Councillor-MP NSW ban an ‘attack on Moore’
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The New South Wales Government says proposed laws to ban MPs from also serving on local councils will prevent conflicts of interest.
But critics say the plan is a thinly veiled attack on Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Ms Moore is one of 29 MPs in State Parliament who would be affected by the new rules.
Local Government Minister Don Page says councillors who are elected as MPs will be given 18 months to decide which role they want to keep.
They would be forced to quit the other.
“I think that’s what the community expects, that if you’re elected to State Parliament you give it your 100 per cent. You don’t have some other job on the side,” Mr Page said.
The Government plans to introduce the laws before the next council elections are held in September.
Lake Macquarie independent MP Greg Piper, who is also the city’s Mayor, admits the two roles can take a toll.
But he says the real reason for the laws is clear.
“Let’s be under no illusions about the decision by the Premier. This isn’t about Greg Piper and it’s not about the 27 other members who might be either mayors or councillors,” Mr Piper said.
“This is about Clover Moore. This has always been about Clover Moore and it’s one of the most cynical and hypocritical processes I’ve seen.”
Ms Moore also believes she is the target.
She says holding the dual roles works well and prevents duplication.
“I can be very effective representing the same community on the same issues at both state and local levels,” Ms Moore said.
“It’s not only for me representing the City of Sydney but it’s particularly for country members too, where their communities are a long way from the Sydney Parliament and it’s an opportunity to be able to be really effective for your local community.”
Treasurer Mike Baird says the proposal simply brings NSW into line with other states around Australia.
“To jump from one level of government to the next, that is the issue, and we are just being consistent with every other state, and I think that every community would be happy to have their member focused on their primary responsibility,” Mr Baird said.
Topics:states-and-territories, local-government, state-parliament, elections, sydney-2000, nsw