“What we want is nothing more than equity”

LABOR TO ABOLISH REGIONAL HEALTH MINISTER

MEDIA RELEASE

160 plus Local Government delegates representing eighty Councils in Regional, Rural and Remote NSW joined forces in Sydney to put the hard questions to the six major political parties contesting the 25 March State election.

Leaders or their representatives from the Coalition, Labor Party, Greens Party, One Nation, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers and Animal Justice Party all committed to the forum, each had their twenty minute’s addressing the CMA members with their party’s policies and platforms prior to an extended question and answer session where members sort commitments to our priority positions.

Chairman Mayor Jamie Chaffey said “I was encouraged by the panels mostly positive comments that aligned with our suggested solutions to the big issues, however very little commitments were given from the two major parties, with thirty days still to go in the campaign our members are hopeful that both Labor and the Coalition will make policy announcements that will match our calls to Build Country Homes, Build Country Trades, Fix Country Pinch Points and provide for Smarter Country Water Users ”.

Immediate Past Chairman Mayor Ken Keith from the Parkes Shire Council asked the panel; Will you be retaining the Ministry of Regional Health and the independent Health Advisory Committee currently advising Minister Taylor on the 44 recommendations from the Upper House inquiry post the election. Whilst the Deputy Premier could confirm that the Coalition Government would commit to the request, Labor’s representative stated that they are committed to having one Health Minister for the State if elected. Our CMA members are very concerned with this approach.

On a brighter note, when all panellists were pressed on their position if they were to form the next NSW Government could you rule out any forced Council amalgamations, all party representatives confirmed there will be NO forced joining of any councils in the next term of Government.

Deputy Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM said, “I was overwhelmed to see such a large number of passionate servants in the Local Government family come together with one voice to share our priorities for the upcoming election”. Almost 170 delegates including Mayors, Councillors and General Managers representing 80 Councils committed their time to voice the needs of growing Regional, Rural and Remote communities.

“We know we are stronger together and that is why we put politics’ aside and call for bipartisan support for all our endorsed priorities covering the eight priority areas. “ Mayor Firman said.

For further information, contact Cr Jamie Chaffey on 0467 402 412.

Share the Post:

Recent news