Despite continued claims of being the voice of the community, local government
representatives have again stated they are set to slug their long suffering ratepayers with
further increases in rates according to Tasmanians for Reform spokesperson, Mary Massina.
“While Tasmanians for Reform welcomes the acknowledgement by North West local
government leaders that cost of living is the number one concern for ratepayers, it is clear
there is no will to actually take action in reducing costs to the community,” Ms Massina
said.
“This comes in spite of an average annual increase of 8.4 per cent in rates and charges over
the last decade in unadjusted terms.
“Tasmanians are getting fed up with the hollow promises from local government, who claim
on the one hand to be the voice of the community yet, on the other hand, raise costs every
year at an alarming rate.
“When pushed on the issue of efficiency from amalgamation local government points to the
benefits of shared services to reduce costs, yet after many years of making the claims we
have seen no evidence that it is happening.
“In fact what we are seeing is rates still increasing, with Devonport’s increase likely to be
double that of the Consumer Price Index.”
Ms Massina said simple economic theory would show that money not spent propping up
inefficient councils will be spent elsewhere in the community, stimulating growth and
providing much needed employment for young Tasmanians.
“The challenge is now for the rest of local government to ensure that when they claim to be
the voice of the community, they actually reflect the community’s view in their actions, by
tightening their belts just like everybody else.”
Tasmanians for Reform spokesperson, Mary Massina
