State Government vows to work with councils to save ratepayers cash
The State Government’s failed push for a cap on council rates will stay dumped in 2020 but a bigger tax on rubbish will arrive with the new year.
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Controversial rate capping legislation is off the table for 2020 with councils instead being urged to work with the State Government to drive down costs for ratepayers.
Despite proroguing State Parliament – essentially allowing the Government to start the year with a clean slate – Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll has confirmed rate capping legislation would not be resurrected.
“The Marshall Government is working with the local government sector to deliver a comprehensive council reform package with legislation to be introduced in 2020,” Mr Knoll said.
“We will be considering benchmarking, stronger auditing procedures and initiatives to improve financial management from councils.”
LGA President Sam Telfer said councils were working closely with the Government on the issue, and supports in principle most of the proposals outlined in their local government reform discussion paper.
“Some of the changes supported by the LGA and local government sector include making the Remuneration Tribunal responsible for setting council CEO salary bands, improving the code of conduct process, and implementing a comprehensive online performance measurement and reporting system for councils,” he said.
Mr Knoll’s pledge comes as State Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas joined forces with the Local Government Association to raise concerns about a new household waste tax imposed on ratepayers.
From tomorrow the solid waste levy will increase from $110 to a $140 a tonne in a move the LGA say will cost ratepayers an additional $8.5 million this financial year.
In total, the LGA says the Solid Waste Levy will take $42.5 million from ratepayers next year.
Mr Malinauskas said despite a promise of lower costs South Australians were paying more for the “Bin Tax” under the State Government.
“Councils across the state have been forced to hike up their rates to cover this outrageous price hike, and families are starting to feel the full brunt of its affect,” Mr Malinauskas said.
Treasurer Rob Lucas said the Marshall Government had significantly reduced costs for South Australia. “While there has been some increases in fees and charges, which were announced nearly six months ago in the State Budget, they are swamped by reductions in the costs of running cars, managing your house or a variety of other costs,” he said.