Friday 8 November 2024
The Allan Labor Government has revealed the names of five new monitors to watch over local councils, a move that underlines a concerning growth industry built on mistrust.
Names were confirmed this week to watch over the Strathbogie, Whittlesea and Casey councils as the number of monitors playing “Big Brother” roles in councils reaches unprecedented levels.
The spruiking of these appointments exposes Labor’s distrust in its own “reforms.”
Just weeks ago, Labor in Parliament introduced mandatory training for councillors. Clearly, Labor has no faith in that training, as it has opts for direct state control.
This latest intervention highlights a pattern of escalating control under Labor, which has turned to “Big Brother” tactics to keep tabs on councils.
With more than 25 council monitor appointments since 2020, Labor’s failure to support, and have faith in, local governments has never been more obvious.
Since passing the restrictive Local Government Act in 2020, Labor has piled on regulations, pushed unfunded mandates and forced councils to shoulder responsibilities without adequate support – all while claiming their mandatory training would “fix” governance issues.
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Walsh, slammed the government’s actions.
“The Allan Labor Government is making it clear that it doesn’t even trust its own training program – one they just rammed through Parliament,” Mr Walsh said.
“By imposing monitors, they’re saying loud and clear that they don’t believe in the very measures they’ve forced on councils.”
“From charging councils for basic services, like free immunisation registrations, to burdening them with housing mandates without funding, Labor continues to burden councils without real support.
“With these additional monitors, Labor is treating councils as scapegoats for its own mismanagement, piling on more control while stripping local voices from the communities they serve.
“Ratepayers should be alarmed that instead of supporting councils, this government is choosing to police them.
“Labor doesn’t trust councils and ratepayers are paying the price.”