Daniel Gillett - Answers to 17 Questions - Thank you

Q1: What are your thoughts on Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) being considered for our region instead of upscaling coal-based energy or using other alternatives to meet our needs. Should energy subsidies be cancelled to allow market forces to determine the best energy methods? Do you agree CO2 in the atmosphere is currently at .04% (Reference: Prof Ian Plimer) which would mean the climate change narrative and actions are unnecessary?

A: I think it's OK for renewables to be part of the energy mix, but I'm concerned that they are being rolled out too rapidly where the community isn't being treated fairly. I think the transition to new source of energy should be led by the market. I think nuclear should be part of that mix too.

Q2: What is your opinion about fluoride being added to the water supply. Do you believe new housing should have sufficient rainwater tanks to provide for normal household usage which also provides a means of avoiding fluoridation and irradiated water via SMART water meters.

A: I grew up here with fluoridated water, I have no concerns. I think all new projects should have rainwater tanks, and also think a rebate should be offered on water rates if you put one into an existing building.

Q3: Are you concerned at the label that Tamworth has of being the “fattest city in Australia”? Many fast-food outlets have been approved for our region. What are your thoughts on making our community healthier?

A: Yes, this is a health crisis. It's about educating people to make better choices. Encouraging adult cooking classes through institutions like Tamworth Community College would be a good first step.

Q4: Are you aware of TRC Blueprint 100; and how it ties in with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals which have been localised into 9 Focus Areas? Every ordinary council agenda item shows which focus area/s are being met under section (e) Delivery Programme Objective/Strategy. Do you believe it is appropriate TRC is aligning with international goals rather than creating local goals and guidelines? Also, do you think TRC should continue its $80000 yearly membership to Evocities when other councils have withdrawn?

A: I am familiar with Blueprint 100. Where we are legally obliged by international treaty, we should respect that. But, otherwise I'm happier seeing local expertise. Evocities has worked well for us but it's time we did more to attract people to our region.

Q5: Blueprint 100 is promoted as a future plan created especially for Tamworth Region after extensive consultation with the local community. However, Blueprint 100 seems to be the exact same plan being rolled out in many LGAs, under different names, around Australia. The plans follow United Nations Agenda 2030, World Economic Forum, SMART 15 and 20 minute Cities control and surveillance concepts. Would you take action to exit the Tamworth region from these international, unelected, non government organisation arrangements?

A: Blueprint 100 has a lot of good options. I think that these things are always worth reviewing, but I don't see any major problems. That doesn't mean they aren't there, just that I'm not aware of them as a new candidate.

Q6: Would you permit government libraries in our region to host Drag Queen Story hours? TRC Councillors and senior staff have previously been provided with proof the United Nations, World Economic Forum and World Health Organisations are actively promoting the sexualization of children through school programmes and are endeavouring to implement laws to decriminalise paedophilia. No action was taken after receiving this information. What action would you take with this information once proven to you?

A: I have no problem with anyone who holds a valid Working With Children Check reading stories to kids in a controlled environment such as a library.

Q7: Should a land or business developer be precluded from running for Council due to conflict of interest risk? If allowed to run, how could this risk be mitigated?

A: Yes. The rules around this are pretty tight, they won't be effective Councillors.

Q8: Should a member of a society or group, which requires the member to swear an oath to that society above all else, be precluded from running for Council due to conflict of loyalty between the society and the electorate.

A: I think it depends on the group- I'm not really familiar with anything like what you're describing. Can definitely say I'm not a member of one though! It sounds like a conflict of interest waiting to happen.

Q9: Do you believe Councillors should be limited to serving only one or two terms? Once Councillors have left this role, should there be restrictions on migrating to other positions where they may enjoy undue influence or enjoy incidental benefits because of their previous Councillor role?

A: The people get to choose, and if they think someone has served too long, they will tip them out. There are laws about corruption that already apply and I think they should be enforced where appropriate.

Q10: Would you vote in the affirmative on the motion that has been put forward to Council twice previously; if it was presented again? The motion:
That Council develop a framework and smart device/laptop application that records and publicises interactions between developers, builders and their agents and senior council staff and councillors to provide clarity of decision making, transparency and accountability to ratepayers and residents.

