"In 1992 one of those people who assumed they knew it all about amalgamation, said to me "Do you realize that here in Geelong we have 80 councillors who receive an allowance $3,000 per annum.

When the former Premier appointed 4 Commissioners to run Geelong, I thought to myself, four people getting over $400,000 between them cannot be more efficient than those 80 councillors.

And didn’t we have some great Councils!

Perhaps starting on amalgamation is not the way to go tonight, or I might be tempted to tell you some of the horror stories and destruction it has caused across Victoria. My family at Echuca and Port Fairy tell me some great tales. We must stay positive, rectify mistakes and work together for the future of our children and grandchildren.

Queensland councillors attain a career-supported position that earns a living salary when they are elected.

Ipswitch councillors are given an allowance for footpath and road repairs within their Ward. This information was given to me at a conference I attended while on council.

When the Inaugural Council was elected in 1995, the councillor allowance was$3,000 per annum. It was interesting to note, that none of the former Premier's choice of candidates nominated. He had stated at a reception I had attended "You business people stand up, you are who we need for council, we don’t want to see our work reversed" unquote.

It was stated by a Melbourne C.E.O. "We must have calibred councillors." Now I ask you, What is a calibred councillor?"

Does one have to be of a particular political affiliation, a religious denomination have a certain educational standard or belong to a certain club.

I believe and here is food for thought for you of our community, Local Government being closest to the people in this amalgamated atmosphere. (I cannot see a return to pre amalgamated days.) needs and deserves full time councillors to listen – advise – act.

I might add we do not only need candidates from a single background.

Geelong is the largest council in Victoria, 8^th largest in Australia. Geelong deserves to have focused representation.

Studying issues, investigating community concerns, making reasoned logical decisions about the future of this great city couldn’t be accomplished in an hour or two.

Relying on watching whether your mates put their hands up or not is the answer either, nor can you always rely on reports, not all interpretations of issues are matching. I have confidence and respect for most officers, but ultimately it is the Councillors that must be held responsible for decision making.

TIME is necessary to interact-hear-learn-listen or we will never have a satisfactory logically focussed Council. If one has to study the issues between business appointments during lunch hour, after work, instead of interacting with ones family, late at night or at dawn before the day begins will produce an unsatisfactory Council for both the elected representative and the community.

I believe that we should have full-time Councillors.

I believe representation of all sectors of our towns and cities is crucial to our future and the future of our state."