After almost 40 years of administration by a State Government Administrator the Torres Shire Council was restored to elected Council status in March 1991. It is now administered by a mainstream local government council comprising a Mayor and seven councillors. The existing democratic local government structure now provides a platform for people to elect their chosen leaders. I believe the current councillors, with their varying backgrounds, are able to identify with past wounds inflicted in our community and ensure political representation of many cultures in our area. Their empathy with the healing process is reflected in the council's policies and decision making as we work together for the well being of all constituents in the shire.
Many people are afraid of digging up old wounds for fear of creating further divisions.
I believe acknowledgment of past wounds is essential before true healing can commence. As the third tier of government, Local Government is the most important as the level closest to the people delivering essential services. Unfortunately, at times, it is easier to place service delivery as priority over the people for whom the services are provided. It is imperative that people remain the priority over services. Council policies, such as the Corporate Plan, must be sufficiently flexible to reflect this.