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:

In March 2022, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) released its Draft Framework and Approach for the scheme for public consultation, which concluded on 27 May 2022.

I am advised that the Local Government Association (LGA) prepared a consultation paper and has sought submissions from councils to inform a sector wide response to ESCOSA on the draft Framework and Approach. I have not formally received a copy of the LGA's submission to ESCOSA, however, I understand that the LGA has raised concerns about the proposed costs of the scheme.

I understand that the LGA is working with ESCOSA to ensure that the work ESCOSA will undertake is reasonable and will provide value for money for all councils.

It is important to note that the provision of independent, quality information and advice will assist councils to fulfil their responsibility for good financial management and will also provide an independent assessment for local communities to better understand the decisions that their councils make, and particularly decisions on the rates that councils collect in order to deliver their services.