AMALGAMATION: 16 DECEMBER 2016

John Barilaro … obviously a politician who cares about strengthening local government

With John Barilaro having recently risen to the positions of Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals, Cabonne’s Amalgamation No Thank You (ANTY) group decided to have a look at what he said in his maiden speech when elected to Parliament in 2011:

— In referring to the previous Labor Government, Mr Barilaro said: “… I have had a gutful of a Government, led by the vocal minority, selling out our hopes and dreams …”

— And again referring to the previous Labor government: “The overwhelming message I received from the people of Monaro is that they are passionate about their community but they were discouraged by a Government that just stopped listening.”

— “I am determined to address issues around infrastructure, for roads, sports fields, and educational and community facilities, with a new emphasis on regional communities given priority and returning more planning powers to communities by empowering and supporting local government.”

— “I do understand that government is seen at times to hardly ever be the solution to the problem but quite often the cause, but this can change by allowing common sense to prevail and restoring accountability and transparency to government.”

— “Most of all, I thank the people in the Monaro for their vote of confidence. My commitment to them is that I will fight to ensure that their voice will be heard, their concerns addressed and their hopes realised.”

— “Let us not lose sight of what we have been elected to do on behalf of our communities. The job of a local member is simple: Speak with the people’s voice and promote the vision designed by them.”

“Now that Mr Barilaro is leader of the NSW Nationals, his constituents nowcover all of regional NSW and the principles he has espoused are transferrable to his new role,” said Jock Haynes, Chairman of ANTY.

“It is clear that he is keen to truly represent his constituents, ensuring their voices, hopes and vision will be not just be heard but also realised.

“It would also appear that he is a strong supporter of local government and increasing its current role, not diminishing it by forced mergers, and his stance on governmental transparency would no doubt have seen him dismayed at the NSW Government’s decision to not release full details of financial calculations and determinations in both the IPART Fit For The Future and KPMG reports.

“Given what he stands for, ANTY therefore has even more faith in Mr Barilaro to be able to reverse the proposed forced merger of a financially fit Cabonne Council.”

Mr Barolaro’s full speech can be found at:

https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/
DBAssets/85/John Barilaro Inaugural Speech.pdf

Based on media release issued by ANTY.