Local Government Reform

Mr TELFER (Flinders) (15:14): A supplementary to the local government minister: has the minister actually identified any further local government reforms he is looking to instigate or investigate, rather than simply write a letter about the subject matter?

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs) (15:14): A very good question from the shadow and an ex-President of the LGA; I certainly take that on board. I have made it quite clear in this house here that we are just settling in to these roles. I want to be able to very clearly look at the best opportunities for local government in the future and I want to make certain we can do the best opportunities we can. The November elections are coming up. I encourage people to nominate. I encourage everybody in this house here to encourage their constituents to talk to their council about promoting the local government elections coming up, both for mayors and the elected members of the council.

I will be working very closely with the LGA, the Office of Local Government and my colleague the shadow minister, to ensure that we have the best opportunity to make sure that we improve the operation, the consistency and the conduct, of not only the elected members of the councils but also the administration and the CEOs' remuneration. To the shadow minister, yes, I will be looking at that opportunity in the near future and, as I have said in this house before, I will be very open to having a collaboration with you as the shadow minister.