Local Government Minister John Castrilli has thanked the 400 local government practitioners who attended yesterday's local government reform workshop in Perth.
Mr Castrilli said that the open and constructive dialogue which exists between the Liberal-National Government and the local government sector itself indicates that the vast majority of those involved in the sector were not being distracted by the Opposition's carping and were instead getting on with the business of seriously examining reform.
"The information presented at the reform workshop will assist all local governments to better consider the issues associated with reform," he said.
"Late yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to personally discuss the current reform process with a number of delegates; the feedback I received was very encouraging."
The Minister said that a workshop session on the South Australian reform experience highlighted that it was only through significant structural reform that increased capacity building measures could be instituted at the local government level.
"Dividends gained through the SA reform process meant that in some instances councils became less reliant on costly external consultants and could instead use their in-house skills and expertise to assist the community in a more meaningful, efficient, effective, grassroots focused manner," he said.
"I have the same ambition for every Western Australian local government; however, many of these capacities are just not achievable under the current structure."
Mr Castrilli criticised Labor's local government spokesman Paul Papalia, saying that his constant talking down of the reform process demonstrates that he is more focused on the politics of reform than he is on the possible benefits of it.
"Mr Papalia's latest criticism of the Government for not laying down the law and instituting a rigid, inflexible, reform template is reckless considering that a voluntary, consultative process has already been initiated," the Minister said.
"I have left reform in the hands of the local governments themselves - it is up to them to shape their own future. All I have done is say let's not talk about reform for another 20 years, let's act now.
"Mr Papalia's vision of a one size fits all approach to local government demonstrates how little he understands about the sector and its needs.
"I am seeking to work constructively with the local government sector to achieve good outcomes for the State - Mr Papalia is simply seeking to play politics, he is making policy on the run and putting politics before people.
"What is clear is that the Labor Party, having failed to reform the local government sector in their eight wasted years in power, is now seeking to derail the Liberal-National Government's plan to enhance sustainability and increase capacity in the sector.
"It is disappointing that even in Opposition the Labor Party continues to work against WA's long term interest."
Minister's office - 9213 6800
