[Greens-Media] Hickey slaps local government in the face

[Sylvia Hale]

26 May 2006

Hickey slaps local government
in the face

Instead of shunning local government’s peak bodies by setting up a separate Advisory Council, the Minister for Local Government, Kerry Hickey, should be building the practical relationships with councils that are needed to deliver better results for the people of NSW says Greens MP Sylvia Hale.

“While there is no doubt Kerry Hickey needs better advice, this elite little committee is a slap in the face for local government,” said Ms Hale.

“The Local Government and Shires Associations are the legitimate representatives of local government in NSW and the Minister should be working together with them a whole lot more.”

“He needs dialogue with and advice from the real local government grassroots, not more hand-picked friends saying ‘Yes, Minister.’”

“A Minister who is pushing for strategic alliances between councils is at the same time burning his bridges with our key local government organisations.” 

“The advice is out there already, the Minister just needs to listen.”

“We need a new genuine partnership in this state between local and state government in this state to deliver results for our citizens rather than talk, blame-shifting and division.”

“The reports and inquiries have been completed. It’s time for constructive, cooperative action.”

For further information:  Sam Byrne 0408 231 509