This system is ripe for conflict between democratically elected representatives and unelected Judges. The application to build an Islamic School in Camden is a case in point.

According to Local and State Planning Authorities the application by the Quaranic Society breaches every planning instrument which has been developed to protect the social, historic and economic integrity of local communities.

The application generated a massive community protest as the land is not zoned for educational purposes and there is no local demand for such a school. Local objectors noted that there are numerous sites zoned for educational purposes in the new growth areas of Bringelly and Oran Park. They also noted that these sites are closer to suburbs that have large concentrations of Islamic families.

Land zoned for educational purposes is more expensive than the proposed site which is zoned for primary production. The proponents of the Islamic school stand to make a windfall profit if they are successful in their appeal to have the zoning changed.

They have skilfully played the reverse-race card to support their development. Pigs’ heads were mysteriously placed on the proposed site (one can only wonder if they were the same ones used to gain a similar reaction at Annandale a couple of years ago!). Religious zealots from both sides of the secular divide were joined by the odd redneck to share their 15 seconds of fame in front of a baying media.

Camden Council, to their great credit, refused to enter the secular debate and maintained their focus on existing planning laws. They sought additional information from the proponents of the school but were ignored. Submissions from professional planners at State and Local Government level were unanimous in their objections to the development. Camden Councillors were unanimous in their decision to reject the proposal based on this advice.

The strategy of the proponents then became clear. Kaiser Trad, media spokesman and public apologist for Sheik El Hilaly, branded the decision as racist. Silvertail lawyer, Jeremy Bingham boasted that he had never lost a case in Court.

Democracy is well on the way to getting shafted under their skilful use of reverse-racism and the ‘law’. Christmas Eve was used as a cut-off date for new submissions and the middle of the Easter holidays was chosen for the Court to sit in Camden. A cruel irony for busy families who might have wanted to register their objections.

Individuals get elected as independent members or as part of a political party. They party they choose is one that represents their beliefs and values. Many are influenced by their parents who pass on their values as part of the nurturing process of raising a child.

It is important for people who are committed to building better communities to be involved in the political process. There is an old saying that we can only have good government if we have a good opposition. This can only happen if people from all segments of our society get involved with the party of their choice.

Within the party system there are those who aspire to political office and those who wish to make a contribution and ‘do their bit’. The competition for pre-selection in a party system is highly competitive. Candidates need exceptional people skills, a good intellect, values in line with the political philosophy of their party, a clear vision, energy, guile, charm, experience, a demonstrated commitment to their community, and most importantly – an abundance of common sense.

These talents and skills can be acquired both within and outside the political process. A successful political party would seek a good balance in this area. The strength of the Labor Party comes from their affiliation with the trade union movement. Representatives hone their skills in the rough and tumble of union ‘politics’ and are well prepared for a role as an elected representative when the opportunity presents itself.

The first tier of government i.e. local councils, is another area where political aspirants acquire skills for advancement. The number of local government councillors sitting in our State and Federal governments today would attest to this.

Today’s communities are diverse and demanding. Federal and State government policies are comprehensive and complex. Individuals entering local government as independent members can be easily overwhelmed with the pressures placed upon them. Those who belong to a political party have access to research, advice and support that is not available to independents.

Checks and balances in any system are important. This would lead to the conclusion that a balance of party representatives and committed independents would be a good result for local governments in NSW.

But what we do know is the banks and their lawyers are going to screw us somehow if the economy goes belly up!

We know that corporate conglomerates such as Coles and Woolworths will use their monopolies to screw farmers, suppliers, contractors and consumers and we know banks will use theirs to raid our accounts with sneaky fees and charges at every stage of the banking process. On the other hand we expect government agencies to properly manage the taxes and rates they extract from us for the provision of infrastructure and services.

Recent revelations that Local Government Councils in New South Wales could lose more that $200 million dollars because of shonky investments in the United States sub-prime mortgage market has sent shock waves through our financial and government sectors. It is clear that some Councils have been operating well out of their areas of expertise in volatile international money markets. The decline of the United States sub-prime mortgage market has left them dangerously exposed.

As the third tier of government our local Councils are under enormous pressure from both Federal and State Governments. Increases in local government responsibilities are not met my commensurate increases in government funding. The Iemma/Costa government restricts their income by pegging rates at levels well below what they need to meet the needs of their communities and now ‘cranky Frankie’ Sartor wants to raid their Section 94 biscuit tins!

In another era it would have been called ‘rape and pillage’. Today it’s called ‘cost shifting’.

Whilst Maurice Iemma and Michael Costa have applied the squeeze they have failed to provide adequate guidelines or centralised expertise to guide Councils through the shoals of international investments. Even the advice we received from our grand-fathers about ‘not putting all your eggs in one basket’ seems to have been ignored by some.

It is probably too much to expect from a Government that has failed New South Wales residents in so many areas. Who will ever forget the failed T Card, the collapse of toll companies, the North Shore Hospital and the daily gridlock on our roads among other things.

Federal and State governments can do a lot more to minimise risk in this volatile area by setting proper Ministerial guidelines and providing centralised investment expertise.