Questions asked by: Sound Telegraph
Question 1:
Why has the Govt decided to get all of WA's 139 (including Rockingham and Kwinana) councils to come up with either a merger plan within the next six months or reasons why they should be allowed to stand alone otherwise the Govt will amalgamate councils as it sees fit?
Response:
There has been widespread recognition for many years that our existing local government structure, with 139 councils some of which have less than 200 electors, is not sustainable. This impacts not only on their ability to delivery services to the community, but also on their ability to be able to plan strategically for the longer term. While some councils are governing well, in many others there are issues with risk management, asset replacement and maintenance, and staff recruitment and development.
The Local Government Advisory Board in their report Ensuring the Future Sustainability of Communities (April 2006), stated most councils were experiencing "an uncomfortable squeeze between rising community expectations, increased responsibilities and compliance requirements, constrained revenues and shortages of skilled staff." The Board concluded that there was an urgent need for structural reform.
Since 2005 WALGA has undertaken an extended period of research, investigation and consultation known as the Systematic Sustainability Study for Local Government in Western Australia. This culminated last year in the release of The Journey: Sustainability into the Future - Shaping the Future of Local Government in Western Australia. Among other issues, this recognised the increasing difficulties faced by local governments in securing the numerous skill sets, many of which are necessary for the delivery of services and functions.
Since 2006 the number of local councils has reduced from 142 to 139 through voluntary amalgamations. This pace of change is not sufficient to deal with the issues that local government is facing.
Question 2:
Did the Govt consult with WALGA before making this announcement in Exmouth last week?
Response:
In response to the WALGA report, I established a joint State and local government committee to consider and progress the actions contained in the report into councils' sustainability. The committee's first task was to provide me with strategic recommendations on how the 39 Systemic Sustainability Study (SSS) recommendations might be implemented. WALGA has had two members on this committee, as has the Local Government Managers Association.
WALGA is also a foundation member of the newly formed Local Government Reform Steering Committee which will be assisting councils through this reform process.
Question 3:
Councils were working on the Regional Service Delivery model prior to your announcement - were you dissatisfied with how it was progressing?
Response:
The Regional Service Delivery model was to be progressed over a 10-year period. This model is producing some very good outcomes in improving the delivery of services to communities through sharing arrangements. It does not, however, address the underlying unsustainability of some councils. Amalgamated councils may still choose to work closely with other councils under a regional service delivery model to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the services they provide.
Question 4:
What benefits do you think the amalgamations/forced mergers will bring to Rockingham and Kwinana residents?
Response:
The Systemic Sustainability Study stated many benefits would result from larger councils. These included:
Improvement in operations to 'best practice' levels (SSS p 9)
More likely to be seen as a desirable investment vehicle and partner in strategic decisions by other spheres of government (SSS p 9)
Enhanced capacity for improved service delivery (SSS p 18)
Improved ability to meet community expectations (SSS p 18)
More desirable employer with greater career development opportunities (SSS p 19) so helps to overcome skills shortages
Greater purchasing power in securing more economical service delivery through contracting arrangements (SSS p 19)
Improved capacity to plan, manage and fund infrastructure of all forms (SSS p 35)
Creating economies of scale and applying new technologies and business practices (SSS p 50)
Creates durability of voluntary/informal arrangements (SSS p 50) and therefore reduces risk
Catalyst for increased financial and policy responsiveness from State and Commonwealth Governments and from the private sector interested in partnership approaches (SSS p 54)
Increased ability to obtain specialist skills such as planning, engineering and building (SSS p 58)
Enables systematic approach to the professional development and skills renewal of employees (SSS p 58)
Question 5:
How will these residents receive the same level of political representation if their councils amalgamate?
Response:
Fewer elected members will not result in a reduction in political representation.
Minister's office - 9213 6800
