If you were put in charge of setting up this country’s various levels of government at federation, would you have done anything differently? The answer is: most likely.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
If you were that person with the knowledge of 2016, would you still consider a federal government, separate state governments as well as a throng of local councils to be necessary?
Three levels of representation, three levels of bureaucracy.
Hindsight is an wonderful thing, but would anyone nowaday consider three levels of government to be in our best interests, or would an overall federal government to rule all, supported by a number of larger, local government bodies be more than adequate for our requirements.
Tasmania has 29 councils for a population of just over 500,000. It’s a well-used factoid espoused by those calling for council amalgamations in Tasmania. They say we are over-represented for a state our size considering we also have a state government of 25 MPs on top of 150 in the house of representatives as well as 76 senators.
We are over-governed, that’s difficult to argue. But when you’re asking local government representatives to consider potentially voting themselves out of a job, council amalgamations are always going to be a tough sell.
The one point that must stay front-and-centre of our thinking at all times is the reason for pushing ahead with amalgamations – either forced or voluntary.
If anyone thinks ratepayers are going to save huge amounts in their rates, think again. Nowhere in Australia have council amalgamations led to massive reductions in annual council rates.
Mostly, it’s about making sure they’re sustainable, not just now but 10, 20, 50 years into the future.
It has been well publicised that many Tasmanian councils spend more money than they earn. Some much more. And that’s fine for a while, but when any level of over-spending continues over a prolonged period, then something is terribly amiss.
Like any business, a council must be able to pay its way. And with the added pressures of reduced dividends from TasWater – as well as a potential cut in federal government funding – being able to pay your own way is more important than ever.
Those councils that cannot keep their heads above water must seriously consider their options.