Cessnock City Council opposes cost shifting by NSW Government

Cessnock City Council has criticised the NSW Government, following a report by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) into local government election costs.  The draft IPART report makes recommendations resulting in the cost of next year’s local government election rising significantly for local councils.  

It’s anticipated for Cessnock City Council to engage the NSW Electoral Commission to conduct the 2020 local government election it would cost $465,000. This represents a cost increase of over 61% since the 2016 election.   Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent called this a cost shifting exercise by the NSW Government that is unacceptable.  

“Local government continues to experience high levels of cost shifting at the hands of the NSW Government. This decision directly impacts the pockets of our local residents.”  

“Our Council opposes this decision to transfer the operational costs of the NSW Electoral Commission to the local government sector. This puts our Council under significant financial strain and unfortunately makes rate rises more likely.”  

Council will make a submission in relation to the report’s findings. This will include highlighting the uncertainty around the ability and costs associated with engaging a third party to conduct the 2020 election. To view the report visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.