❓ Opposition Leader Mark McGowan questions Premier Colin Barnett about the costs associated with the government's forced council amalgamation process, alleging it has wasted taxpayer and ratepayer money. The Premier defends the reform effort, citing the need for modernisation and criticising council spending on anti-amalgamation campaigns.
AnsweredQoN 4Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT — AMALGAMATIONS — COST
4. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Premier:
I refer to the
Premier's claim in this house that there will be cost savings from the
government's forced council amalgamation process.
(1) Has not the Premier's arrogant
push to merge councils against people's wishes saved nothing and cost
taxpayers and ratepayers tens of millions of dollars?
(2) How much has this
failed process cost taxpayers?
(3) How much has this
failed process cost ratepayers?
GOVERNMENT — AMALGAMATIONS — COST
4. Mr M. McGOWAN to the
Premier:
I refer to the
Premier's claim in this house that there will be cost savings from the
government's forced council amalgamation process.
(1) Has not the Premier's arrogant
push to merge councils against people's wishes saved nothing and cost
taxpayers and ratepayers tens of millions of dollars?
(2) How much has this
failed process cost taxpayers?
(3) How much has this
failed process cost ratepayers?
AnswerView source ↗
(1)–(3) Certainly the state
government has spent money on this process, because it believes there are too
many local governments in Western Australia. Some local governments in the
metropolitan area, including in my electorate, occupy less than five square
kilometres. Does anyone seriously think that is a viable unit of local
administration?
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In our country areas there are councils of
fewer than 500 people—most primary schools are bigger than that!
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : A question has been asked; let the Premier have a chance to answer
it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The government has incurred costs, because
it believes there needs to be reform and modernisation of local government in
Western Australia. Although the process is on hold, the minister will continue
to hold discussions with individual councils, as I will. The process will be
slow, but hopefully we will make some progress.
Councils have made outrageous claims as to what this process has cost
them. The state government provided about $1.7 million in grants to local
government, ranging from $50 000 to $200 000, to do preliminary work. Local governments
have taken it upon themselves, as I heard from members on this side, to have
aircraft flying overhead with banners telling people how to vote, they have had
staff doorknocking, and they have funded all sorts of programs and consultants.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you can be first
cab off the rank: I call you to order for the first time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They have taken legal action through the
courts. They have taken those decisions as mayors and council members. That is
their choice and their responsibility. There is no case for any so-called
compensation from the state government, and there will be none. The $15 million
in grants that were made available at last year's budget and the $45 million
in low-interest loans has been returned to Treasury; it is no longer available.
government has spent money on this process, because it believes there are too
many local governments in Western Australia. Some local governments in the
metropolitan area, including in my electorate, occupy less than five square
kilometres. Does anyone seriously think that is a viable unit of local
administration?
Several members interjected.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : In our country areas there are councils of
fewer than 500 people—most primary schools are bigger than that!
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : A question has been asked; let the Premier have a chance to answer
it.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : The government has incurred costs, because
it believes there needs to be reform and modernisation of local government in
Western Australia. Although the process is on hold, the minister will continue
to hold discussions with individual councils, as I will. The process will be
slow, but hopefully we will make some progress.
Councils have made outrageous claims as to what this process has cost
them. The state government provided about $1.7 million in grants to local
government, ranging from $50 000 to $200 000, to do preliminary work. Local governments
have taken it upon themselves, as I heard from members on this side, to have
aircraft flying overhead with banners telling people how to vote, they have had
staff doorknocking, and they have funded all sorts of programs and consultants.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for Victoria Park, you can be first
cab off the rank: I call you to order for the first time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : They have taken legal action through the
courts. They have taken those decisions as mayors and council members. That is
their choice and their responsibility. There is no case for any so-called
compensation from the state government, and there will be none. The $15 million
in grants that were made available at last year's budget and the $45 million
in low-interest loans has been returned to Treasury; it is no longer available.
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