Rushed policy has become the hallmark of the Malinauskas Labor Government as it
arrogantly rammed new and controversial council merger legislation through Parliament last
night, blindsiding two regional mayors and communities in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter Malinauskas\u2019 shock move drew the ire of the Local Government Association, which
said it was disappointed the \u201cLGA nor affected councils were adequately informed\u201d about the
significant reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Malinauskas Labor Government forced through its legislation in the Lower House,
sacrificing the long-held and respected tradition of laying new Bills on the table for a period
of two sitting weeks or 10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leader of Government Business Tom Koutsantonis has historically been extremely vocal
about the need for such a process:
\u201cThe reason we have this practice and procedure in this parliament is that we are able to
read that legislation, understand it, go away and consult on the legislation, talk to
stakeholders about that legislation, get advice on potential amendments we may or may not
wish to move and be briefed by the government on the intent of the legislation. That is the
way the normal practice of reform occurs in this parliament and it has for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Manager of Opposition Business John Gardner slammed Peter Malinauskas rushing
legislation through the parliament without proper consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeter Malinauskas hasn\u2019t explained where this idea came from and why there was no
consultation and now he has denied members of parliament the opportunity to consult with
residents and stakeholders on this Bill,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t even bother to tell the mayors of both councils in the South East he wants them to
merge. It\u2019s a reckless blindside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shadow Minister for Local Government Sam Telfer said the Liberal Party has always driven
important local government reform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve lobbied for proactive proposals such as restrictions on CEO salaries and restrictions
on council rates to support ratepayers,\u201d Mr Telfer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPeter Malinauskas\u2019 Labor Party is notorious for rejecting local government reform at every
possible opportunity and they did nothing in this area for 16 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is just another Peter Malinauskas thought bubble and a prime example of the Premier
putting the cart before the horse because he\u2019s had a couple of trips to Mount Gambier and
he thinks it\u2019ll make him popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCouncils in the South East haven\u2019t had any involvement in these discussions and once
again Peter Malinauskas has left the community, the most important part of this process, out
of the loop.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rushed policy has become the hallmark of the Malinauskas Labor Government as itarrogantly rammed new and controversial council merger legislation through Parliament lastnight, blindsiding two regional mayors and communities in the process. Peter Malinauskas\u2019 shock move drew the ire of the Local Government Association, whichsaid it was disappointed the \u201cLGA nor affected councils were adequately …<\/p>\n