Copy of a Letter to the Editor of the Bairnsdale Advertiser re Local Government.
Drive-in Drive-out Democracy
‘After amalgamation, ‘Shire Offices’ became the ‘Corporate Centre’, and rates rose as bureaucracy grew exponentially encouraging programs previously the responsibility of other levels of government.
Public frustration grew with shire inefficiency, high rates, the parody of public hearing times reduced to three minutes, and closed meetings where the real decision-making occurred. The Governance Department expanded hugely: with CEO remuneration close to that of the Premier, plus a Head of Governance, and staff to keep Councillors busy attending functions. Liberal use of lawyers and spin added significant cost.
Councillors are expected to be loyal to ‘the team’, not ‘to broadside colleagues’ by putting up Notices of Motion for open debate. Public diversity of view is discouraged.
There is no longer a Ratepayers’ Team for once inducted, the new Council becomes the Corporate Team. Separation of powers between directors and administration has been lost.
A significant clause in the local Councillor Code of Conduct under ‘2.8.1 Managing Information’ states:
“… acknowledge that all mail addressed to Councillors, both hard copy and electronic, is defined as ‘corporate mail’ and as such is subject to automatic capture and monitoring by Council Officers.”
So right to privacy with constituents is relinquished - but unfortunately many do not understand this, people writing to Councillors not realising their mail will be examined and dealt with by others.
This suits some councillors, not having to read and respond to their constituents. But then, some people ask ‘why have Councillors’!
With abdication of personal responsibility to issues by Councillors, the focus is now to a more superficial, vice-regal style, function-attending role.
Despite the pre-election rhetoric, unless new Councillors understand underlying issues and are prepared to reassert their control they will continue to be the servants of bureaucracy, not of the people who elected them: an expensive drive-in drive-out democracy.’
Linette Treasure
John Richardson
Secretary/Treasurer
Bega Valley Shire Residents & Ratepayers Association
Tel: 0264945669
Email: secretary@begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au
Website: http://www.begavalleyshireratepayers.asn.au