Gippsland › Latest news › Danny O'Brien MP
Rate relief to address funding disparities in local councils via parliamentary inquiry raises from Danny O'Brien
Mr. O'Brien leads an inquiry, backed by The Nationals, addressing funding disparities in local councils. It questions property rates as revenue, seeks modernization, explores alternative funding models, and aims to improve service sustainability.
The arrival of annual rates notices has led to bill shock for many local ratepayers this month, heightening the need for a solution. The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien says he is hopeful that a parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and service delivery will lead to rate relief for Gippslanders.
The Legislative Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will conclude the inquiry and submit recommendations by June 30, 2024
Council funding reform
Mr O'Brien said the inquiry, which The Nationals successfully fought for in the Upper House, aims to fix inequities in the funding of local councils.
"In my view, property rates are not the best or most equitable form of revenue raising for local councils. It simply doesn't make sense that in the 21st century, we are still implementing a system that was developed in the 1600s when land was the main source of wealth."
"Local ratepayers are understandably struggling to keep up with rising costs while local governments are also struggling to maintain service delivery with cost-of-living increases being felt right across the board. This Inquiry will examine the overall revenue structure for local councils, whether it is sustainable and what alternative models there might be," Mr O'Brien said.
Local government funding review
Mr O'Brien said while he hopes the inquiry will lead to a solution to ease the pressure of increasing rates, it will also look at the entire funding model for local government. "It is important that we examine the impact that cost shifting from the state and federal governments is having on our local councils, especially long-suffering ratepayers."
"We need to look at what affects council's ability to manage core responsibilities like rubbish collection, road maintenance, footpaths and libraries and examine whether councils are meeting their service delivery objectives. This Inquiry must provide constructive advice to the government on building a more sustainable future for Victorian's local councils," he said.
The Economy and Infrastructure Committee of the Legislative Council will complete the inquiry and deliver recommendations to the government by 30 June 2024.
Pictures from Change.org website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
APS Drainage and Civil selected for culvert relining on Loch-Kernot Road in Bass Coast Shire from 13 May 2024 with $750,000 budget
Community feedback wanted on new policy for celebrating significant dates in Baw Baw Shire by 31 May 2024
Latrobe City Candlelight Vigil honoured domestic violence in 2024
Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 17 April 2024
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to ground
Community feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024