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- 5 September 2006
Local Government Councillor Expenses
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Page: 1394
Mr ALLAN SHEARAN: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Local Government. What is the latest information on the Government's plans to tighten local government councillor expenses?
Mr KERRY HICKEY: The ratepayers of New South Wales expect the funds raised from their rates to be spent wisely by their councils for the benefit of their local community. Concerns have been raised over many years about how some councillors use the equipment provided by council. High mobile phone charges and excessive spending on conferences and travel are some of the more regular offences. In response to the concerns about inconsistency with council policies on expenses, the Local Government Act was amended on 1 July 2005. This change improved the accountability and transparency of the process.
Since the passage of the amendment, the Department of Local Government has been working on guidelines with the Local Government and Shires Associations and the Local Government Managers Association. Today I am releasing new guidelines for the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities to mayors and councillors. These guidelines will assist councils in preparing their individual policies in a more transparent and accountable way. This will enhance the respect for and the responsibility to ratepayers on the part of their councillors. Councillors will continue to be provided with equipment and other items to help them fulfil their roles as community representatives. This is entirely appropriate, as long as council procedures are followed and the community is informed.
The new guidelines will restore community confidence in our councillors. They set a standard for the councillors to meet and they systematically allow community comment. Councillors must meet the expectations of the local community. Councils are required to consult with their communities about draft policies. Once adopted, they will be required to submit these annually to the Director General of the Department of Local Government.
Mr Adrian Piccoli: Point of order: This is a shameless attack on hardworking and honest councillors in New South Wales.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order.
Mr Adrian Piccoli: He is setting them a standard that he could never satisfy, and virtually nobody on the frontbench could satisfy, when he takes his dog in his ministerial car!
Mr SPEAKER: Order! The honourable member for Murrumbidgee will resume his seat. He well knows that that is not a point of order. He has not even attempted to disguise his comments as a point of order. I call the honourable member to order and order him to resume his seat.
[Interruption]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Murrumbidgee to order for the second time and order him to resume his seat.
[Interruption]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I call the honourable member for Murrumbidgee to order for the third time and order him to resume his seat.
[Interruption]
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms to remove the honourable member for Murrumbidgee.
[The honourable member for Murrumbidgee left the Chamber, accompanied by the Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms.]
Mr KERRY HICKEY: I remind honourable members that these guidelines were worked through with the Local Government and Shires Association and the Local Government Managers Association. The guidelines will stipulate what expenses can be claimed and what types of equipment can be provided to mayors and councillors.
Mr Barry O'Farrell: Point of order: I do not want to defend councillors but I do want to defend the rules of this place. Standing Order 137 precludes the Minister for Local Government from using question time to make ministerial statements. This is an announcement of government policy; it ought to be made after question time so the shadow Minister can respond. The Minister is abusing the standing orders.
Mr SPEAKER: Order! I do not regard the Minister's comments as a ministerial statement. He may provide information to the House in relation to a matter of concern to the community.
Mr KERRY HICKEY: The guidelines will make it very clear what types of equipment and facilities can be provided to mayors and councillors. Expenses may include telephone calls, travel, conference attendance, training, and, where appropriate, carer and accompanying spouse expenses. The policies submitted by councils will be prohibited from including a general expenses or allowance clause. This is to avoid items outside the policy being accounted for as a general cost. The guidelines do not deal with matters associated with the setting and payment of councillors' annual fees. These are matters for determination by the independent Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. The guidelines will be available to councils and members of the public from today on the Department of Local Government web site.
I acknowledge the excellent work of the Department of Local Government in overseeing the local government sector, work that would be jeopardised if the Leader of the Opposition were to be given the opportunity to slash the public sector. The Leader of the Opposition promised to cut 29,000 positions from the New South Wales public sector. He then attempted a backflip when the community told him they wanted their public services maintained and he now says he will not fill positions vacated through natural attrition. He will slash and burn the public sector. It will mean less oversight of local councils, fewer inspections, fewer promoting better practice reviews, delays in responding to complaints, and limitations on the ability to provide information and advice to councils. Is this really what the Leader of the Opposition and his Coalition want? This is a policy run by extremists in the Liberal Party. We all know their party is in turmoil. What makes them think they can run this great State?
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