Funding Transparency

The Hon. S.L. GAME (14:31): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, representing the Minister for Local Government, about funding transparency.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.L. GAME: Charles Sturt council will close public consultation on a proposed six and a half million dollars project at Jubilee Reserve in West Lakes Shore next week on 19 November. The proposal is being considered due to an exclusive and invite-only $5 million funding commitment from Federal Labor MP to 'secure a home for the Adelaide Jaguars Women's Soccer Club'.

An Advertiser report from 12 October included quotes from the North West Junior Soccer Association chairperson, who said that one-third of the oval currently used by his association could be lost as a result of this upgrade, meaning that more than 400 primary school children would miss out on playing sport regularly.

Freedom of information documents show council staff called the plan 'gobsmacking' and a 'takeover' and said it would push out existing users. FOI documents also show the mayor and council staff were told by Mr Butler's office that 'making this happen is their number 1 priority', even though this project was not listed on any asset management plan or existing precinct master plan.

My questions to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, representing the Minister for Local Government, are:

1. Given community concerns from FOI documents giving the perception of political influence on council decision-making, can the local government minister explain if South Australian councils should have a role in electioneering on behalf of state and federal MPs and candidates and whether it is appropriate or permitted under legislation?

2. If they don't have a role, what action will the local government minister take to ensure more fairness and transparency within dealings between the different levels of government to ensure that any election commitments are in line with community needs and council-approved plans, rather than arbitrary choices of members of parliament or candidates?

3. Will the local government minister take these community concerns to Charles Sturt council or intervene to conduct a full review in line with section 270 of the Local Government Act before public consultation on this proposal closes?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:33): I thank the honourable member for her questions. There certainly seemed to be a lot of opinion in that question, but I am happy to refer it to the minister in the other place for any information that can be provided.