LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMALGAMATIONS

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:37): As a supplementary question, does the minister believe that we have too many councils?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:38): At present, I believe that the direction that we are proceeding in—and that is to consider better efficiencies through better partnerships and collaborations—is the preferred way to go. As I said, I have been a minister in this position now for 4½ hours. I have yet to be briefed and to have a full and detailed understanding of the portfolio and its full implications but, at this very early time in my ministerial responsibilities for this portfolio, I would have thought that that is the preferred direction.