Local Government Amalgamations

Mr BOYER (Wright) (14:30): My question is to the Deputy Premier. Can the Deputy Premier confirm that additional council amalgamations and not the creation of new councils is the Marshall Liberal government's policy for local government?

The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Planning and Local Government) (14:31): Our position is very clear in relation to amalgamations of councils: it is entirely voluntary and it is entirely up to them. We have a process of review and assessment and recommendation, which I have outlined, as to what's to go through if they wish to present for any changes. There is no position of our side of the house for any mandatory changes.