What evidence says Coober Pedy is not ready for an elected local government?

Hon Rhiannon Pearce MP
PO Box 1104, GOLDEN GROVE VILLAGE SA 5125

Dear Minister,

Re: Coober Pedy and the return to elected local government

The Coober Pedy Community Alliance is writing on behalf of residents and ratepayers who are
increasingly concerned and confused about the proposed arrangements for Coober Pedy’s return
from administration to local government.

At a recent community meeting, residents expressed strong concern about the apparent decision to
delay or alter the normal process of returning Coober Pedy to elected local government.

Residents have a simple question:
What evidence does the Government have that Coober Pedy is not ready to return to elected
local government?

Coober Pedy residents have continued to participate in Australia’s democratic processes. They have
voted in Federal and State elections and continue to take part in the democratic life of the
community.

We understand that local government has different responsibilities from State and Federal
government. However, if the Government considers that Coober Pedy should not return to a fully
elected council, residents are entitled to understand the evidence and reasoning behind that decision.

We therefore respectfully ask the Minister to identify:

1. What specific evidence demonstrates that Coober Pedy is presently unable to return to
   elected local government?
2. What assessment, report or other documented advice has the Government relied upon in
   reaching that conclusion?
3. Who undertook or provided that assessment?
4. What criteria were used to determine whether Coober Pedy was ready to return to elected
   representation?
5. Were Coober Pedy residents given an opportunity to respond to that assessment or to
   provide evidence of their own views and capacity?
6. If the Government has relied upon the views of particular organisations, groups or
   individuals, how were those views determined to represent the broader community of
   Coober Pedy?
7. What steps has the Government taken during the period of administration to prepare Coober
   Pedy for a return to elected local government?
   
   We are particularly concerned that residents should not be left with the impression that they are
   somehow considered incapable of participating in local democracy without being told the evidence
   upon which that view is based.
   
   If there are genuine concerns about the capacity of the community or future councillors, we believe
   those concerns should be identified openly and addressed through appropriate support, training and
   transition arrangements rather than used as an indefinite reason to delay the restoration of elected
   representation.
   
   Coober Pedy residents have now lived under administration for many years.
   
   The residents of Coober Pedy deserve to know what the Government believes is still missing, what
   needs to be achieved, who determines when those requirements have been met, and when residents
   can expect to regain their right to elect their own local representatives.
   
   We therefore respectfully request a written response setting out the evidence, assessment and criteria relied upon by the Government in making these decisions.
   
   This is not a request for preferential treatment. It is a request for transparency and accountability
   concerning the democratic rights of the people of Coober Pedy.
   
   We look forward to your response.
   
   Yours sincerely,
   John Di Donna
   For and on behalf of
   Coober Pedy Community Alliance