Rainbow Panel Will Cost Pot of Gold

17 MARCH 2015

Responding to the report that Aucklanders may soon have a new ‘Rainbow panel’ at a cost of nearly $120,000 per year, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“Our Auckland GLBTI members want the same thing as all ratepayers – value for money and an end to increasing rates bills.”

“This new Rainbow Panel joins the Pacific, ethnic, youth, seniors, disability and rural advisory panels, each with their own secretariat, staff and associated expenses. Most of the work by these panels suggests they are more about photo-ops and fluffy headlines than better decision-making.”

“Auckland Council should focus on providing good infrastructure and doing the basics well. With the exception of the disability panel, which plays an important role in highlighting the practical needs of many access-impaired members of the public, the value of these hang-on committees is questionable."

“The Council should stop growing this two-tiered democratic system where ratepayers are forced to fund special interest lobby groups to replicate the role of elected officials."

ENDS

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