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