Leader of the Opposition – Lia Finocchiaro
Shadow Minister for Local Government – Steve Edgington
Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro and Shadow Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Minister, Steve Edgington have been speaking to locals on the ground in the Barkly Region about the CLP’s Plan to reform and strengthen Community Government Councils (CGC) in remote communities to give greater community control.
The Barkly Region is a key part of the Opposition’s community consultation in a move towards strengthening service delivery through CGC reform should the CLP be successful at next year’s election.
The CLP’s consultation period for the CGC reform has been underway for the past few months, with dedicated efforts to hear directly from people living remotely who are the most impacted and asking for this change.
It was great to have a roundtable discussion with the Elliott Local Authority (LA). This provided an opportunity to discuss the negative impacts seen since the removal of CGSs and how a pathway forward would fix Labor’s mess and ensure we find the best model to deliver local decision making for remote communities.
Member for Barkly, Steve Edgington said he has been actively engaging with local communities, seeking their input and views to shape the reform process and having the Leader of the Opposition in the Barkly is a vital next step in policy making.
“Through open forums and discussions, community members have shared their first hand perspectives on how CGCs can be tailored to serve their unique requirements,” Mr Edgington said.
Mrs Finocchiaro said, “By dismantling CGCs in 2008 Labor disempowered regional and remote communities. Territorians are also struggling with escalating crime, housing shortages and a lack of roads. They, like many, feel abandoned by Labor, and feel they aren’t being heard. This has to change.”
“Our reform is driven by the CLP’s firm commitment to Territorians living in the bush.”
Over the past 18 months Elliott LA chairman and ‘return to local government’ advocate, Bob Bagnall had observed limited engagement and a lack of significant progress from local authorities.
“There is a sense of inaction from the responsible Council. Meeting minutes are not being adequately presented to the council, and there is a notable absence of support for local authorities. Service delivery to the bush is falling short,” Mr Bagnall said.
“In my view, there is a pressing need for improvement and a shift in the current state of affairs.”
By involving local authorities and community representatives, Mrs Finocchiaro said “The CLP can deliver a framework that empowers regional and remote communities, fostering self-determination and enabling them to have the ultimate role in decision-making processes.”
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