Legislative Council Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2) 51 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Local Government Amalgamations LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMALGAMATIONS The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD Legislative Council 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 Legislative Council 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 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMALGAMATIONS 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.