Community cabinet in Casey?

By Lia Bichel
THE FEDERAL Government may hold a community cabinet meeting in Casey this year following a recent meeting between the mayor and a local MP.
City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz met with Holt MP Anthony Byrne in December to discuss a range of challenges local residents have and Casey’s advocacy priorities for 2012. These include improved transport, broadband infrastructure, employment opportunities and the capacity of the Melbourne Water Drainage System.
Following the meeting, Cr Aziz said he thought it would be beneficial to write to the Federal Government and Federal Opposition, inviting them to hold a community cabinet meeting in the City of Casey.
“Council will be writing to the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Julia Gillard inviting the Federal Government to hold a community cabinet in Casey in 2012,” Cr Aziz said.
“A community cabinet will provide council and community leaders with an outstanding opportunity to campaign for vital development in Casey and bring challenges facing residents to the Government’s attention.”
Council will also write to the Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbot to invite the Federal Opposition to hold a shadow community cabinet in Casey.
Cr Aziz said it was a key direction of the Council Plan 2009-13 to advocate for Casey with the State and Federal Governments in order to secure funding and partnership initiatives for the benefit of the community.
“By continuing to work with Mr Byrne and other levels of Government, we can identify and document opportunities for joint initiatives and co-operative ventures, which will benefit the Casey community.” Mr Byrne said he welcomed the City of Casey’s interest in having the Federal Government conduct a Community Cabinet in the City of Casey in 2012.
“The most recent Community Cabinet in our region took place at Emerald Secondary College on 19 May 2009, and it was a great success” Mr Byrne said.
“I believe another Community Cabinet where the voices of Casey residents can be directly heard by Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister will be of great value.”
Mr Byrne said he would work closely with the City of Casey and the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure a Community Cabinet was held in the City of Casey.