12 December 2008

Welcome To Newly Elected Councillors

This may be the first time you receive my e-news, welcome.

I understand how busy this time is for new Councillors, so in preparing my updates I try to encapsulate information and then link to documents rather than have you wade through lots of text. My intention is that you can dip in and dip out and read what you need or what you have time for.

With the election now over I expect that you are getting your head around your new role. You may find yourself in a situation where you are now colleagues with people that you may have viewed as your opposition through the election period. Now you need to work productively together. We have a range of programs and skilled people who have a wealth of experience to assist you. I urge you to have a look at our Learning and Development Program or contact us at the VLGA for advice and assistance.

Watch Out For VLGA ‘Snail Mail’ On Monday

Today we will be posting you a letter along with information on Member Benefits and the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre’s Program for the first half of 2009. These letters will arrive at your Council on Monday.

New Councillor Resources

This section of our webpage is proving very popular. The latest guidance available from the State Government on the Right to Make Submissions for members of the public to councils is also listed among these resources.

Did you know that there is now a minimum period of 28 days for the public to make submissions after a notice inviting submissions has been published? While this improves public transparency and engagement, there will be some practical teething issues that will need to be considered.

Australian Research Council Funds 3 Year Pokies Study

The VLGA has a long history in the issue of gaming and the impact on local communities. We are delighted to learn that the University of Ballarat has been funded for 3 years by the Australian Research Council to examine the psycho-social impacts of the introduction of pokie machines (electronic gaming machines, EGMs) on local communities.

We have strongly supported this project in partnership with Frankston City Council, Hume City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Mitchell Shire Council, and the Surf Coast Shire Council who have committed funding to this project. You can read more about the project in the following Media Release.

Australian Local Government Australia’s Constitutional Summit

In attending the Constitutional Summit this week, I feel very optimistic about the future of Local Government. I would also like to state how impressive the new ALGA President, Cr Geoff Lake (a fellow Victorian) was at the Summit. Geoff was highly professional and sensitively balanced the needs of all participants.

He succinctly states the benefits of Constitutional Recognition as

“… fundamentally about modernising Australian federalism so government functions better and unnecessary bureaucracy is removed so services are delivered more efficiently and effectively to people. The model proposed will not radically alter government in this country, but it will provide sensible, sober and logical improvement.

“These reforms will improve the accountability of local councils and councillors to their communities and entrench the principles of democratic decision-making and control at the local level.”

The VLGA congratulates ALGA for their mammoth efforts in organising this wonderful event. A copy of the Summit’s Declaration, background material and Fact Sheets can be found on the ALGA website.

International Human Rights Day Annual Oration

Wednesday 10 December was International Human Rights Day. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission held an annual Human Rights Oration, this year delivered by Dan Adams the 2008 Young Victorian Of The Year. Dan organised the Make Poverty History Concert which reached a global audience of 20 million people and he is a board member of The Oaktree Foundation.

Dan eloquently and persuasively spoke about climate change threatening fundamental human rights including the right to life itself. And, those least responsible for climate change, namely people in the developing world, young people and future generations who will be most affected. Dan raised questions of equity and questioned the moral obligation on the developed world to act.

Perhaps we need to think about this connection when we review our Local Government’s response to the way we ensure that the Victorian Human Rights Charter is implemented and how this affects our communities.

VLGA Meeting & Welcome Celebration: From 6pm Thursday 18^th December

I wanted to remind you of this event to be held on the Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton.

Following a very brief (5 minute) General Meeting to approve new members, please join VLGA friends and members, newly elected mayors and councilors, and Local Government Minister Richard Wynne for drinks and entertainment.

RSVP via email: vlga@vlga.org.au

Warm Regards

Beth