Ballina MP criticises lack of library funding
Member for Ballina Don Page believes that the latest State Government cuts to public libraries is a disgrace, with libraries now receiving on average 7.8% funding from the State Labor Government. Library funding has been cut consecutively over the last four years.
“In the past decade this State Labor Government has cut their State subsidy from 17.7% in Ballina Shire to 9.27% and from 20.54% in Byron Shire to 9.27%,” Mr Page said.
“In another deceptive act, then Premier Bob Carr in 2003, prior to the State election, promised to increase library funding, but in fact it has been cut drastically.
“Libraries play an important role in the local community, providing facilities for people who may not have access to services such as the internet. Libraries have the potential to provide a wide range of important communication and information services for the community, if given adequate funding.”
Mr Page said that regional areas had a greater need for library funding due to the lack of public transport and the number of smaller communities requiring library services.
“The Northern Rivers area has a large aging population which adds to the increasing demand on library services. 50% of the population in this region are library members,” he said.
“Libraries are pivotal in providing an environment to encourage and increase children’s reading ability. They can also provide a wide range of services for people who have difficulty accessing information, news and reading material.
“The NSW State Government are the highest taxing State in this country and yet they are providing much lower funding for libraries than any other State in Australia. The next lowest contribution being 19%.”
Mr Page said that the library funding cuts were the latest in a long list of this State Government’s funding cuts, especially to regional areas.
“The State Government have lost touch with what is important to regional communities. Their latest funding cuts are yet another indication of this,” Mr Page said.
