Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (10:24): I rise to congratulate the 2227 people that put themselves forward for election at the recent local government elections. Whether you were successful or not, whether you were the incumbent or whether you were the challenger, I say well done to you for having a go and putting yourself on the ballot.

My region of Eastern Victoria Region shares its boundaries with 12 local government areas. Across many of the councils there was a large degree of change, and I believe that most of it was due to the councils moving away from their traditional responsibilities and inserting themselves into national or even international affairs. In a recent speech to the local government association in New Zealand, Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said:

Ratepayers expect local government to do the basics and to do the basics brilliantly. Pick up the rubbish. Fix the pipes. Fill in potholes. And more generally, maintain local assets quickly, carefully, and cost effectively.

…

Ratepayers are sick of the white elephants and non-delivery.

My challenge to you all is: rein in the fantasies and get back to delivering the basics brilliantly. I could not agree more, and I hope that these results see local governments across Victoria return to delivering the basics: roads, rates and rubbish. I look forward to working with many at the new councils.