A Bill passed through both Houses of Parliament this week will mean Regional NSW can expect more - and hopefully better - consultation on issues that matter to them from the NSW Government moving forward. 

The Regional Communities (Consultation Standards) Bill was introduced by member for Barwon Roy Butler in the Legislative Assembly, and the Hon. Tara Moriarty in the Legislative Council necessitating that a government agency or statutory body representing the Crown must consult following a “consultation guide” issued by the Premier. 

The goal being is that regional communities will have a bigger input into matters that affect them, such as health, economics, education, environment, cultural and every-day well-being of community members in the areas they live. 

Over a period of six months the Government has committed to holding listening sessions with regional stakeholders, including Members of Parliament and Local Councils, so they can hear about what problems the current consultation process carries and thus ensure the ‘consultation guide’ will meet the needs of regional communities. 

Existing projects prescribed in an Act by a Minister will not be required to follow the obligations of the new bill. 

“Some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in New South Wales are in our regions,” said Member for Barwon Roy Butler. 

“It is crucial that when public money is being invested in these places, that we get it right. The Regional Communities (Consultation Standards) Bill will ensure a high level of accountability and transparency accompanies the spending of public money in regional communities,” he said. 

“There are too many examples of consultation gone wrong in regional NSW. This occurs because bodies acting on behalf of the government lack an understanding of how these communities operate and their values. Introducing a consultation guide for those acting on behalf of the government means communities can expect meaningful and genuine consultation on projects that directly impact them.” 

“I want to thank the NSW Government and the Hon. Tara Moriarty for supporting this bill and committing to regional NSW a greater level of accountability and understanding when they engage with their communities,” Mr Butler Added. 

PHOTO: Legislative Assembly - image NSW Parliament  

Local Councils are pleased to hear of the passing of the Bill, in the hope that the needs of their constituents will be given a closer look, than the current model. 

“It is great to see that Roy Butler and Tara Moriarty have pushed this Bill through,” said Bogan Shire Mayor Glen Neill. 

“Hopefully now Regional NSW will get the chance to put their case forward for projects on a more level playing field. 

“For far too long rural NSW has been overshadowed by metropolitan areas, so any steps to even this out will be welcomed and all credit to Roy for getting this up. He has been a great representative for this region,” said Mr Neill. 

PHOTO: Glen Neill Bogan Shire Mayor - Image Nyngan Observer 

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, MLC, is thrilled the Bill has passed for several reasons. 

“The Government is always striving to do more to address challenges related to consultation with regional and remote communities. That is why the Government has supported this bill which will deliver better consultation in regional NSW to ensure effective policy and program delivery. 

“The Bill gives certainty to stakeholders about how they can expect government to interact with them. The Bill also demonstrates that the Government is focused on genuinely listening to regional and remote stakeholders and commends the Member for Barwon for bringing the issue to Parliament.”