Andrew Southcott (Boothby, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Two weeks ago the local government elections in South Australia were held. Local government fills a very important role and on a day-to-day basis is responsible for many issues that affect local residents, from maintaining public parks and reserves to building and development plans in the area, to making sure the bins get picked up. After a series of hard-fought campaigns, we will be seeing quite a few new councillors eager to advocate for their local area and I would like to congratulate them all on their appointment. In particular I would like to congratulate the local mayors in Boothby, three of whom will be taking on the role for the first time. Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg will once again be serving the residents of Onkaparinga, I have worked very well with Lorraine during her time as mayor and I look forward to continuing a productive relationship. As highly-respected former mayor and national ALGA president Felicity-ann Lewis retired this year, the City of Marion will be served by Mayor Kris Hanna. Kris has a great deal of experience in the state parliament and locally that he will be bringing to the role. The new mayor of Holdfast Bay, Stephen Patterson, is very interested in unifying his council and building a shared vision for his area. Finally Glenn Spear, the new mayor of Mitcham, is very focused on providing a truly independent voice to lead his council, an important issue for local residents. I also recognise the close working relationships that I have had with outgoing mayors Felicity-ann Lewis and Ken Rolland and wish them the very best. I look forward to continuing to work with the new mayors and councillors over the next term of council to help make our great local community even better.