the state bureaucratic monster

[Gingermick]

This is an interesting article and thought it might provoke debate. There must be some people in favour of keeping state governments, but I can't think of any reason why.

[wheelinround]

On mass I think we all agree.

[Bob38S]

I couldn't argue in favour of/for them.

All I can see lately is we pay more, get less and the less we get appears to in the most inefficient form possible.

[masoth]

Indeed, the article is interesting and has been the subject of debate for years. When Australia becomes a republic (I believe this to be inevitable) the major seat shuffling might just allow for a referendum to rid us of the State level of government - it also will require a major face-lift in the local government sector.
This 'change' will not, however, automatically rid us of bureaucratic bumbling and major costs as the present incumbents will drift to the newer power base and take thier 'castle building' thinking with them.

A good post Gingermick. Let's hope for plenty of contribution.

soth

[Gingermick]

I had thought the local sector needed more responsibility, but Captain Bligh has managed to hoist this local government amalgamation on QLD local areas in an apparent effort to put the spotlight on local mismanagement rather than state wide mismanagement.

[Luddite]

I agree we have way too much government for such a small country, however I have a concern with giving too much responsibility to local government. There have been so many local councils sacked for improper behaviour that to give them more responsibility is frightening.

If I could be convinced the local government would not be overtaken by every crooked property developer I would be convinced it is a good idea. Not sure how you will convince me of this, NSW government seems to be doing the bidding for some very strange groups at the moment, so how will the local guys be any different?

Having said this, given we have Nathan Rees in NSW at the moment, local government would at least be entertaining!

Anthony

[artme]

Maybe all levels of government could establish committees to examine this research and contest its validity.

[bobsreturn2003]

Some one once said we have the best goverment money can buy!

[mikm]

I think we need to be aware of the potentially very biased views of "think tanks" such as the Institute of Public Affairs (right wing conservative) or the Australia Institute (lefties). While a couple of years old now, Think Tank Secrets is worth a read along side anything released by vested interests such as the IPA or the AI.

Having said that, I share concerns about small minded empire builders in local councils being given any more power.

[Gingermick]

I did read somewhere that some research body concluded Australia has about the right number, maybe even on the low side, of politicians.
ye gods, must have been a political think tank

[ian]

This is an interesting article and thought it might provoke debate. There must be some people in favour of keeping state governments, but I can't think of any reason why.

I must be reading a different article to you

The one I read said that over the period studied, State government bureaucracies (and by extension the amount of state revenue spent on the wages costs of administrative staff) grew at an unsustainable rate.
I don't disagree.
However, I didn't read anything about the phenomena (which in management speak is called "employee capture") being pecular to the existance of the States per see.

[Gingermick]

True, I just used that argument to enter a debate about ridding us of that appalling waste. And no, indeed that is not an issue endemic to state governments, however the loss of them would leave us with one fewer burden.

[Luddite]

True, I just used that argument to enter a debate about ridding us of that appalling waste. And no, indeed that is not an issue endemic to state governments, however the loss of them would leave us with one fewer burden.

Gingermick,

All you need to do to support your argument, if indeed you do need to do that at all, is to read the front page of the SMH today (or almost any day)....NSW Govt is in an irreversible mess. Our state guys support the best of arguments for not needing them; although the democratic process will without doubt clarify that at the next election.

Cheers,

Anthony

[Gingermick]

yes, but you'll still have politicians and the waste will perpetuate until they are all used as a cheap fertiliser. Not that i'd advocate anything like that

[q9]

I had thought the local sector needed more responsibility, but Captain Bligh has managed to hoist this local government amalgamation on QLD local areas in an apparent effort to put the spotlight on local mismanagement rather than state wide mismanagement.

My wife used to audit local councils pre-amalgamation. The state governments response was appropriate, and well justified.

Massive difference between well run councils, and badly run councils, of similar size and revenue base. I'm not allowed to say any more than that.

Oh, but remember the old saying. The empty drum makes the most noise...