The Local Government and Shires Associations this week released a cost shifting survey. It includes responses from 78 NSW councils, who were asked to estimate the price of shifting responsibilities such as waste levies, food safety regulation and medical services. Findings are based on the 2007-08 financial year.
Among the six Hunter respondents, the amount of cost shifting was about $31 million. Most affected was Lake Macquarie City Council, with $12.6 million, or 8.74 per cent of its $144 million operating income, paying for state-initiated responsibilities. Newcastle and Maitland councils attributed $10.7 million and $4.6 million respectively to cost shifting. Singleton, Gloucester and Upper Hunter shire councils said it chewed up between 3.78 and 6.12 per cent of their operating income.
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