More than 40 people attended a meeting on May 22 in the Wollongong suburb of Corrimal titled, “The future of local government in Wollongong; can it be community driven and democratic”?
Wollongong City Council has been under adminstration since March 2008 after the ALP-dominated council was sacked for systemic corruption.
An election is scheduled for September 3 for all councillor positions, including Lord Mayor.
Trade unionists, socialists, Greens and community activists attended the meeting, which was organised by Broad Left.
Participants discussed ways to deepen community democracy, increase participation in local politics and policy ideas for left candidates.
An important discussion focused on left collaboration for the council elections. Several of the meeting participants were signatories to a call out for the progressive community to unite for the elections.
The call out, which is independent of Broad Left, said: “[Left independent] Gordon Bradbery’s campaign in the seat of Wollongong [in the recent NSW elections] showed that the community can challenge the major parties.
“It showed that we can convince large numbers of people to vote for a real alternative. We can make a difference in the council elections, and create a real community voice, but only if we unite.
“A united, full ticket of community independents — backed by progressive groups and individuals including the trade unions, Greens, socialists, young people, migrant communities and other independent activists could reclaim Wollongong and Shellharbour councils for the good of the community.
“This approach may be our only chance to avoid major political party interests controlling councils here in the Illawarra.
“If we continue with business as usual and stay divided its hard to see what can change. But if we can seize the opportunity to unite we can begin to take the Illawarra in a new direction: away from corruption scandals, exclusion and poverty, and toward good governance, sustainable policies, jobs and inclusive local politics.”
Supporters of the call out for a united ticket will organise a meeting in the coming weeks.