The largest coalition of peak bodies in Tasmanian history has united today (Sunday) in the campaign calling for local government reform.
With 21 organisations now members of the Tasmanians for Reform coalition, a cross section of the group came together today to stick up for local government reform and plaster a number of wheelie
bins with the ‘reduce rates’ message on Hobart’s Parliament House lawns.
Spokeswoman for Tasmanians for Reform, Mary Massina said with a population of a little over 506,000 people it was ridiculous to have 29 councils and 281 councillors costing the state millions of dollars each year. It therefore comes as no surprise so many different groups have joint the coalition,” Ms Massina said.
“Tasmanians for Reform is now the largest of its kind in Tasmanian history, with peak organisations representing chemists, car dealers, plumbers, hoteliers, real estate agents, small businesses, hair
dressers and butchers, just to name a few.
“This is not some flash in the pan, but a genuine call for a mature debate on the issue of local government reform.”
Tasmanian Hospitality Association head Steve Old said his members were fed up with complicated planning laws, spiralling rates charges and a decline in service from local government.
“When I put it to my membership that something needed to be done about local government, there was a resounding ‘yes’,” Mr Old said.
Master Builders Tasmania Executive Director Michael Kerschbaum said the call for local government reform from his members was a no-brainer.
“Everyday my members have to deal with an increasingly complex system of unnecessary processes in local government that is different in 29 parts of Tasmania, just to get their jobs done,” Mr Kerschbaum said.
“Put simply, the sooner local government is reformed in Tasmania, the sooner my members can get on with their job.”
Ms Massina, said since releasing the Deloitte Access Economics Report pointing to efficiencies of up to 35 per cent from local government reform, support continued to grow rapidly.
“In addition an independent poll conducted by EMRS has revealed that some 69 per cent of the community support the call for council amalgamation,” Ms Massina said.
“This is not about losing representation, but rather about getting better services and infrastructure, delivered at a cheaper price.”
So far those joining Tasmanians for Reform include:
Master Builders Tasmania
Tasmanian Small Business Council
Hair and Beauty Tasmania
Master Plumbers Association
Real Estate Institute of Tasmania
Tasmanian Hospitality Association
Devonport Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce
Property Council of Australia, Tasmania Division
Launceston Chamber of Commerce
Launceston City Prom
Business Association of Tasmania
Civil Contractors Federation
Pharmacy Guild
Hobart Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tasmanian Independent Retailers
Association of Independent Retiree’s
Shopping Centre Council
Australian Meat Industry Council, Tasmanian Division
Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Retail Traders Association of Tasmania
