❓ Mr. Marmion asks about the Minister's local government reform agenda, specifically actions for sustainability and awareness of alternative proposals. The Minister outlines actions taken and criticizes the opposition's plan.
AnsweredQoN 239Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM
I refer the minister to his recently announced local government reform agenda. (1) What action has the minister requested that local governments undertake to ensure their future sustainability is addressed in a meaningful time frame? (2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI
I refer the minister to his recently announced local government reform agenda. (1) What action has the minister requested that local governments undertake to ensure their future sustainability is addressed in a meaningful time frame? (2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(1) What action has the minister requested that local governments undertake to ensure their future sustainability is addressed in a meaningful time frame? (2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to —
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(1) What action has the minister requested that local governments undertake to ensure their future sustainability is addressed in a meaningful time frame? (2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(2) Is the minister aware of any alternative proposals for the sector? Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI replied: (1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
(1)-(2) I thank the member for Nedlands for his question and his ongoing interest in the reform of the local government sector. May I also congratulate Perth’s western suburbs councils that have embraced this government’s reform agenda. Without reform the Western Australian local government sector faces an unsustainable future. This government’s goal is for increased local government through better governance capacity and decision making so that local governments can better deliver services to their communities in Western Australia. Access Economics has suggested that about 60 local governments in Western Australia are unsustainable. The Western Australian Local Government Association and the Local Government Advisory Board have said that the sector is in need of urgent reform. On 5 February I set the wheels in motion for change. I have asked all local governments to come back to me by the end of April to give me a checklist of their current and future capabilities. I have also asked them to sit down with their neighbours to look at what benefits, savings and efficiencies can occur in this process of voluntary amalgamation. In essence, I have put the responsibility back on the 139 local governments. However, this reform goes beyond merely amalgamations, because among other things it is designed to assist local government to adopt enhanced financial and asset management capabilities. They will develop skills and competencies for their elected members and staff and identify and implement strategies to reduce town planning and building approval time lines. I am aware of the opposition’s nine-line, 103-word, three-point plan for the sector. The opposition’s brief proposal calls for it to continue to sit on its hands and do nothing and watch the sector slide further into unsustainability. At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to — Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
At worst the opposition’s plan calls for a cash flash and outsourcing the scrutiny to —
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — consultants. It is a real recipe for disaster. Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr P. Papalia interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three — Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr P. Papalia : $400 million in four months! The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I formally call the member for Warnbro for the first time. I know the member is particularly interested in the answer; it might help him to hear the answer if he did not interject all the time. Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : The former government presided over three amalgamations in eight years—that is what it did! What will the opposition’s three-point plan do? Another three amalgamations in another eight years. That is fantastic. The opposition has let political expediency get in the way of good governance—that is what it did. The irony is that members opposite know in their hearts that this is the right thing to do—that is, to support reform of the local government sector. Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr E.S. Ripper : But you don’t have the backing of your colleagues! The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : Even the former local government minister — The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, Leader of the Opposition! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — said that amalgamation would create the capacity of a consolidated local government to serve the community and would avoid any duplication of services and that future cost savings could be directed into community services. That is what she said. Now we have a shadow Minister for Local Government who uses every fibre of his being — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : Order, member for Warnbro! Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Mr G.M. CASTRILLI : — to attack this government’s reform agenda in opposition to what the former Minister for Local Government tried to achieve. The opposition is out of touch on the issue; it does not have a plan for reform and it has no future for local government, and I condemn the opposition for it. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
The SPEAKER : I know the member for Mandurah enjoys this environment and I often enjoy his contributions. However, I formally call the member for Mandurah for the first time.
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