❓ Hon Simon O'Brien questions the Minister for Local Government regarding WALGA's recommendation for councils to pass motions of no-confidence. The Minister confirms the recommendation and lists the councils that have notified him of passing such motions, while also presenting a letter from a councillor critical of WALGA's campaign.
AnsweredQoN 1026Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
LOCAL GOVERNMENT - VOTING SYSTEM
(1) Will the minister confirm that the Western Australian Local Government Association, the peak body that represents local governments in this state, has recommended that its member councils pass motions of no-confidence in the minister? (2) Which local governments have notified the minister that they have passed a motion of no-confidence? Hon JON FORD
(1) Will the minister confirm that the Western Australian Local Government Association, the peak body that represents local governments in this state, has recommended that its member councils pass motions of no-confidence in the minister? (2) Which local governments have notified the minister that they have passed a motion of no-confidence? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
(2) Which local governments have notified the minister that they have passed a motion of no-confidence? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
(1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
(2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that.
I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that.
[See paper 2199.]
(2) Which local governments have notified the minister that they have passed a motion of no-confidence? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
I thank Hon Simon O’Brien for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
(1) Yes. (2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
(2) I have been notified by the following local governments that they have adopted the WALGA motion: the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the Shire of Manjimup, the Shire of Yilgarn, the Shire of Northampton, the City of Nedlands and the Town of Cambridge. Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon Simon O’Brien : I thought there were 17 of them. Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
Hon JON FORD : No, I have listed the ones from whom I have received notification. I refer to other correspondence that I have received since WALGA started its campaign. This letter is from a councillor. I have removed his name because I do not think that intercouncil argy-bargy should be aired in public. This letter is typical of the sorts of phone calls and letters that I have received. It states - Dear Minister RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces. Hon Simon O’Brien : Can you identify the document? Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
RE: CAMPAIGN AGAINST CHANGES TO VOTING PROCEDURES You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
You don’t know me from ‘Adam’ but I am a Councillor (called an ‘Elected Member’ in this not so brave new world) . . . You probably do know that the Council recently passed a vote in support of the current WALGA campaign against you in particular and, by association, the proposal to alter the method of voting in forthcoming local government elections. It is on these issues that I feel compelled to write to you on a personal basis. Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
Whilst I am personally quite satisfied with the present method of voting - first past the post - I have operated, and been elected, under the preferential system that prevailed for many decades so I have no problem with any change. It works and, call me naive if you like, I never discerned any more than token attempts to openly tout political association for elections on councils. Indeed, some that did fell flat on their political faces.
Hon JON FORD : It is a letter from a councillor; I will table it. It continues - Whilst it is true that some members of councils have political affiliations just the same as some have affiliations to different churches or different football clubs I haven’t detected that as a flaw in the way local government generally functions. It is also true to say that some seek to use local government as a platform to eventual parliamentary representation and indeed, many are successful - on both ‘sides’ of the parliamentary spectrum. None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that. The sentiment in that letter is typical of the comments that I have received. [See paper 2199.]
None of this, to my mind at least, justifies the extraordinary hateful campaign that WALGA has mounted against you at a very personal level. . . . I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that.
I do not support the campaign and in so far as I am personally concerned, they have earned a much deserved ignominy amongst those that prize integrity above undisciplined malice. I want no part of it and want you to know that.
[See paper 2199.]
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