Over the past several years there have been a number of matters in Campbelltown Council precinct which has caused considerable frustration amongst ratepayers including the cost associated with, and lack of consultation about important issues , eg Lochiel Park, Thorndon Park, Migrant Monument, Campbelltown Library, Works Depot, to name a few.

I wonder how many ratepayers know that the Local Government Act 1934-1975 allowed residents to demand a poll, (referendum) provided sufficient people signed a petition, on important issues such as the above, as well as the setting of rates and council borrowings.

This important right was surreptitiously removed by the government of the day in the late 1990’s, when reviewing the Local Government Act, thereby denying ratepayers the ability to vote on important issues that affect them directly.

A group known as CIR Australia Inc (Citizens Initiated Referendum) was formed in SA in 2008, to promote and educate citizens/ratepayers on the benefits of CIR, and one of their goals is to have CIR implemented in State and Local Government.

With support (about 2%) ratepayers would have had the ability to demand a referendum on all or any of the important issues mentioned above, including the controversial library development. This would have ensured a healthy debate from both sides of the proposal, with the eventual decision being made by all the ratepayers via a Referendum.

For more information, please visit the website www.CIR-AUSTRALIA.net and support our efforts to have this important facility implemented to protect our freedom and improve democracy.

Peter Stainer, Athelstone SA, Ratepayer and Treasurer CIR Australia Inc

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