Mr BELL - 1994-08-24
I draw the attention of the minister to my 1992 representations, which sadly were rejected by the Alice Springs Town Council, for the implementation of a ward system and the more recent endorsement of such views by the member for Braitling. I point out to the minister that there is a particular community of interest south of Heavitree Gap in the farm area in my electorate and that far smaller government entities at Borroloola and Litchfield have ward systems. Will the minister implement a ward system in Alice Springs, pursuant to the powers of executive government under section 30 of the Local Government Act?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am an active supporter of the ward system. I think Alice Springs is of a size to justify a ward system being introduced. I believe recent by-elections in Alice Springs provided very clear evidence of the value that a ward system would have in the Alice Springs community.
However, I am also an advocate and supporter of the general competency provisions of local government that were introduced by our government. I believe that no pre-emptive action should be taken without full and open consultation with the Alice Springs Town Council. I undertake to take up that matter. That is an undertaking I have given already to the member for Braitling who raised this matter up with me shortly after her election. Given that she was recently a member of the Alice Springs Town Council, she is very intimately aware of the circumstances in respect of the council. I have thanked her for her advice on this matter and I will certainly consult with her closely in relation to discussions with the Alice Springs Town Council.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am an active supporter of the ward system. I think Alice Springs is of a size to justify a ward system being introduced. I believe recent by-elections in Alice Springs provided very clear evidence of the value that a ward system would have in the Alice Springs community.
However, I am also an advocate and supporter of the general competency provisions of local government that were introduced by our government. I believe that no pre-emptive action should be taken without full and open consultation with the Alice Springs Town Council. I undertake to take up that matter. That is an undertaking I have given already to the member for Braitling who raised this matter up with me shortly after her election. Given that she was recently a member of the Alice Springs Town Council, she is very intimately aware of the circumstances in respect of the council. I have thanked her for her advice on this matter and I will certainly consult with her closely in relation to discussions with the Alice Springs Town Council.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016