LOCAL GOVERNANCE: THE FAILED REFORM PROCESS

 

The Tasmanian government has drawn a line under the matter of local government reform, claiming there will be no forced council amalgamations.

Mayors at several Northern Tasmanian councils have been vocal on the prospect of mergers, with most preparing to fight any proposal that would group them with their neighbours.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government had listened to these concerns, and would put the matter back to the people when the time came.

"There will be no forced amalgamations," Mr Rockliff said.

There will be no forced amalgamations ... communities and councils will decide their own future.

- Jeremy Rockliff

"We have listened to the concerns of Tasmanians and councils, and I want to end their fear and uncertainty today.

"Communities and councils will decide their own future."

The Future of Local Government review is still in progress, with councils and community members able to share their thoughts on community catchment areas until August 2.

The Local Government Review Board stressed these were not boundaries for proposed mergers, rather, the catchments reflected areas with shared demographics and service needs.

After stating in March 2023 that 29 councils was an "unsustainable" amount and that "all options were on the table", Local Government Minister Nic Street said ruling out forced mergers would "comfort" Tasmanians.

"There will be no changes unless both the council and community want them," Mr Street said.

"I am confident that some councils will be eager to participate in this process, while others will not.

"It is for councils and communities to determine and they will have the final say, but with the benefit of the extensive work that has been undertaken by the board."

Mr Street said the review had been done in "good faith", and claimed concerns raised by the opposition and unions that amalgamation would lead to job losses were "fearmongering".

The board is due to hand down its final report on October 31, and councils will review the document and make submissions to the government.

Any merger proposals agreed to by councils will then be put to the community for a vote.

COMMENT: This reform process was destined to fail simply because the consultation process was designed and devised to deliver the status quo with patches here and a tweak over there. There was always the option of a CITIZEN'S ASSEMBLY but that requires accountability and transparency. When the protagonists are RUSTEDon to the power that they have CHANGE is a SWEARword!