Telling candidates apart

Meredith Burgmann, former president of the Legislative Council is running for the spot with Community Labor, whilst the Greens are fielding Chris Harris and Shayne Mallard is the Liberal candidate.

The growth of the area and constituents covered by the council has swelled over recent decades. It is now clear that those changes have made it harder for independents to run for council.

Former Sydney City Council candidate, Matt Laffam, feels this change is partly responsible for the lack of debate in the lead-up to this election. “Really we have political parties running for the City of Sydney. I know that Clover certainly classes herself as an independent, but really it's the Clover Moore brand name that's been around for about 16 years now… and perhaps [that's why] there's not much debate taking place.”

To be fair, there are also fewer things for those who aspire to local council spots to argue about. As former Sydney City Councillor Dixie Coulter puts it: "It's all about roads, rates and rubbish."

Frank Sartor, NSW Minister for Planning and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, has been responsible for many of the changes which have reduced the issues local councils are responsible for.

In many regards, the council is powerless to act on the major issues Sydney faces, and the ones constituents will be voting on. "When one thinks about transport, the buildings that will take place down the Hungry Mile, and the greening of the City of Sydney, that really falls back on state and federal government," says Mr Laffam.

Whoever does win the coveted position of Lord Mayor of Sydney will spend more time bartering with state and federal governments. They'll be discussing future plans for Sydney, and the manner in which funding can be drawn from all levels of government, along with the private sector. It's an area that Ms Moore has excelled at during her time in the job – which isn't to say other candidates couldn't be just as successful.

Ms Moore's leadership isn't universally admired. "There has been a difficulty in voices that are contrary to that of the Clover Moore way of thinking being heard … Clover champions herself as being the one who listens to minorities. I sometimes wonder if that is in fact the case," says Mr Laffam.

Ms Coulter also has reservations about the dual positions held by Ms Moore, and whether it's had any benefits for the people of Sydney. "She increased her media advisors … up to about 20 people, and she has private people she pays to improve her image. I just find that a ludicrously extraordinary waste of people's money. She just loves the spin."

And she has good reason to. Nowadays every politician uses the catch-cry of transparency. It been overused and it no longer cuts through like good old-fashioned spin.

And that means in this council election, telling the candidates (and their messages) apart, will be the toughest job of all.

Photo: Ali Blogg - Matt Laffam

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au