A view from the inside: local government reform takes time

You know, the council who failed to merge with George Town, 'proving' that the government must take over.

Well not so fast there.

Local government reform is currently a term that refers almost exclusively to boundary changes.

It is forgotten that the more successful reforms, those in 1993, went well beyond boundaries to the operation of councils.

Those advocating boundary changes as reform would do well to learn from the experience of 1993, not continually try to repeat the failed 1997-98 top-down directions approach.

“Twenty-nine councils is too many" is a slogan without substance.

If it is meant seriously then ask the government to bring in population criteria for local government areas.

Say 12,500 minimum for a municipal area.

That would impact on 14 councils. However, government is unlikely to do it.

Communities have repeatedly demonstrated strong opposition to that top down approach.

Amalgamating cities is no better. Possible reduction in council numbers: two.

For residents and ratepayers, the main game is to have a high-performing council, that is efficient, well governed and adding quality to their lives.

Many councils are like that. For example the Break O'Day Council is thriving with a talented mayor, good general manager and effective councillors.

Reform means continually improving governance, innovation, removing constraints, getting things done.

Being better able to advocate for the Break O'Day area. Other examples are Latrobe, and even the West Tamar. 

Local communities really value local councils like these.

Who are the owners of local government? The residents and ratepayers. The electors. Unless we start from that position, no reforms can succeed.

A council is like a public company. Like TASSAL. Like MyState.

A merger or takeover bid for another company has to start as a proposal taken to the board. A recommendation is then taken to the shareholders ( the residents) for a vote.

In the case of the George Town - West Tamar merger, the George Town councillors were reluctant to see it go out to the community at that stage.

As a board, that was their right, their duty even.

I can understand that position, even though I disagreed.

Every council in Tasmania, especially small councils, have a duty to safeguard their councils' capacity to be a means of empowerment for their community.

How do we move forward? Get the process right from the start.

It must be bottom up, it must accept that the community has to be the final decision makers through an elector poll.

It must be collaborative, inclusive and continuous, not starting with predetermined results.

Seeing the residents as a resource not a problem. That is the way forward.

This will take time. Reform is difficult.

But how much time and money has been wasted over the last 20 years going the wrong way?

During that time the gains made have been from continuous improvement largely at council level.

We can do so much more.