Local government and accountability
Once upon a time, local government in Australia - or in the Hunter Region of NSW at least - was regarded as the most accountable level of government. Federal government was remote, distant and concerned mostly with big picture aspects of our lives. State government was all about sucking money out of the four corners of NSW to spend in Sydney. Local government was where you could find some accountability because you could talk directly to your local councillor - who stood some chance of having an effect on local policies - and you could easily…
