We are the most over-governed country

in the world. Downunder has a population far less than that of California. California would fit many times over into Downunder. 

We have a three tier system of government. There is our Federal Government in the nation's capital. There are State and Territory governments for each separate state and territory and there is local council or shire government.

This state has a population of 1.7m people and we have both a state government and no less than sixty-eight councils. These councils are supposed to deal with things like rates, local roads, rubbish and community services like libraries and parks. The cost is enormous.

What is more what is legal in one council may not be legal in another. There are widely differing rules on the management of domestic animals and wildlife - not that the domestic animals or wildlife know this of course. Even some residents are not sure which council area they are in or what the rules, regulations and by-laws state. There is also the issue that what applies here in the city does not necessarily work in a more remote area.

It is assumed we know the law. The law is often "common-sense written down". It is why we do things like keep to one side of the road rather than the other. It is when it becomes a little less certain we run into trouble. Common-sense tells me you do not leave a five year old alone in a public place or expect them to go into facilities they don't know alone because you don't have the right to enter them. 

Yes, it is that public toilet issue again. The council with the five year old rule cannot possibly be applying it. Most people would not even be aware of it. It is not common-sense any more - if it ever was. It is time for state wide rules to apply. 

It is time to be rid of one level of government altogether and there might be more money for "parent facilities".