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Local Government leading the way with e-government

In officially opening the Western Australian Municipal Association's (WAMA) Annual Conference, Premier Richard Court said that Local Government is very much about helping to bring communities together. He said there is no better example of this than the recent Olympic Torch Relay.

"Local Government and community organisations came together to organise this major logistical exercise," the Premier said.

"This has enabled hundreds of thousands of people, many unable to get to Sydney, to be part of the Olympics."

With the State Government aiming to have all households in Western Australia online within five years, the Premier said that Councils are playing a key role in achieving this. Around the state, Councils are developing strategies to use the new technology to their advantage, and greater convenience for residents and ratepayers. Senator Julie Bishop also spoke on the growing importance of information technology and e-government.

"Government must embrace technology changes providing a better way for citizens to interact with their elected representatives," she said.

Senator Bishop believes it will and should be Local Government that takes the lead role in e-government.

"People are expecting 24 hour service, seven days a week," she said. "They want fast, uncomplicated customer driven service.

"Five million Australians are regularly using the Internet but many are not. The digital divide is a problem and it is here Local Government can come into it. Councils can greatly assist local people learn about using the Net."

She said the use of portals to integrate all local services, not just Council services, can create a one stop shop for both government and non government activities.

"Be creative, think about partnerships in your area," she said. "Don't leave it up to the IT people in your Council.

Pointing to a recent Democrat Primary in the USA, which resulted in a 60 percent increase in voter turnout through Internet voting, she said that voting via the Net is just a matter of time.

Western Australia's Minister for Local Government, Paul Omedei, said that the new Local Government Act has given Councils more autonomous decision making, balanced with greater accountability to local communities.

"Local Government is taking a very professional approach to communicating with its residents," the Minister said.

He said the Councillor Advice Program and Councillor Training Weekends are greatly assisting this process. These are now receiving national attention. As an example of improved communications and accountability, this year budget preparations resulted in 80 percent of Councils exceeded the minimum standard. Five years ago less than one third achieved this.

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Mark McGowan, said, with the State election due early in 2001, a Labor Government would put in place a partnership agreement between State and Local Government.

"This would spell out roles and expectations and provide guaranteed consultation on changes to laws impacting on Local Government," he said.

He added that the issue of unfunded mandates also needs to be addressed. On boundary changes, he said under a Labor Government changes would be solely on a voluntary basis.

During the Conference Week, Councillor Jamie Edwards stood down as WAMA President. Newly elected WAMA President is Councillor Ian Mickel.

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