ICAC report reinforces need for local government reform

12 May 2010 

The Sydney Business Chamber said a report by the ICAC that found local government was highly vulnerable to corruption reinforces calls for Sydney’s 41 councils to be amalgamated into 10 super councils.

Sydney Business Chamber and NSW Business Chamber outlined the need for 10 super councils for Sydney as part of the 10 Big Ideas to Grow NSW (www.10bigideas.com.au).

“This report supports what many business and community organisations have been calling for some time – stronger councils that are larger, sustainable and professionally managed,” said Patricia Forsythe, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.

“We know from other reports that many councils face financial ruin and now the ICAC has indicated that procedures to fight corrupt are weak or non-existent. Clearly local government needs reform.

“Sydney is a mishmash of 41 councils that are more concerned about defending their little patch of ground than delivering services and supporting Sydney’s role as a global city.

“We have strongly advocated in the 10 Big Ideas to Grow NSW for the need to amalgamate Sydney’s 41 councils into 10 super councils that better aligns them with the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy and the housing, infrastructure and employment demands contained in that strategy.”

Mrs Forsythe said it was time for local councils and their peer body the LGSA to get serious about the future needs of Sydney.

“We’ve proposed a review of rate-pegging to give councils the finances they need to support their communities as well as paying councillors a full-time wage – a step that would help reduce corrupt practices.”

Mrs Forsythe said that the concession from councils for salary and finance boosts would be amalgamation and reducing in councillor numbers from 520 part-time to 120 full-time.

“Local government can’t expect to be given a blank cheque to prop up dysfunctional local councils.  They need to embrace reform and transparency.”

Mrs Forsythe said that Sydney Business Chamber will be forming a taskforce with other key stakeholders to pursue local government reform.