Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 11, 2024 10:19 am GMT
As local government elections approach in New South Wales, a startling reality is surfacing: 14 councils will appoint candidates to office without a vote due to a significant shortage of nominees. This situation reflects a growing trend where smaller communities feel increasingly disenfranchised, raising concerns about the health of democracy at the local level.
Election Overview and Statistics
Local government elections in NSW are set for Saturday, September 14, with 14 out of 128 councils facing uncontested elections. This marks a notable increase in unopposed positions compared to past elections; just 25 years ago, only one council went without a contest in the 1999 elections. The majority of the affected councils are situated in regional areas, highlighting an ongoing issue in these communities.
For residents in Cobar Shire, this will be the second consecutive election without a vote. Only 12 individuals nominated for the 12 available council positions, a development that many residents appear to accept. The electoral roll in Cobar lists fewer than 3,000 voters, and for some, having unopposed candidates is seen as insufficient cause for concern.
Community Perspectives on Candidate Shortages
Cobar resident Colleen Boucher described the town as a tightly-knit community where most residents know each other well. “If those people have put their hands up to do the job and they’re qualified to do it, I don’t see that’s an issue that we don’t go to poll,” she noted, suggesting a level of trust in the appointed council members. However, this view is not universally shared.
Others in the community have expressed discontent regarding the apathy surrounding local governance. Outgoing Cobar councillor Janine Lea-Barrett commented that small community dynamics may deter business owners from seeking election, fearing it could impact their customer base. She noted the reluctance among business owners to enter the political sphere, stating, “Sometimes [councillors] don’t have a choice or it’s not what all the residents would like.”
Outgoing councillor Julie Payne highlighted a broader societal issue, remarking that there appears to be waning involvement in community roles, including sports and other social committees. “We have in the community a little bit of apathy — the old Aussie saying ‘She’ll be right mate, someone else will do it,'” she explained.
Feelings of Disenfranchisement
Some residents are more critical of the status quo. Scott Maloney, 62, stated that the lack of concern regarding voting is “disheartening,” indicating a broader sense of disconnection within local towns. This sentiment reinforces the observation that towns like Cobar are experiencing feelings of disenfranchisement, with residents believing their votes do not meaningfully influence decisions.
Outgoing Warrumbungle Shire councillor Aniello Iannuzzi voiced similar concerns, noting that only nine individuals from a voter base exceeding 7,000 had put forward nominations. Iannuzzi pointed out that many residents are beginning to recognize limitations in the power held by local councils. “I think people are realizing our local councils don’t have a lot of power, a lot of the decisions that they carry are really decisions made in Sydney or Canberra,” he remarked.
Impact of Funding and Local Governance
The dynamics of local governance in regional areas are also affected by financial constraints. Iannuzzi remarked on the small rate base for country councils, which often leads to a reliance on state and federal grant funding. “It’s very difficult as a council to make decisions because the grants come with conditions,” he mentioned. This scenario has been a significant factor contributing to the lack of candidates willing to run for local office.
The reliance on external funding sources can leave councils feeling constrained, prompting some to believe that their decision-making power is limited. Iannuzzi added that recent government initiatives, such as plans for a renewable energy zone in his electorate, have further exacerbated feelings of powerlessness within local communities.
Local Government NSW’s Response
Addressing the current situation, Darriea Turley, President of Local Government NSW, stated that the absence of a democratic process in some regions should not be misinterpreted as weakness among local governments. She emphasized that the current challenges facing local councils must be recognized as a broader reflection of disempowerment at the community level, rather than a failure of local representatives. Turley’s perspective suggests that the struggle for effective representation and governance in these areas is complex, influenced by various economic and social factors.
Conclusion
As the election in September gets closer, we are seeing more councils with no one running against them. This should make us think about how local government works in New South Wales. It’s important for people in the community to be aware and involved, especially when state decisions impact their lives. If we talk about these issues, it might help people trust their local governments again. That way, everyone in the community can have their voices heard and feel represented.
