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The Hon. DAVID CLARKE: My question is directed to the Minister for Local Government. Is the Minister aware of a resolution, introduced by Baulkham Hills Shire Council, and carried overwhelmingly at the 2004 Local Government Association Conference, concerning the lack of accountability—
The Hon. Michael Egan: Point of order: Because of the noise coming from both the crossbenchers and, I think, some of my Government colleagues, I cannot hear the question. I ask you to call them to order.
The PRESIDENT: Order! Members should reduce the level of chatter.
The Hon. DAVID CLARKE: —of general managers to mayors and councillors. In light of the strength of concern expressed by councils across New South Wales at the 2004 conference, can the Minister outline what action, if any, the Government intends to take in response to these concerns?
The Hon. TONY KELLY: I am sorry, Madam President, I also did not hear the first half of the question because of the interjections that caused the Treasurer to take a point of order. At the 2004 Local Government Association Conference I spelt out some of the problems that were concerning local government, particularly as a result of councillors interfering in the day-to-day management of councils in a number of cases. In fact, I will go back further. In 1973 Harry Jago, who was famous for something else but who was actually the Minister for Local Government at that time—
The Hon. John Ryan: He was famous for being a good Minister for Health.
The Hon. TONY KELLY: Yes, but he just forgot to nominate. In 1973 Harry Jago started the Barnett report, a full report into local government right across New South Wales. He recommended a lot of things and was famous for recommending a number of boundary changes. In particular, he recommended a significant change in the way that councils operate. Those changes were incorporated by the Hon. Gerald Beresford Ponsonby Peacocke—
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Who has just had an operation for liver cancer and he is fine.
The Hon. TONY KELLY: That is good. I am pleased about that because in 1993 Gerry Peacocke introduced a very good and workable Local Government Act. That Act made quite clear the lines of delineation between the councillors, who should look after policy and its implementation, and the general manager, who should run the management of the council. I reiterated to the local Government conference exactly that and implored them to stick to the Local Government Act 1993.