From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli

NEVER was local government more important than in the present. It is an essential representative body for the successful implementation of methodologies and protocols, and the administering of Victorian regional towns and cities.

We are a Nation of coastal dwellers; consequently, regional/rural Victoria is vital. Axiomatically, it is mandatory to ensure they are treated with due deference. Neither should fall victim, nor should they be subjected, to the haughty dictates and notions of those public servants who, erroneously, believe they know best.

The Werribee by-election is a clarion statement. Regional/rural Victoria is weary of being disregarded by government. Despite relentless political protestations to the contrary, they are poor-country-cousin. Decisions are taken without consultation; extreme results are overlooked. While councils and committees are not ersatz-parliaments they are an indispensable operational mechanism which better understands the environmental nuances. Incumbent and future governments must listen to the people’s representatives who are best placed to articulate the wants and needs. Measured submissions and stratagems must be judged and executed.

The Level Crossing Removal Project is an exemplar for implacable indifference. Their brazen capacity for stonewalling is unsurpassed. They choose to ignore, absolutely. Unelected representatives, their modus operandi has been likened to that of the army. They are, it seems, able to do exactly what they want — and without impunity and no regard for consequences. The absence of discussion with councils is profoundly troubling. Replies to correspondence are platitudinous and specifically designed to dissuade further agitation, or contact. Content is typically pro-forma and offers no resolution. Disinclination to explain the rationale for the current cataclysmic Ballarat bus exchange debacle is outrageous, and portentous. Buyer beware!

The relegated sweeping power gifted an infrastructure programme is a matter for serious concern. Their cavalier unyieldingness is perturbing. It needs be fixed. If public servants are in command what are the implications for democracy? If the people cannot vote and have their will decided by elected representatives in the form of the government then we live not in a democracy, but a bureaucracy. Decisions should be taken by elected representatives not the unelected bureaucracy. An autonomous, hubristic, self-serving bureaucracy is dangerous. Seemingly, we have an unelected branch of government which has more power than any elected representative, and marked by a lack of willing to explain their decisions.

Statutes notwithstanding, unequivocally, there must be a redistribution of city-centric power. In the balance, government must be responsive to the people. Cities and town, through their elected representatives, council CEOs, VicPol, stakeholders, and traders, are a responsible and willing cadre capable of writing and implementing their own idiosyncratic operational decisions, and which government should heed, approve, and apply. Ministers are too inclined to sign-off on projects without measured consultation, and to display a total lack of willing to accept responsibility for their actions.

“We must do better,” is a trite vagary used to defend ineptitude. Country and rural Victoria has every right to expect it will be treated with same degree of respect and concern as their city colleagues. Social prophylaxis — the willing to walk-by expecting someone else to solve societal problems, is counterproductive. It is a shared responsibility.

Too often it is forgotten: We are the employer. Politicians and public servants are our employees. Government and public service negligence is effectively resolved at the ballot box!

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald — radio 3BA Monday at 10.45 a.m. Contact: [email protected]