Labor moves to establish cost-shifting inquiry
Queensland Labor Leader Steven Miles will move to establish an inquiry into the state’s cost-shifting onto councils.
Premier David Crisafulli in Opposition committed to reviewing the cost-shifting arrangements but has failed to do so two years into government.
He’s quick to talk about cost shifting from the Commonwealth but remains silent when it comes to shifting state costs onto local government.
A report by the Local Government Association of Queensland found councils were picking up a $360m tab each year to deliver services that were the responsibility of others.
At the Local Government Association of Queensland in Cairns this month, Labor backed calls for a parliamentary inquiry this term.
In a motion to Parliament on Thursday, the Opposition Leader will seek to move that:
1.This House refers to the Local Government, Small Business and Customer Service Committee an inquiry into cost shifting to Local Government.
2.That the committee inquire into and report on:
a. the extent of cost shifting from the Queensland State Government onto local governments, including quantifying the financial cost;
b. the underlying drivers of cost shifting from the Queensland State Government onto local governments; and
c. develop recommendations to ensure financial sustainability, and that responsibilities are appropriately funded and allocated between the Queensland state and local governments.
3.In undertaking the inquiry, the committee must consult with and allow input from Queensland’s 77 councils.
4.The committee’s report on the inquiry be tabled no later than the last sitting week of 2027 and the State Government’s response to be tabled prior to the 2028 State Budget
Quotes attributable to Queensland Labor Leader Steven Miles:
“David Crisafulli should do what he promised and support this motion to establish an inquiry into local government cost-shifting.
“David Crisafulli is quick to blame Canberra for cost-shifting when it’s politically convenient but is failing to recognise the impacts his cost-shifting is having on local government.
"We know the Crisafulli LNP Government has quietly cut programs like royalties, and crisis accommodation, forcing councils to pick up the tab.
“Councils deserve to know the true extent of this cost-shifting, how it has happened, and what is the pathway forward.
"It’s something Mayors and Councillors have raised with me consistently, which is why we are listening and acting.”
Quotes attributable to Shadow Local Government Minister Nikki Boyd:
"Queensland councils are on the frontline of so many community services, and time and again they are being asked to pick up the tab.
"We have a big state, and a number of councils who are being asked to do more with less.
"The Crisafulli LNP Government continues to point the finger, it's time they looked in the mirror."
