The latest Minister for Local Government must immediately act to inject confidence and stability to ensure Tasmanian councils are supported and sustainable after nearly a decade of neglect by this Liberal Government.
Nic Street is the latest in a succession of Ministers handballed responsibility for the local government sector at a time when the sector is in the midst of yet another government reform process – a process that can hardly be taken seriously when the Ministry is a revolving door.
Thousands of Tasmanians are employed in local Government and Minister Street must act to stem the flow of Councillors leaving their elected positions.
I am calling on the new Minister to complete the myriad of tasks promised by the Liberal Government but never delivered including:
- A local government workplace culture review to be included in the state government workplace review
- The completion of the review of the Code of Conduct
- The completion of the review of the Local Government Act
- Providing support to local government employees and elected representatives
- A dedicated focus on improving the culture of local government
With local government elections fast approaching and many long serving Mayors and Councillors not standing again, local government in Tasmania is on the cusp of major change.
We want Tasmanians to want to put their hand up to work in or be elected to local government across our state. Our communities depend on it.
For nearly a decade this tired and out of touch government has had a hands-off approach to working constructively with local government to invest in and improve our communities.
It's time for Minister Street to step up and deliver.
Anita Dow
Shadow Minister for Local Government and Planning
