AS RESIDENT’S across the Mallee prepare to vote in council elections, Victorian Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh suggested voters take time to remember the true focus of local government.
“Voters will choose representatives who, for coming years, will be responsible for our local essential services: maintaining roads, managing public spaces, enforcing by-laws, handling planning issues, and ensuring timely rubbish collection,” he said.
“However, many councils have strayed way beyond what we expect of our local government, prioritising social wokeness and international politics over delivering key services for local residents.
“We need a return to basics.”
Mr Walsh pointed out that councils were not a platform for foreign policy or lifestyle dictation, but rather service-oriented entities that should focus on community needs.
He suggested voters ask themselves to consider what candidates were standing for.
“Are they committed to roads, rates, and rubbish, or woke social commentary?” he asked.
“In these challenging cost-of-living times, we can’t afford local councillors throwing away valuable ratepayers dollars prioritising woke ideology over practical service.
“A recent example highlighting the shift away from social policies in favour of core services comes from John Deere.
“The company announced it will be removing nearly all its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in favour of a quality-based workplace.
“We need efficient governance and essential services and to move away from woke politics at the local level.
“Victoria needs representatives focused on strong community outcomes, not social activism, and it’s time to elect councillors to do the same.”
