19 May 2015

Debate on my motion in Parliament exposed the government’s plan to force financially sustainable councils to merge. The government wants politically advantageous boundaries. I am concerned about service disruptions, cost increases and lost efficiencies and representation; benefits could be achieved through better resource and service sharing. 

Bigger councils mean bigger election campaigns and I told Parliament we must reform the lax local government election funding laws. I encourage you to voice your concerns to the Premier HERE.  I will continue to work with the local government sector to oppose forced amalgamations and last week met with rural and regional mayors in Parliament to further discuss strategy.