Thousands of council jobs are at risk, says Greg Warren, the NSW Labor opposition local government spokesman, pictured above.
He says the local government minister’s failure to demand a better deal for the local government sector could destroy the livelihoods of thousands of people throughout the state.
The Campbelltown MP has labelled the minister, Shelley Hancock, a hypocrite, lecturings financially struggling councils to keep employees on while refusing to deliver the stimulus they need.
During an interview last week, Ms Hancock said: “The local government sector has been severely impacted by Covid-19 and it could get a lot worse,” continuing by saying councils should: “do your utmost to retain your workforce”.
The state government has so far refused to introduce a stimulus package for councils throughout the state – something NSW Labor has repeatedly called for.
Mr Warren urged the minister to stop sitting on the fence and demand the treasurer and Premier formulate and deliver a much needed stimulus package for councils.
The stimulus would not only provide councils with a much needed financial injection but it would also help fast track shovel ready projects and ensure employees remained in the workforce.
“Councils are bleeding money in an effort to soften the impact of Covid-19 on their communities,” Mr Warren said.
“Most are dipping into their cash reserves to do so, but as we know there are a lot of councils who simply don’t have the ability to do this for an extended period of time or at all.
“If the minister doesn’t deliver the stimulus funding councils need to stay afloat it’s people who will wind up paying with their jobs.
“Stimulus would provide councils with a much needed financial injection, keep people in a job, maintain services and fast track shovel ready’ projects.
“If the state government supports councils through this Covid-19 crisis then councils can support their communities – it’s that simple.
“The minister implored councils to do their utmost to retain the workforce – it would be beneficial for thousands of people if the minister heeded her own advice.
“The minister needs to do her job so thousands of other people can keep theirs.”
