Fair Go For Libraries: Still Waiting for that chapter to be written!
Monday 12 May 2003

Clr. Max Parker has been visiting local libraries lately - not waiting for the release of the next Harry Potter novel, but he’s waiting for a Fair Go for the local libraries.

In December 2002, Clr. Parker moved a motion for Council to “support the "Fair Go for Public Libraries Funding Campaign" calling on NSW State Government to provide per capita funding in line with other State per capita funding as detailed hereunder:-

Victoria $5.65 per capita expenditure
Qld $6.16 per capita expenditure
NSW $3.28 per capita expenditure”

As a result of Clr. Parker’s successful motion, a campaign was initiated in which the local library staff and patrons were asked to contact the Premier Bob Carr and ask him to commit the Government to increase the funding over the next 3-5 years as a “catch up” measure.

“Nothing has happened, and I believe that it is every citizen’s right to have the best resources in libraries, so that the best learning and reference materials are available to all citizens.”

Clr. Parker will be placing a motion on notice at the next Council meeting calling on Council to by pass the Premier at this stage, and to write to Local State Members for Bankstown - Tony Stewart and East Hills – Alan Ashton, seeking their support to take this matter up with Mr Carr personally.

Clr. Parker concluded “I am sure that both Mr Ashton and Mr Stewart being former school teachers will understand the importance of public library funding.”

Contact Max Parker