New code of meeting laws for NSW Local Government have been secretly passed by the Minns Government.
We are witnessing a deliberate attempt (by the NSW Government) to silence the very people elected to represent our community.
Councillors are being constrained, threatened, and sidelined for expressing opinions on behalf of the residents who democratically elected them.
This is not just poor governance - it is a direct assault on our fundamental rights.
The Human Rights Act 2004, Section 16 (1) is unequivocal: “Everyone has the right to hold opinions without interference”.
Despite this clear mandate, our mayors, and Local Government organisations – fully aware of these changes - have done absolutely nothing. Their silence is deafening. Their inaction is indefensible.
Murray River councillors are democratically elected to represent the people.
Not to be muted by bureaucratic processes, political convenience, or fear of reprisal.
When elected representatives are silenced, it is the community itself that is silenced.
If the Minister is genuinely serious about “cleaning up” Local Government, the solution is obvious.
He should dismiss the incompetent, government led investigative processes that have delivered little more than paperwork and public frustration.
Serious allegations deserve serious treatment; referred to the police, where real investigations occur, with consequences and penalties, including jail time when warranted.
What we currently have is an ineffective system that protects process over people and bureaucracy over democracy.
Evidenced by the multiple commission enquires that lay dormant without any follow up prosecutions that have cost our NSW ratepayer/taxpayers millions without a single prosecution.
Freedom of expression is not optional.
Democratic representation is not negotiable.
Labor Minister Ron Hoenig, our communities deserve far better than silence and inaction.
Yours etc.
Gen Campbell
Moama
37°C