As a non-Victorian resident, I had hoped that a change in premier might bring some sense to the Victorian government over the Murray Darling basin takeover. Sadly, it would appear that John Brumby also suffers from the delusion that Victoria owns the water and is just as willing as Steve Bracks to waste a heap of taxpayers money on a high court challenge.
It is unfortunate that a bunch of stubborn politicians can’t see past their state border, and see that handing control of the Murray Darling basin to the federal government is in the interests of all Australians.
Samuel Gordon-Stewart
Canberra
Comments Disabled To "Letter to the editor of The Herald Sun"
#1 Comment By davky On July 31, 2007 @ 7:41 am
Just out of curiosity, Sambo, would you, hypothetically, support the abolition of states and just have a unified Federal-Local system of government?
#2 Comment By Samuel On July 31, 2007 @ 8:37 am
That’s a tough question. I can see a lot of good arguments on both sides, but the more I think about it, the more I think I agree with it, especially when I consider how much time the state governments’ spend tending to their capital cities instead of making decisions for the entire state.
I think there is a lot of merit to the idea of having a federal government and a bunch of local councils without state/territory governments.
I also get the impression that this is a loaded question Davky…I get the impression that you have asked this question with your own answer in mind…so what do you think?
#3 Comment By davky On July 31, 2007 @ 9:12 am
Firstly, I think it is a moot point – it will never happen. It would be too hard to obtain the constitutional changes necessary. I also with you that there are arguments on both sides. I think that a streamlined unified system would be far more economically efficient and less wasteful. Ultimately I would support the status quo, however.
I don’t think that aboloshing states would increase the attention paid to the entire area of the ‘state’, as opposed to capital cities. I actually think it would make it worse. A national unified government would still need to ensure the commercial attractiveness of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The easiest way to make sure a regional road gets fixed, or a local hospital is upgraded, it to be in a marginal state seat. Such responsiblities would go to the National Govt with far less interest in micro-issues.
It wasn’t really a loaded question, Sambo, I think it was just triggered by the fact that many talkback hosts blindly criticise the three levels of government solely on the basis of ‘too many politicians!!’ rather than a more reasoned approach such as that you have taken.
#4 Comment By Samuel On July 31, 2007 @ 10:19 am
I suppose we could give councils are greater responsibility for roads…but you’re right, it will never happen.
It’s fun to think about though.