Essential Services Commission of South Australia

In reply to Mr TELFER (Flinders) ((20 June 2022).). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Regional Roads, Minister for Veterans Affairs): I have been advised:

The Statutes Amendment (Local Government Review) Act 2021 establishes a local government rates oversight scheme, which commenced on 30 April 2022.

Under this scheme, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) will provide independent advice to each council every four years on the appropriateness of council revenue and rating decisions within the context of their long-term financial planning.

In March 2022, ESCOSA released its Draft Framework and Approach for the scheme for public consultation, which concluded on 27 May 2022.

The draft framework set out the methodology by which ESCOSA proposes to deliver the rates oversight scheme. It sets out the legal framework in which the scheme has been developed, outlines ESCOSA's expected approach to the advice it will provide councils, and the information that councils must provide to ESCOSA every four years.

Reflecting the intent of the scheme for ESCOSA to provide independent advice to councils, ESCOSA will engage directly with the local government sector as the new scheme is implemented. Accordingly, I have not provided feedback or guidance to ESCOSA on the scope of the review proposed in the draft Framework and Approach.