Jessica Page has accused the Western Australian Labor government of talking tough on local government reform while failing to deliver meaningful change. In a pointed critique, the Liberal MP said the government's approach has been all rhetoric and no substance.
Missing in Action on Reform
Page, the shadow minister for local government, said Labor had made grand promises but had not followed through with the necessary legislative or structural changes. She argued that the sector needed serious reform to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
“The government talks a big game, but when it comes to actual reform, they are missing in action,” Page said. She pointed to the lack of progress on amalgamations, shared services, and governance standards as evidence of Labor's failure.
Call for Action
Page called on the government to prioritise local government reform, stating that councils across the state were struggling with financial pressures, red tape, and outdated structures. She urged Premier Roger Cook to take concrete steps rather than just issuing press releases.
“We need a genuine commitment to reform, not just words. Our local communities deserve better,” she added.
The comments come amid ongoing debates about the future of local government in Western Australia, with many stakeholders calling for a more streamlined and effective system.
