❓ Hon. Robyn McSweeney questions the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Jon Ford, regarding the change in the local government voting system, citing lack of consultation and opposition from councils. The Minister defends the change, claiming it will provide better community representation and that consultation did occur.
AnsweredQoN 919Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
LOCAL GOVERNMENT - VOTING SYSTEM
(1) Will the minister outline the reasons for changing the local government voting system from the first-past-the-post voting system to a proportional preferential voting system? (2) Why has this been done without consultation, especially as it is against the recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board and is opposed by 90 per cent of councils? (3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD
(1) Will the minister outline the reasons for changing the local government voting system from the first-past-the-post voting system to a proportional preferential voting system? (2) Why has this been done without consultation, especially as it is against the recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board and is opposed by 90 per cent of councils? (3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
(2) Why has this been done without consultation, especially as it is against the recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board and is opposed by 90 per cent of councils? (3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
(3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
(1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
[See page 7426.]
(2) Why has this been done without consultation, especially as it is against the recommendations of the Local Government Advisory Board and is opposed by 90 per cent of councils? (3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
(3) Does the minister understand that the television advertising campaign being run by the Western Australian Local Government Association is a measure of the lack of confidence WALGA has in the minister? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
I thank the member for the question. (1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
(1)-(3) The government believes that the first-past-the-post system is a better and more equitable voting system. It is the same system we use to get elected to this house - Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Simon O’Brien : No, it is not. Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Bruce Donaldson : We agree with the first statement you just made! Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : Such a system of voting will provide better community representation on local governments. The government started consulting on this reference to the Local Government Advisory Board on sustainability and electoral reform back in October last year. Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Robyn McSweeney : I don’t think so. Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : I have a survey - I do not have it here, but I am happy to table it later - which makes reference to a report by WALGA and which seeks local government’s advice. That occurred at the same time that the Local Government Advisory Board was conducting the survey, which dates back to 11 November. Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Murray Criddle : Will you table that tomorrow? Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : I will. I walked in here expecting a question on this matter and realised that I did not have it. Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Since the report has been released for public comment, we have received numerous responses on all aspects of the report. I have met with about 80 local governments and I have had robust debates with a number of local government members, most recently in Moora - Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon Norman Moore : “Robust” means that they don’t like what you are doing. Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
Hon JON FORD : Members of local government have told me that because this government has had five ministers for local government since it came into office, it is important to them that I remain as the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development. That was said to me just recently by the Mayor of Port Hedland. The advertisement by WALGA is part of the argy-bargy of a political campaign and it does not represent the view of local government. [See page 7426.]
[See page 7426.]
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.