LOCAL Government NSW has claimed the state government has been flushed out by not ruling out forced council mergers in Parliament.
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Last week, Sydney independent MP Alex Greenwich put forward a motion stating Parliament oppose the amalgamation of councils which were financially sustainable and had the backing of their communities.
Local Government Minister Paul Toole declined to support the motion and LGNSW president Keith Rhoades said the statement was the first time the government had revealed its true intentions.
“That debate was crunch time and Mr Toole stood on the floor of the Parliament and stated unequivocally that the government would not support a motion opposing the forced amalgamation of councils,” Cr Rhoades said.
“It really does suggest that the whole Fit for the Future process is simply tick-a-box, with the government firmly committed to diluting local democratic representation for purely ideological reasons.
“What the sector does not support is amalgamations being forced on councils who are able to show they are financially sustainable, and whose communities have stated clearly that they wish to continue to have grassroots representation via standalone councils.”
Albury, Corowa and Greater Hume councils will all present standalone submissions to the government before the June 30 deadline.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin said Mr Greenwich and Mr Rhoades were playing political games.
“It wasn’t a seriously considered motion,” Mr Aplin said.
“There has been absolutely no change whatsoever.
“But the private members’ bill was designed to stir up something and go over the same old ground yet again.”
Government MPs who spoke against the motion, included Liberal MPs Geoff Lee (Parramatta), Gareth Ward (Kiama), John Sidoti (Drummoyne) and Ray Williams (Castle Hill).