Assertions Not Information

Five out of the six local government communities that have the privilege of being able to call a poll on the amalgamations being forced on them Kwinana, Cockburn, South Perth, Victoria Park and, now, East Fremantle) have now called for such a poll.

The information to be provided, along with voting papers, to electors by the Electoral Commission comes from the Local Government Advisory Board.

The 'YES' case consists of the usual unproven (and, indeed, contradicted by the evidence) categorical assertions about improved efficiency and sustainability - yet despite this are all stated without qualification.

The 'NO' case, in contrast is stated using weak language ('generally satisfied') and in less-than-certain terms ('may be'; 'may experience').

Case for YES
 The existing communities share similar social and economic characteristics.
 A larger local government has increased capacity to attract and retain specialist staff and provide greater levels of community leadership.
 The new local government will be more sustainable and better positioned to address challenges and provide services to its residents.
 A larger local government has a greater capacity to plan for the future of the communities.

Case for NO
 The existing local governments have a strong connection to their communities.
 Residents are generally satisfied with the standard and level of services provided by their current respective local governments.
 There may be some interruption to services during the amalgamation transition period.
 Residents and ratepayers may experience some level of uncertainty about how the changes will affect them.

The difference in language does not come as a surprise, as the LGAB has already determined, in its recommendation that is being tested at the poll, that, in its view, the 'yes' case is stronger than the 'no'. It is not appropriate, despite what the Local Government Act says, for the LGAB to provide this key information to voters where it has a clear conflict of interest - but then we already know that the LGAB doesn't understand conflict of interest.

Of even greater concern, however, is that none of the statements relates specifically to the people who are being asked to vote or to their local government. 

UPDATE 17th December

Published, although with some editing, in the letters page of the West Australian.