Speaking in support of the Private Member motion that was presented to NSW Parliament by Adam Marshall MP, Judy Hannan MP has said this issue is one that needs to be fixed today.
“The RFS Fleet and assets that are owned and operated by the RFS should not be a cost to Councils” said Judy Hannan MP.
“It’s time this red hot issue is put to rest and we allow the RFS to concentrate on the monumentally important work they do”
“Currently the RFS Fleet and the sheds are counted as assets for Councils, which is great for tying the truck or equipment to our area but it comes at a depreciating cost to the Council and a cost to their auditing and accounting time”
“Councils are forced to count the assets, add them to their books and then depreciate the assets. This isn't a large issue for Wollondilly in terms of counting as an asset needing to be replaced but for some smaller country Councils it makes a huge difference”
“The Bill today that has been introduced is one I support as it goes a way to recognising the issue for Councils and if supported by the Government could be enacted. However, I am aware of the risk of the fleet moving from individual areas. If Councils are the best vehicles for the book keeping of this asset, the Government needs to listen to the legitimate concerns of Councils as well as my suggestions on how to fix this situation”
“The easy fix alternative that I have developed with my staff and have suggested to the Government would fix the accounting issue, the cost for accounting consideration as well as the concern of the assets being taken to other regions”
“Firstly, a limitation of the ratio of assessment of these assets by the Office of Local Government, would fix the borrowing constraints. Secondly, the RFS should be compelled to do all asset studies annually. Thirdly, the asset list would then be accepted by the Council as a single year limited asset, automatically taken off the books the following year and subsequently re-added after the following year's audit. This would fix the issue of the time taken to do these audits”
“I support the Government enacting my suggestion and I also support the pathway of this being investigated by the bipartisan Public Accounts Committee suggested by Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig MP, as that committee looks at financial probity and regularity, and focuses on whether agency programs are achieving their aims”
Media: [email protected] or Benn Banasik 0434 832 636