Minister for Local Government
The Honourable David Crisafulli
Minister urges independence from a cash-strapped state
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli has urged Indigenous leaders to protect their own futures by collecting money that rightfully belongs to them.
Mr Crisafulli praised the leaders at the Local Government Association of Queensland Indigenous Leaders Forum in Cairns.
“I applaud and want to highlight the Indigenous councillors and mayors who balance their budgets, get good audit results, collect rent, and charge for water, sewerage and garbage collection,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The Local Government Department will work towards all councils achieving the same high standards of good financial management.”
Mr Crisafulli said the Newman Government was elected on a promise to work with Aboriginal communities to improve living standards.
“Part of this change is developing financial management plans to help councils collect the funds that are rightfully theirs and avoid reliance on a debt-ridden state,” he said.
Councils sharing resources and expertise, increased home ownership, open communication between the communities and the government, and the importance of costing the operating and maintenance costs of major infrastructure were discussed as concrete measures to achieve the government’s goal of improving life in Indigenous communities across the state.
“If Indigenous Councils balance budgets, get good audit results, collect rents and charge for services, the futures of your communities will be secure,” he said.
“The best days for these Councils and their people are ahead.”
