Sartor Called to Release Redfern Waterloo Documents
REDWatch Media Statement
SARTOR CALLED TO RELEASE REDFERN WATERLOO DOCUMENTS
Redfern Waterloo residents
action group REDWatch today called on the Minster for Redfern-Waterloo, Frank
Sartor, to release all working documents relating to the Redfern Waterloo Authority.
“Residents have real concern about the speed and secrecy with which the Redfern Waterloo Authority has been set up” REDWatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said.
“Despite the Government releasing some documents, we are yet to see the documents quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald or anything with similar content. Without all documents being made available to residents it is very difficult for the local community to have faith and participate in the process.”
REDWatch have also called on the Minister to ensure that the Authority’s operations, including the operation of advisory committees, are open and transparent.
“We would like the Authority to commit to at least the level of transparency which currently applies to local government.” Mr Turnbull said.
“Minister Sartor has asked the community to provide ‘constructive input’. But how can we engage as an equal partner without having access to all the information.”
“This marks a crossroads. The Government needs to prove its commitment to transparency and genuine engagement with residents from the outset. Otherwise we may be looking at a long fight, rather than a constructive partnership.”
REDWatch is a residents group covering Redfern Eveleigh Darlington and Waterloo (the same area covered by the Redfern Waterloo Authority). REDWatch monitors the activities of government activities such as the RWA and RWPP and seeks to ensure community involvement in all decisions made about the area.
27th January 2005
Further Information Contact:
Geoff Turnbull 02 9318 0824
Email:
turnbullfamily@stassen.com.au
REDwatch
C/- PO Box
1567
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Ph Wk: 9318 0824