ANNE STANLEY
OPPOSITION WHIP

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR WERRIWA

UP TO 45,000 LOCAL COUNCIL JOBS AT RISK

The Morrison Government has abandoned workers at Liverpool, Fairfield and Campbelltown Councils who are at risk of losing their jobs as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“When the Parliament last sat, Labor made amendments that would have protected council employees, but the Morrison Government chose to vote against them. Ineligible for the JobKeeper package, local councils are already laying off thousands of local employees,” said Anne Stanley MP, Member for Werriwa.

The JobKeeper legislation allows the Treasurer to fix this without the need to recall the Parliament.

“With the stroke of a pen, Josh Frydenberg could save up to 45,000 jobs. Why doesn’t he just do it?” she said.

Councils receive revenue from two main sources; fees for community facilities, like pools, community halls and childcare, and the rates they charge for garbage, roads and park maintenance. With most community facilities closed, councils face a significant loss in revenue.

“Local governments are preparing for yet another hit to their revenue from rates, as the economic impact of the coronavirus affects ratepayers,” Ms Stanley said.

The Liberal National Government believes that help for councils and their staff is a matter for the NSW State Government. But councils and council workers need a lifeline from both federal and state governments to keep locals in jobs.
 
“As a former Councillor, I know the work Councils do. They are the backbone of our community.

“The people they employ and the services they provide are the key to our community success.

“They will be vital to recovery and getting our local economy going again.

“Local Governments across Australia are doing their bit to ease the pressure facing Australians. It’s time the Prime Minister and the Treasurer protect our councils too,” Ms Stanley said.