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Mr ANDREW STONER: My question is directed to the Premier. Following meetings at towns such as Manilla, Crookwell and Boorowa—each attended by up to 500 ratepayers who are overwhelmingly opposed to forced council amalgamations—will he now guarantee that ratepayers in shires proposed for amalgamation will have their council services retained, and will not face any increase in rates or charges?
Mr BOB CARR: The Government's approach to boundary adjustment is to see that ratepayers get a benefit. That is the whole approach—to get a better deal for ratepayers than they get at the present time. I have to say that the comment cut of the Leader of The Nationals shows that he must be completely unknown in New South Wales. He is the only Leader of The Nationals who would not be recognised in any country town. George was a household name compared to him.