THE issue of the shortage of doctors in Swan Hill and surrounding towns continues.
It feels a bit like Brigerton: everyone promenades and circles round the issue, around and around.
The situation appears to begin and possibly end with lack of accommodation – a problem that everyone acknowledges – but still smoulders on while it appears other country areas have been proactive by offering medicos houses as an incentive to practise.
It would also appear that there are a number of houses in the central area of towns that are owned by various government facilities that are not always rented out.
Where to next?
I suggest that local government council should actively get involved in co-ordinating a meeting of the various providers of health services, taking an overarching chairing or co-ordinating role.
But are they allowed to?
Does it cross a line somewhere?
In Victoria, local government is established by an act of state parliament – the Local Government Act 2020 – which specifies council powers, duties and functions.
The legal basis for councils is established under the Constitution Act 1975.
Councils have autonomy to provide services that meet the needs of their local community and will establish a range of discretionary processes, including local laws, to guide certain activities that can occur within their municipality.
The role of a council is to provide good governance in its municipal district for the benefit and wellbeing of the municipal community.
Subject to any limitations or restrictions imposed by or under this Act or any other Act, a council has the power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of its role.
The generality of the section is not limited by the conferring of specific powers by or under this Act or any other Act.
All Victorian councils broadly have similar roles and responsibilities and derive their power from the same legislation.
However, not all municipalities are the same.
AJ Millar
Swan Hill
