Local Government NSW has welcomed the change of government in NSW, saying councils are looking forward to working with Labor under a new intergovernmental agreement.
“Councils previously had an agreement with the Coalition Government signed by former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, but this agreement was disappointingly not renewed during the last Parliamentary term,” LGNSW President Darriea Turley said in a statement.
“We’re delighted that the incoming Minns Labor Government has committed to signing a new Agreement, which will provide the foundations for a more constructive way of working together.”
She called on the new government to honour its election commitments to review local government financial models, develop new grants guidelines, build affordable housing on government land, implement the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry into rural health and restore ‘red fleet’ assets to the RFS.
She also reminded Labor it had promised a $670 million emergency regional road repair fund.
“This money needs to flow into the system as quickly as possible to assist councils in building back local roads devastated by floods and torrential rains,” she said.
“There is a very big task ahead of the incoming government, but I am confident that a fresh Intergovernmental Agreement is a strong first step in forging the good faith partnership our communities need and expect.”
Senior ministers sworn in
Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns and his deputy Prue Car were sworn in this week following Labor’s weekend election victory, along with a senior leadership team.
They are:
- Prue Car – Minister for Education and Early Learning
- Penny Sharpe – Minster for the Environment; Minisgter for Heritage
- John Graham – Minister for Roads: Minister for the Arts; Minister for Night-time Economy and Music
- Daniel Mookhey – Treasurer; Minister for the Gig Economy
- Ryan Park – Minister for Health and Regional Health; Minister for Mental Health; Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast
- Jo Haylen – Minister for Transport
- Michael Daley – Attorney General
The six senior ministers would provide immediate leadership and direction both in their ministerial and interim portfolio responsibilities, Premier Minns said.
Mr Minns said Labor would put people at the heart of government and invest in the human capital that ran essential services.
“There’s not a moment to lose in delivering on our plans, particularly for essential workers and essential services in health and education,” he said in a statement after Tuesday’s swearing in.
“We know there are challenges ahead and accept our responsibility to meet them.”
Ms Car said the government has also committed to a significant program of investment in education, health, housing, local jobs and energy security, as well as moving on promised public sector wage talks.
“It is top of our agenda to … start negotiations on public sector wages as we fulfill our commitment to better remunerate our essential workers,” she said.
On Thursday Labor remained one seat short of a majority, with three seats still in the balance.
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