’TWAS the night before Christmas when the Barnett government gazetted its legislation to merge Bayswater and Bassendean councils and rejig Stirling’s borders.
Former Vincent councillor and anti-forced amalgamation campaigner Ian Ker found the timing deeply suspect, given many people were either deeply distracted or on holiday (including the Voice).
Mr Ker commented: “What a cynical piece of skulduggery to have governor’s orders issued on Christmas Eve and hope that no-one will notice—especially when the supreme court judgement is under appeal.”
Mr Ker and a few other councils tried to fight the mergers in court but their attempt was rejected by chief justice Wayne Martin, partly because the changes planned didn’t affect the plaintiffs.
Subiaco city council is appealing that decision.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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