Today the NSW Parliament Legislative Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment (Election Date) Bill to move the election date for the local government elections from the fourth to second Saturday in September to avoid conflict with school holidays.
The Member for Davidson, Jonathan O'Dea, welcomed this legislation which moves the election date to Saturday, 13 September 2008.
“Like many others in this Place, I have previously served as a local government councillor and encourage a wide range of candidates to stand for election to Warringah Council on September 2008,” Mr O’Dea said.
“I am particularly pleased that local democracy will be returned to Warringah Council two weeks earlier than previously planned.
“It is important those who stand for office in Warringah think seriously about the huge responsibility they will take on as the Council emerges from Administration.
“There will be a lot of public interest in how the councillors perform and after the Wollongong fiasco the importance of integrity and probity will be paramount in voters’ minds.
Mr O’Dea also suggested that it was time to consider a system more like the United States, with local, State and Federal elections potentially to be held every four years on the same day.
“Fixed four year terms in all electoral spheres across Australia could bring greater certainty, convenience and stability to the democratic process,” Mr O’Dea said.
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
