COMMUNITIES GETTING ON WITH A NEW ERA IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Published Monday, 27 August, 2007 at 01:10 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Local Government, Planning and Sport
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Premier Peter Beattie said the Queensland Cabinet had today affirmed its decision to implement in full the recommendations of the independent commission on local government reform.
“Cabinet affirmed the hard decision we made to follow the independent commission’s recommendations and welcomed the news that all local government areas affected by the council reform process are now forming Local Transition Committees,” Mr Beattie said.
“I want to congratulate all of the councils involved in the formation of the 34 local transition committees.
“These committees will be vital to local communities to ensure that the formation of new councils takes account of all local interests.
“The formation of the committees is a clear sign that the majority of mayors and councillors recognised that a constructive approach to the amalgamations was the most positive thing they could do for their communities,” he said.
The Premier said it would be disappointing if the Local Government Association of Queensland turned this week’s annual conference into a Federal election stunt.
“Queenslanders know that the Howard Government is indulging in a pre-election stunt over council reform and that my Government will not be backing away from the vital reform to strengthen councils across the State.
“The fact that Queensland councils left entirely un-amalgamated upon the recommendations of the independent commission are now planning to hold plebiscites, shows just how silly the Federal Government’s intervention has become.
“Only strong councils will be able to help us manage the massive growth occurring in Queensland,” the Premier said.
“I note the LGAQ’s claims this morning that it has the “best advice” that a Federal election will not be held on October 20 – allowing pointless postal plebiscites to be held at taxpayer expense that day.
“If more proof were needed that John Howard’s determination to push ahead with this senseless waste of taxpayer monies is about keeping the keys to the Lodge, the statements by the LGAQ today should banish all doubt,” Mr Beattie said.
Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser has written to Special Minister of State Gary Nairn calling for the Howard Government’s senate inquiry into plebiscites to be disbanded.
““The inquiry’s primary focus in Queensland is to examine proposed Federal laws regarding polls about council amalgamations,” Mr Fraser said.
“This serves no purpose given the Queensland Government will not take action against councils holding referenda.
“This inquiry is exposed for what it is – a taxpayer funded touring circus for Howard Government mouthpieces to peddle false hope,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said the greater majority of Queensland councils are getting on with the job of making reform happen.
Monday August 27, 2007
For media information:
Premier’s office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office - 0418 424 654
“Cabinet affirmed the hard decision we made to follow the independent commission’s recommendations and welcomed the news that all local government areas affected by the council reform process are now forming Local Transition Committees,” Mr Beattie said.
“I want to congratulate all of the councils involved in the formation of the 34 local transition committees.
“These committees will be vital to local communities to ensure that the formation of new councils takes account of all local interests.
“The formation of the committees is a clear sign that the majority of mayors and councillors recognised that a constructive approach to the amalgamations was the most positive thing they could do for their communities,” he said.
The Premier said it would be disappointing if the Local Government Association of Queensland turned this week’s annual conference into a Federal election stunt.
“Queenslanders know that the Howard Government is indulging in a pre-election stunt over council reform and that my Government will not be backing away from the vital reform to strengthen councils across the State.
“The fact that Queensland councils left entirely un-amalgamated upon the recommendations of the independent commission are now planning to hold plebiscites, shows just how silly the Federal Government’s intervention has become.
“Only strong councils will be able to help us manage the massive growth occurring in Queensland,” the Premier said.
“I note the LGAQ’s claims this morning that it has the “best advice” that a Federal election will not be held on October 20 – allowing pointless postal plebiscites to be held at taxpayer expense that day.
“If more proof were needed that John Howard’s determination to push ahead with this senseless waste of taxpayer monies is about keeping the keys to the Lodge, the statements by the LGAQ today should banish all doubt,” Mr Beattie said.
Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser has written to Special Minister of State Gary Nairn calling for the Howard Government’s senate inquiry into plebiscites to be disbanded.
““The inquiry’s primary focus in Queensland is to examine proposed Federal laws regarding polls about council amalgamations,” Mr Fraser said.
“This serves no purpose given the Queensland Government will not take action against councils holding referenda.
“This inquiry is exposed for what it is – a taxpayer funded touring circus for Howard Government mouthpieces to peddle false hope,” Mr Fraser said.
Mr Fraser said the greater majority of Queensland councils are getting on with the job of making reform happen.
Monday August 27, 2007
For media information:
Premier’s office – 3224 4500
Minister’s Office - 0418 424 654