Mr Ripper Admits He Comes from Nyabing!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

The Hon Eric Ripper MLA, leader of the Opposition addressed the meeting following Mr Barnett. His first comment was that he came from the Shire of Kent and grew up in the town of Nyabing. Don't worry folks, I didn't sit there quiety!! I yelled out "Woohoo", and waved my arms, much to the embarrassment of my colleagues Cr Bruce Altham, Cr Neil Grant-Williams and Cr Lucy Skipsey.

Mr Ripper then went on to mention that he went to the small school of Nyabing Primary where his education became the grounding for his future life as a politician. Once again, the others ducked under their seats while I did the old "Woohoo!" and then yelled, "I still teach there!"
He vowed that he has serious reservations about the concept of Year 7 students being pushed to high school. He understood the pressures that this would place on people in rural areas and wondered what the educational outcome for such a move was. He received applause for this statement.

With respect to the issue of structural reform, he stated exactly what many of us at the meeting were thinking, that there has been secrecy, poor leadership and little consultation other than last minute whistle-stop tours to the regions. I like his analogy that the 'minister has sent the players out blindfolded, not having any idea where the goalposts are'. This is so true!

Mr Ripper felt that cooperation between councils with options such as resource sharing, including sharing personnel, was a significant way in which reform can be achieved. Other paths have been unexplored, which is my feelings exactly. He stated that local government reform should be about better services, not about disenfranchising.

We need to adopt common laws and practices between neighbouring councils so there's less red tape. He told the meeting that he didn't think the state government would be delivering the Royalties for Regions money in the coming years that Mr Grylls is promising. He said the Labour Government had a strong policy on investment in regions. I don't think the meeting agreed with him there.

I went out after his talk and caught him in the lobby where I shook his hand and introduced myself. He recognised the Tuffley name and I thanked him for his comments and discussed the Year 7 middle school debate.