Visit from Sr Arcangelo Leite, Timor Leste Minister for State Administration
Over the last few days I have had the pleasure of hosting the Minister on his first visit to Australia. At a meeting with the Minister for Local Government and great friend of Timor Leste – Richard Wynne, Sr Leite commented on how warm his hospitality had been and that he felt like he was with family.
We have had important discussions about the future of Australian-Timor Leste Friendship Groups, as well as the formation of the first four Local Governments in Timor Leste next year.
I am excited about the leading role the VLGA continues to take in supporting our newest neighbour.
Workcover for Councillors?
I am pleased to see that the Final Report of the Accident Compensation Act Review has recommended Councillors be covered under the Accident Compensation Act.
As the sole voice calling for this during our Councillor Remuneration Campaign, followed by a submission to the Review, our task now will be to convince the State Government to accept this recommendation. I will provide an update on these discussions soon.
Councillor Conduct: Ensuring Unbiased Democratic Council Decision Making
Following urging from the VLGA, the Department of Planning and Community Development have now published a terrific ‘good practice’ guide.
The well-written document has two very good case studies which provide some guidance. I think the best line in this would have to be ‘having an open mind does not mean having an empty mind’. The document is on our website.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Survey
Unlike last year, this year the VEOHRC will identify the Local Governments that do not respond to their survey in their 2008 Report. To avoid this I would like to once again bring your attention to this survey which looks at the operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.
Last year 30% of Local Governments did not complete the survey, so we are hoping that this figure is much less this time around. The deadline for participation is 24 October 2008. Details are on our website.
Warm regards
Beth
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