At a Glance
• Healthy debate within Council strengthens democratic representation
• Local Government operates within a defined legal framework that cannot be exceeded
• Council complies with the RFS asset accounting directive while continuing to advocate for reform
• Ongoing advocacy and city amenity improvements reinforce institutional responsibility

Debate as a Democratic Strength

I have been heartened in recent months by the quality of debate within our Council Chamber. Councillors have engaged in thoughtful discussion about what we are, and what we ought to be, as a local government. That debate is not a distraction from service. It is an essential part of representation.

The enduring tension within local government theory sits between two conceptions. On one hand, councils are democratic institutions through which communities exercise self governance. On the other, they are service providers operating within a regulatory framework defined by the State. Scholars have long observed the friction between democracy and efficiency, between political expression and administrative function.

Campbelltown’s own origins are instructive. Our municipality was created in 1882 following a petition from residents to the Governor. Nine aldermen were elected, and John Ahearn became the first Mayor. In that sense, our foundation was an act of local self determination. Yet even then, it occurred within a legal grant of authority from the Crown.

That dual character remains with us today.

The Primacy of Law

One of the most important principles guiding my view of local government is that it is, fundamentally, a creature of statute. As Wickwar observed, local government’s political theory is closely aligned with its legal philosophy. Simply put, councils are what the law determines them to be.

In New South Wales, our roles and responsibilities are framed by more than fifty pieces of legislation. Within that framework there is room for advocacy, interpretation and initiative. But there are also clear limits. We should not, we will not, and we cannot function outside the legal architecture established by the State.

This does not diminish democracy. It clarifies it. It reminds us that effective representation includes understanding the boundaries within which we operate and working diligently within them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

The RFS Asset Dispute: Principle and Prudence

This principle was tested in the matter of the accounting treatment of NSW Rural Fire Service assets, often referred to as the Red Fleet.

The NSW Government’s position is that these assets are the property of councils and must be recorded in council financial statements, with depreciation costs borne locally. Many councils, including Campbelltown, disagree. Councils do not determine the acquisition, deployment or disposal of these assets. Comparable assets for other emergency services are recorded by the agencies that control them.

The dispute intensified following the Auditor General’s report, which reinforced the requirement for councils to recognise these assets. Failure to comply would likely result in a qualified audit opinion, with serious implications including reputational damage, potential intervention, and reduced eligibility for grants and concessional borrowing.

On balance, many councils believe the control of these assets lies with the State. However, we were required to weigh principle against consequence. A qualified audit opinion would not advance our community’s interests. It would jeopardise our standing and potentially disrupt services.

For that reason, Campbelltown Council resolved to recognise the RFS assets in our financial statements while continuing to advocate for legislative amendment.

We should not, we will not, and we cannot function outside the limits of the legal framework set for us by the NSW Government.

Compliance in this context is not surrender. It is prudence. At the same time, we have written to relevant ministers and shadow ministers calling for reform, including amendment to the Rural Fires Act to clarify asset ownership.

Advocacy in an Election Cycle

As the State election cycle approaches, it is timely to articulate our advocacy priorities clearly. I have asked the General Manager to prepare an advocacy document for endorsement, setting out our strategic direction and the support we seek from the NSW Government.

Advocacy must be disciplined and consistent. It must transcend party lines and focus on long term outcomes for our community. While attempts to meet with Federal Ministers have not yet borne fruit, persistence remains essential.

I have also met with fellow Mayors of the Western Parkland councils to discuss shared regional priorities. Agreement is not universal, nor should it be expected. But dialogue strengthens our capacity to identify common ground and present unified positions where possible.

Delivering on Amenity and Appeal

Debate and advocacy must be matched by tangible improvement. Our enhanced City Cleansing Program is well underway, supported by new equipment including a hot water pressure cleaning truck to improve presentation in our central business districts.

Road sweeping, litter collection, asset cleaning and improved landscape maintenance have been intensified in Campbelltown and Ingleburn. Recent upgrades to play spaces and fitness equipment, along with beautification works in key precincts, are visible demonstrations of our commitment to amenity.

These projects may not dominate headlines, but they shape daily experience. Clean, well maintained public spaces communicate care. They reinforce pride and encourage respectful use.

I extend my thanks to council staff for their diligence and professionalism in advancing this work.

Reflection

Local government sits at the intersection of democratic aspiration and statutory obligation. Healthy debate clarifies our purpose. Legal discipline preserves our integrity. When confronted with directives we may question, we must respond with both principle and prudence. By complying where required, advocating where necessary, and delivering consistently for our community, we honour both the law that creates us and the residents who elect us.

Read the original Mayoral Minute here: 10. Inspiration and limitation

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