Sydney Morning Herald: It’s the key reason given by Sydney’s councils for applying for enormous rate rises: cost shifting. Over the years, cash-strapped councils have been tasked with paying for services once funded by state and federal governments.

The cost of emergency services, libraries, extra public transport, and policing during events are some examples of the expenses foisted upon local governments, which objected but were made to pay, or forgo public safety and amenity...

State MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby, whose seat falls within the Northern Beaches council area, said the relationship between the community and politicians was faltering after financial difficulties. She has called for an inquiry into the council to find efficiencies and rebuild trust.

Scruby said residents, some of whom picketed a January council meeting, were “outraged” and baying for “austerity, cost-cutting and efficiency”. She said the frustration was well-founded, but more nuance was needed to assess local government expenses.

“The financial sustainability of councils has been undermined for over 40 years,” Scruby said. “Even after all the cuts are made, the likely reality is that the current council model is unsustainable if the cost-shifting trend continues.”

You can read the article in full here: Sydney councils are being asked to pay for more with less. Waverley is going to find out how much