 million for the Regional Road Safety Program, and funding
for upgrades to sporting and community infrastructure. Local governments also
benefit from federal financial assistance grants. Of concern are local
governments that have poor financial management practices and are having
difficulties in providing basic infrastructure and services for the benefit of
their communities. Recent public examples include City of Nedlands and Shire of
Coolgardie. The Minister for Local Government reiterates that her door is
always open to local governments that want to pursue locally driven solutions
that achieve economies of scale with their neighbouring local governments.
The President: I have no further comment in relation
to the answer.
honourable member for some notice of the question. I am answering this question
on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, who is out of the chamber
on urgent parliamentary business. It is a rather lengthy answer, so I seek the
President's guidance as to whether I should read this in or maybe have it
incorporated into Hansard .
The President: I was nearly going to make a comment
about questions so open-ended that they elicit large responses. I think we can
indicate that you can give an answer and I might make a comment at the end
relating to the standing order.
Hon Samantha Rowe replied:
No problem. I thank
the honourable member for some notice of the question. I give the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Local Government.
(1)–(2) Local governments at times raise a
variety of matters relating to financial situations that affect their
municipality. For the awareness of the honourable member, local governments are
responsible for their own financial management, including long-term financial
planning and annual budgeting processes that guide rate setting. The state
government provides substantial support to local governments, including major
investments in emergency services, roads, community facilities and regional
programs. Recent examples include the $80.6 million emergency services
package, $250 million for the Regional Road Safety Program, and funding
for upgrades to sporting and community infrastructure. Local governments also
benefit from federal financial assistance grants. Of concern are local
governments that have poor financial management practices and are having
difficulties in providing basic infrastructure and services for the benefit of
their communities. Recent public examples include City of Nedlands and Shire of
Coolgardie. The Minister for Local Government reiterates that her door is
always open to local governments that want to pursue locally driven solutions
that achieve economies of scale with their neighbouring local governments.
The President: I have no further comment in relation
to the answer.
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