Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a former member of local government, I was humbled this week to welcome mayors from across the electorate of Barker to Canberra. These local government leaders are in Canberra this week for the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly. They joined me for dinner on Monday night before attending a series of meetings across the week. This included, of course, time with the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon. Jamie Briggs, to discuss the important topic of special local roads funding.

The group of mayors visiting from Barker included Alan Arbon from Murray Bridge, Dave Burgess from Mid Murray Council, Evan Flint from Kingston in the south-east, Peter Hunt from Berri Barmera, Neil Martinson from Renmark Paringa, Robert Sexton from Southern Mallee, Roger Strother from Coorong, Erika Vickery from Naracoorte Lucindale, and Richard Vickery from the Tatiara.

I spent many years as an elected member in local government and continue to have a tremendous respect for the important work carried out by local councils, particularly in the provision of vital services in regional areas throughout Barker. This week represents a significant opportunity for me to work with those local representatives to engage with the federal government, and I have enjoyed that opportunity.