A: I would want to see the costings and the detail of this proposal. I'm all for transparency, but we might be log-jamming the planning department with this, and they are already understaffed.

Q11: The top seven bureaucrats at TRC annual packages total in the vicinity of $1.8 million which includes around $378000 for the GM/CEO alone. Would you request a review into the necessity of some of these roles and the remunerations provided?

A: I think that Councillors are there to make strategic decisions, and executive management falls into this scope. However, without the detail I can't commit to a decision.

Q12: Do you know whether it is correct that TRC GM/CEO performance review for continuation of contract is carried out by two councillors chosen by the GM/CEO. If that is the case, would you instigate or support a motion for that to be amended to being carried out by at least three randomly chosen councillors?

A: I'm not aware of the conditions of employment for the GM. I'm also not sure that a motion as suggested would be binding. The GM is a government employee, and I think we would need to consult the Local Government Act or similar legislation. Sounds like common sense though!

Q13: Do you think all council/councillor expenses need to be published in open forum so they can be scrutinised, queried and challenged by the community, if necessary? Should all Council projects and their progress, along with related spending and loan details, be available for the public to peruse in an easy to follow format on Council’s website? In this vein, do you support a complete and independent enquiry into the status of the Ray Walsh House building; and an audit of all previous decisions which have led to its current situation?

A: There are a few different things to unpack here. Councillor expenses are already scrutinised, and should be. All Council projects are open for viewing and consultation. Ray Walsh House is an interesting case- the most important thing in that situation is the safety and wellbeing of the staff in those offices. I am sure that the new Council will be conducting a thorough review of the decisions, because final decisions are yet to be made. Again, I need to look at the detail- the things that aren't public yet- before making that decision. Anyone who says differently will not be a good Councillor- we need people who will work as a team, look at the facts, and make a better choice. Not people who have already made up their mind based on their beliefs.

Q14: Do you think there should be plebiscites or similar to obtain consent from ratepayers for rate rises and major projects prior to seeking grants or allocating funds? If yes, what would be the minimum project expenditure amount you would recommend be included?

A: It depends on the cost of the plebiscite. Not everyone in the community is an expert, and this would mean that every decision becomes politicised. I don't think it's manageable, nothing would ever get done. Again, if Councillors aren't being transparent and making fair decisions, the mechanism for review is voting them out! Major projects, of course, need extensive community consultation.

Q15: Do you believe the $45 million aquatic centre should go ahead? Do you know where the funds are coming from and what is being provided as security? If the approval was rescinded would you recommend sufficient funds be applied to repairing existing town pools to an acceptable standard?

A: Yes I do. This project will attract more people to our region. I do not believe the financial instrument has been finalised yet, but there are many options available to local governments, and they don't have to be mortgaged against assets. The new centre will attract more people to our region, both to visit (boosting the economy) and to live (reducing the overall rates burden for all). The old pools should still be utilised and refurbished if feasible. I'm not a pool engineer so would need advice on this.

Q16: Would you be able to confirm the veracity of information that the building on the corner of Bridge and Carter Streets is being used to store Council furniture and other assets; and that staff are being invited to gift any of these items to themselves? As an elected councillor, what steps would you introduce to help safeguard the people’s assets?

A: I have no idea about this. I think that building could be better used by a community group as, e.g., a rehearsal space. Happy to look into it.

Q17: As Councillors are there to serve the people and not dictate to the people, it would be very helpful if speakers were able to ask questions of Councillors at Council meetings. Would you consider it appropriate for community speakers to be able to ask up to three questions about their topic to any councillor of their choice during the meeting?

A: So this sounds like a good idea, but it might have unintended consequences- the main one being that meetings would be long. Long meetings tend to mean that action's don't get taken, and you end up with a bogged-down Council. In my experience working with local not-for-profits, school committees, and boards, most of the work has to get done BEFORE the meeting. So I think there needs to be separate consultation time. As a new Councillor, I would host a live online meeting in the lead-up to the Council meeting, probably a couple of days before, so that the community could ask questions before I get into the meeting room.

Again, thanks so much for your questions, I'd be happy for you to get in touch with me again for any follow-ups.

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