Jillian Skinner’s retirement forced Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s hand on council mergers, says North Sydney Mayor
FEAR over losing the prized Liberal seat of North Shore is the driving force behind the State Government’s plans to abandon council mergers, local councillors say.
Mosman
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mosman. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JILLIAN Skinner’s early retirement has forced Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s hand on council amalgamations, the North Sydney mayor says.
The North Shore MP walked away from parliament last week sparking a by-election in the prized blue ribbon seat of North Shore.
Days later it has emerged that the Premier is considering abandoning the State Government’s drive for mergers, championed by her predecessor Mike Baird who also retired early.
“The resignation of our local member Jillian Skinner has forced this backdown on amalgamations,” Mayor Jilly Gibson said.
“The Liberals cannot afford to lose the seat of North Shore to an independent otherwise the whole government is at risk.
“This is a historic day for North Sydney Council.”
The north shore electorate has a history of choosing independents as Ted Mack and Robyn Read represented the area before Mrs Skinner.
A number of high-profile independents have indicated they are keen to run in the by-election, which is expected to be held in late March or early April.
Movement on the council agenda began when Nationals MP Paul Toole was switched from his local government portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle to racing, lands and forestry.
Only last year, new Premier was 100% pro-forced council amalgamations as "less is more" - what's changed? Hypocrisy!https://t.co/lTYyy3mqlm
— MaryAnn Beregi (@voteformaryann) February 1, 2017
A leak this week revealed that Ms Berejiklian was considering a reversal of the amalgamation process for councils fighting in court.
And that she may allow plebiscites at the next local government election on councils that have already been merged.
North Sydney and Mosman put up a legal fight against their planned merger with Willoughby — and the battle is still running through the courts.
Save Our Councils Coalition (SOCC) president Carolyn Corrigan was hesitant to welcome the speculation that the State Government planned to abandon forced council mergers.
“I think we are in a holding pattern until we receive confirmation,” she said.
“We will make further comment when we see more information after the cabinet meeting.
“It appears that the councils fighting in court will be safe, but the devil is in the detail for the councils which have been forcibly merged.
“Because if they say our merger (Mosman) will be stopped, you have to go back to the beginning to say the whole process was illegal and flawed.
“You have to back to the drawing board and stop the lot; that would be the fair and proper thing to do.”
The anti-amalgamation campaigner and Mosman councillor said she would not be surprised if Ms Berejiklian decided to back down on forced mergers.
“I think they are very, very frightened about their seats of North Shore and Manly,” Councillor Corrigan said.
“You could only imagine they would be doing this for political expediency; they would not do this if they were not worried.”
The Mosman Against Forced Amalgamation (MAFA) group congratulated Ms Berejiklian for plans to abandon the proposed amalgamation.
STUDENTS., TEACHER, STABBED IN SYDNEY SCHOOL
“Assuming we receive official confirmation this would represent a just victory for the voice of Mosman residents and democracy,” a spokesman said in a statement.
“We very much appreciate that the NSW Government has listened to the electorate and understands the vital importance of local government. At the same time we feel for our
neighbours that have already been forcibly merged and trust that the Premier will also give them the opportunity to decide their own future.”
‘A bit close’: Stars, standouts as Waratahs continue Super Rugby U19s march
The Waratahs have continued their match towards the decider of the Super Rugby U19s but there’s still things that need to be sorted. Stars, standouts, great photos from battle with Reds.
Comeback, two-try stars in Waratahs v Reds U16s Super Rugby battle
It took them a while but the NSW Waratahs finally found their groove against the Queensland Reds as one of rugby’s best rivalries ignited in the Super Rugby U16s. Stars, great photos.