The TCCI’s latest move into the red is of significant concern. It is also one of the reasons it was time I felt to consider the Hobart City Council’s involvement with and subscription to such organisations.
This is the second time the TCCI has reported such a significant loss of members’ money, with Sue Neales writing extensively on the issue at year’s end 2010.
At last week’s Council meeting (May 14), I moved that we review all of our memberships, and with the help of Philip Cocker, this was supported.
We were successful in winning unanimous support to withdraw from the Property Council.
The Property Council is spearheading Tasmanians for Reform, a campaign for council amalgamations.
HCC has taken the position that the Property Council approach would not deliver anywhere near the savings and benefits they estimate.
My reading of their Deloitte report, often quoted by CEO Mary Massina, suggests savings may be possible with amalgamations, but the figures often quoted are at the maximum end of the scale, which distorts the picture and in my opinion weakens the important debate Tasmania should have.
Other annual subscriptions of public funds to what are essentially lobby groups should be considered, and it is my strong desire to create some distance from those organisations.
For better governance, I believe it is time that the HCC was at arm’s length from organisations. That way it is easier to make decisions objectively, and to scrutinise how best we spend ratepayers’ money.
This comment was first published as comment on this story: TCCI: Pay it back, here
