ALP Fires The First Shot

With the City of Perth Bill high on the notice paper for the Legislative Assembly this week, the ALP has broken its silence and fired the first shot (excuse the mixed metaphors).

In saying it will not support clause 37 of the Bill, which facilitates City of Perth takeover of adjoining areas, including Burswood and the commercial areas of Vincent and Subiaco, the ALP is reflecting concerns expressed by all neighbouring councils.

But the City of Perth Bill is far more flawed than this opening salvo suggests. South Perth, Subiaco, Nedlands and Claremont Councils have passed more far-reaching resolutions effectively calling for the City of Perth Bill to be abandoned or defeated because it is so fundamentally flawed.

And the 3000 residents of Subiaco who the Bill would forcibly shift into the City of Perth wouldn't be too pleased about the ALP "support[ing] expanding Perth's boundaries", although that could be a ploy to get Barnett to accept removal of clause 37 (potential future expansion) in order to get expansion now.

However, there are many, many more reasons to oppose the City of Perth Bill (http://capitalcitycitizenscommittee.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/why-city-of-perth-bill-is-fatally-flawed.html) - it doesn't all hinge on boundaries.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-21/wa-opposition-threatens-to-block-city-of-perth-boundary-expansi/6792922