This Bill Affects You and Your Kids: Don’t Let Governments Take Over!

Save Our Local Democracy – Stand Against the Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Bill 2024

To: Mildura Rural City Councilors

We, the undersigned, are gravely concerned about the impending passage of the "Local Government Amendment (Governance and Integrity) Bill 2024." This bill threatens to undermine our local autonomy, individual freedoms, and democratic processes. We urge you to reconsider and oppose this bill for the following reasons:

1. Centralisation of Power: The bill grants unprecedented powers to the Chief Municipal Inspector and the Minister, enabling them to suspend or disqualify councillors, conduct inquiries, and enforce strict compliance. This centralisation of authority risks biased and politically motivated actions, undermining the very foundation of our local democracy.

2. Silencing Dissent: The bill allows for the suspension and disqualification of councillors under vague and subjective criteria, such as "creating a serious risk to health and safety" or "preventing the council from performing its functions." These provisions can be misused to silence dissent and remove political opponents, eroding our democratic freedoms and stifling diverse voices.

3. Control Over Elected Officials: The requirement for ongoing mandatory training for councillors and mayors, coupled with penalties for non-compliance, represents an overreach into the autonomy of elected officials. This measure is a thinly veiled attempt to control and influence councillors' behaviour and decisions, aligning them with specific agendas rather than the will of the people they represent.

4. Restriction on Local Decision-Making: The bill imposes stringent restrictions on the sale, exchange, or transfer of land by councils, severely limiting their ability to manage local assets effectively. This not only hampers local governance but also opens potential loopholes for corruption, jeopardising the integrity of our local institutions.

5. Invasion of Privacy: Provisions requiring public access to personal interests and granting exceptions to confidentiality and privilege infringe on privacy and legal protections. These measures deter individuals from public service due to fear of exposure and misuse of personal information, weakening our democratic institutions by discouraging public participation.

This bill reflects a troubling trend towards increased government control and reduced local autonomy. It aligns with global agendas promoting centralised control over local and individual freedoms, which is contrary to the principles of democracy and self-governance that we hold dear.

Recent Legislative Changes with Similar Outcomes:

• Local Government Act 2020: Increased oversight and intervention powers for the Minister and Chief Municipal Inspector.
• Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment Act 2021: Expanded emergency powers to the health minister, limiting public debate and individual freedoms during health crises.
• Planning and Environment Amendment (Local Democracy) Act 2022: Restricted councils' decision-making powers in planning and development, centralising authority with state government bodies.

We may not have much time before this bill passes, and if it does, you could potentially face suspension for dissenting views. We must act now to protect our freedoms and stand against this encroaching centralisation of power.

It is time to represent the people and the community that voted you in and not be dictated to by higher levels of government. Stand up for the democratic principles that our community holds dear and protect our local autonomy and freedoms.

We urge you to critically examine this bill and consider the long-term implications it has on our local governance and individual freedoms. By opposing this bill, you protect not only the democratic processes that underpin our local governance but also the freedoms and autonomy of the individuals you serve.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Together, we can safeguard our local democracy and ensure that our voices are heard.

Sincerely,

J Mathew    Contact the author of the petition