OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT
LOOK AFTER OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY, SAYS OAKESHOTT
Independent MP for Port Macquarie, Robert Oakeshott, today called on the State Government to increase its funding allocated to public libraries throughout NSW, particularly on the Mid-North Coast.
"Public Libraries in NSW receive the lowest State Government per capita contribution within Australia, said Mr Oakeshott.
"And this isn't just one side of Government or the other. This is not a Liberal or Labor issue. Decreases in public funding for libraries have been happening since 1980. So over 25 years of Government has seen this decline in public library funding, Mr Oakeshott said.
"The State Government in 1980 contributed 23.6% of the total cost of public libraries, and it is now only contributing 7.8%, said Mr Oakeshott.
"And the background to this disgraceful drop in State funding is that the Library Act 1939 is a State Act of Parliament that largely binds local Government to delivering library services, said Mr Oakeshott.
"Currently, all residents on the Mid-North Coast receive free access to public library services because Councils have adopted the Library Act. However, I am concerned some Councils may decide to charge for services, such as membership fees, loan charges, internet charges, and many other fee-for-service options, Mr Oakeshott said.
"This would be a sad reflection on how community information and education is viewed by Government, and it is imperative the State Government fulfils its obligations in delivering full and free library services to communities such as ours.
7 September 2007