The 19 June 2008 Department of Local Government Circular No. 08-37, states in part.

“ COUNCIL DECISION MAKING PRIOR TO ORDINARY ELECTIONS

   The purpose of this Circular is to remind councils that major decisions affecting their areas should not be undertaken during the period leading up to ordinary elections.

    Like Commonwealth and State Governments, councils are expected to assume a “caretaker” role during election periods to ensure that major decisions are not made which would limit the actions of an incoming council.

    The caretaker period should commence from the date of the close of rolls (40 days before election day) being 4 August 2008 and end on the day the election is declared.

    Caretaker government conventions promote transparency and accountability in local government decision making and improve community confidence in councils.

    During caretaker periods, councils should exercise due caution in making major policy decisions that would bind an incoming council In summary, councils should avoid:

• determining controversial or significant development applications
• new or potentially controversial permanent appointments of general managers, and
• entering major contracts or undertakings.

    Councils should also avoid active distribution of material during this period if it promotes the current elected council’s policies or emphasises the achievements of an elected member or group. “

   For WSC Councillors and staff taking care means responsibly exercising their Duty of Care. Failure to act in the best interest of the Shireexposes them to the consequence of breaching the ethical, legal, and equitable principles to Do No Harm.

   Reported ICAC investigations, and the use of confidentiality agreements and gag orders (which may remain in force for many years) to avoid answering legitimate questions, is causing widespread disquiet in our community.

   It is increasingly difficult to fathom and accept WSC procedural processes. Apart from the Lehman investment debacle, which falls under the restrictions of sub judice, there are substantive and serious issues surrounding various WSC Planning Dept. decisions relating to interpretation, authorisation and enforcement.

  Perhaps there is nothing to hide; perhaps we need not be concerned about the Shire’s financial circumstances, and the integrity of our council’s procedures. However, in the event there has been insufficient compliance with Duty of Care responsibilities, we may bear the consequences long after those involved have left office, or indeed, the Shire.

   It is relatively easy for those seeking office to criticise and attack those in office. Often incumbents use the shield of achievement to effectively deflect such blows. In some instances the justification for criticism, questioning and grievance is such that it transcends the usual political milieu.

   Those seeking re-election must honestly ask themselves whose interest they wish to serve, and how conscientiously have they satisfied their Duty of Care.

Please Value Your Vote
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Authorized by Save The Highlands Inc. Edited by L M Coulson P.O. Box 102 Berrima, 2577