Keeping the Debate Alive

Perth Voice, 14th September 2013. Click to enlarge

I spoke at the Vincent Council meeting last night - and was pleased to see at first hand that it still provides the same open opportunity for people to comment or ask questions on any issue, not just those that are on the agenda, as it did when I was a councillor.

Here's what I said, in support of Mayor Alannah MacTiernan's Notice of Motion for the plebiscite:

I am a proud Vincent resident and have been since the day Vincent was established in 1994.

One of the great things about Vincent is its diversity – something celebrated on the front page of every Council Agenda and Minutes.

And the best way of acknowledging and working with diversity is to be inclusive – not dictatorial.

Personally, I want to remain a Vincent resident. But this is not about what particular future any of us sees for Vincent – it’s about those of us who live here or have businesses here having a say in that future.

Colin Barnett proposes to remove our current right to reject proposed changes if we don’t see them as being in our interests. I understand that a Bill to do this will be introduced into the Legislative Assembly this Thursday.

He cannot, however, prevent our expressing our view through a plebiscite, as proposed in this Notice of Motion. The result might not be binding – but it will send a very clear message to the Premier and the Minister for Local Government.

A number of other local governments, including at least three in Colin Barnett’s own electorate, are doing the same thing. Collectively, we have a great opportunity to assert our right to be consulted about how we are governed.

At the level of local and State government, that is called democracy. Colin Barnett proposes to remove a key element of local government democracy.

Please support this motion and allow us to tell the Premier what we think of his proposal, which is the worst possible way of achieving his objective of larger local governments.

And, whatever difficulties the Electoral Commission might put in the way, please retain all three parts of the proposed question, so that those of us who support Vincent remaining as it is, as well as those who support going to the City of Perth, can be heard.