Political parties in Hawkesbury are under scrutiny for their use of taxpayer funding, which is allocated for organisational development and policy formulation. Despite receiving public money, the parties have largely remained tight-lipped about their activities and plans for the community.
The Liberal Party, when approached by the Hawkesbury Gazette, cited internal rules that prevent them from disclosing specific discussions. They did acknowledge interest in the potential succession of Susan Templeman should she choose not to seek re-election. Beyond this, the party’s response was sparse, offering little insight into their current initiatives.
The Labor Party did not respond to the Gazette’s inquiries. However, sources indicate that they have ceased circulation of meeting minutes, allegedly out of concern for potential coverage by the media. Rumours suggest that discussions are ongoing regarding Templeman’s re-election, sparking speculation about who might step into her role.
The Greens also did not provide a comment. Reports suggest they are focused on revising their local party constitution, which aims to restrict membership to individuals who meet specific environmental standards. Interestingly, it has been noted that Templeman may not align with the new criteria, should she consider joining the party in the future.
Despite the substantial taxpayer support, all three political entities have adopted a “don’t ask, don’t tell” approach concerning their policy discussions and community engagement strategies.
Feedback from residents indicates a strong desire for more transparency and a clearer understanding of how political parties intend to address community needs. This information has been compiled into a poster, which the Gazette plans to display prominently at party offices in an effort to prompt dialogue.
The Hawkesbury Gazette remains committed to reporting on local political developments. As transparency appears elusive, the publication will continue to monitor the situation closely, seeking insights into the discussions that shape the community’s future. The expectation is that political parties will eventually recognise the importance of public engagement and accountability in their operations.
