Before I get into developments and future events, I wanted to pause and reflect on the impact on communities of a lot of the things reported here and elsewhere.
While we are mainly a Local Government peak body, I am struck by the continuing relevance of the VLGA to the broader community.
There will always be challenges and opportunities affecting our ability to assist an independent and strong sector flourish. It is also true that we need to advocate for genuine democracy and liveable communities to improve our sector’s profound and close connections with ordinary citizens.
Many in the community look to Local Governments to join with communities to improve well being, and to ensure communities have a real say in their own futures. So as you read this latest update, I hope you will also reflect on the obvious benefits for communities in the work the VLGA does.
CEO Recruitment
The VLGA Board last week resolved to engage the services of jo fisher executive to assist us to appoint a permanent CEO. As you would know, Darren Ray has acted in the role for almost a year, as a result of an accident involving our former CEO, Rae Perry.
Darren informed the Board that he will not be applying for the permanent role. Having worked for us for two-and-a-half years, and having led the organisation through great change over the last year or so, Darren has decided to strike a better work / life balance.
The good news though, is that Darren will return to his former VLGA role of Director Policy & Public Affairs. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Darren for the fantastic work he has performed in the past year as Acting CEO.
We are excited to be working with jo fisher executive an organisation that has recruited over 100 executives in local government and related sectors. Jo Fisher will now assist the Board to finalise the recruitment process, and to choose the person who will lead the organisation for the next three or more years.
Meeting With Minister Wynne Re Conflict Of Interest
As part of the advocating efforts VLGA undertakes with various levels of government we meet regularly with Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne and staff. Last week, Darren Ray, Ron Exiner (VLGA Policy Officer) and I met with the Minster and staff to discuss the concerns of members re the unjust and unfair restrictions on councillors working for MPs. We argued that at the very least this legislation should not be made retrospective and should only apply for new councillors elected from 2012 onwards. Unfortunately the Minister remains resolute in his convictions to push through on this Bill which is currently due for its second reading in parliament this week. This will mean many councillors will be in the unenviable position of having to choose between their job and career or their commitment to public office as a councillor.
At our meeting we also communicated community and sector concerns and suggestions re Conflict of Interest - see content on the front page of our website at www.vlga.org.au
I am delighted to be able to report to you that the Minister has now agreed to include the VLGA and the sector in a detailed review of the legislation starting in November. We will keep you involved in these discussions and hope to see some common sense being applied to the review of this legislation.
MAV Sets Up Fighting Fund
In another welcome development, the MAV has decided to set up a fighting fund
to challenge the Local Government Amendment (Conflicting Duties) Bill.
In an email to Councils from MAV President, Cr Bill McArthur, it has been confirmed that the MAV has received legal advice that any action to query the validity of the legislation would need to be undertaken by an affected individual or individuals. Given this advice, the MAV Management Committee has resolved that it will:
1. Identify if one or more individuals are prepared to seek a declaration in the Supreme Court of Victoria that the provision within the Local Government (Conflicting Duties) Act disqualifying electorate officers and ministerial advisors from being councillors is inconsistent with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibility Act
2. Invite councils and others to contribute to a newly created fund to assist the selected individual(s) in meeting the costs relating to the declaration.
Importantly, the action will need to be taken by individual(s), not the MAV. The fund will be held in trust and funding of any amount that councils are able to contribute towards this action would be welcome. It was agreed that an indicative figure that councils may wish to consider is $3,000 for metropolitan councils and $1,500 for rural councils.
Further information will be provided by the MAV shortly about the arrangements for councils wishing to contribute to the fund. If for any reason the declaration does not proceed, all funds will be returned to participating councils.
August Leading Edge Forum - Cutting Edge Issues & Webcast
Last Thursday about 30 people joined us to discuss the reputation and independence of Local Governments, Climate Change, Rooming House Regulation and other issues. For those unable to make it on the night, you can see what was discussed at this LEF by viewing the live webcast at
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
Leading Edge Forums coming up! September (Women Councillors) and October (Financial Viability Of Smaller, Rural Shires)
September (Women Councillors)
Speaking of our LEF's, on Thursday 3rd September at the VLGA in Carlton we will focus on planning for the 2010 Year Of Women In Local Government. This is a rare opportunity for women members and those men and women who support them, to get together to listen, ponder and consider how VLGA can participate in the National Year of Women in Local Government in 2010, and our strategy towards the 2012 elections.
As well as panel speakers, we will hold focus groups as a key part of informing the VLGA’s approach to Councillor development, and increasing the number and diversity of women candidates in the 2012 Local Government elections.
We want to hear what you think. The Victorian Office of Women’s Policy will be present to hear your views. All welcome. Gender equity is work which involves all of us.
October (Financial Viability Of Smaller, Rural Shires)
On Thursday 8th October (note this is the second Thursday, not the first), VLGA Members Wodonga City Council, will host a timely and topical discussion on the financial viability of smaller, rural shires. The VLGA has long held the policy position of greater funding for these shires, and we hope to gain more ideas from the sector in the lead-up to our State Election Campaign.
Role of Delegates and Service Offer to Smaller Rural Shires
Last week the Board also passed the Budget for 2009-10, including funding for events and services to increase our contact and support for VLGA delegates, and our smaller rural shire members.
This work will accompany our efforts to better engage our community members, and to explain the importance of our focus in our sector.
I am personally working with the VLGA to see these actions progressed over the month of August, so look out for announcements shortly.
Workcover Coverage For Councillors
Many of you will know that in 2007 and 2008, the VLGA called for such coverage in our Councillor Remuneration Campaign, and in a submission to the Accident Compensation Act Review by Peter Hanks QC.
As reform to Worker's Compensation provisions is likely to be dealt with in the near future by the Parliament, the Board has also asked the Acting CEO to see if an agreed sector position can be reached.
While this issue is more complex as a result of amendments to the Local Government Act (e.g. Councillor Conduct Panels) last November, it will still be important for the VLGA to advocate strongly on behalf of Councillors. After all, this and other advocacy issues will help to increase the diversity and number of citizens standing for elections.
Transport Events
Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit
Now in its 7th year, the Victorian Transport Infrastructure Summit has developed into a pivotal forum for industry, transport users and government representatives to exchange open and practical discussions on current projects and future planning developments.
Delegates at the event will have the opportunity to discuss the $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan and assess the planning, funding and strategy necessary to ensure Victoria’s sustainable transport future. More information and the detailed agenda is available from the summit website – http://www.informa.com.au/victransport
VLGA members are offered an exclusive 50% discount to attend. To receive this exclusive discount, a different registration form must be used (not available from the Informa website). To obtain a copy of this registration form, please contact the VLGA office.
Bike Futures 2009
Bike Futures is a Bicycle Network event being organised by Bicycle Victoria. The conference is a new initiative by Bicycle Network and it is envisaged the Conference will be an annual event. The primary aim is to help national and local leaders, planners, designers and builders respond to the critical demands brought on by the explosion in growth of bike transportation and recreation across Australia.
Bike Futures will be held at the MCG function centre, Melbourne on Thursday 15 to Friday 16 October 2009. Conference papers are now being called for. To find out how to submit your paper or to register to attend the event, visit www.bv.com.au
The Children & Active Transport Forum is an initiative of Kids – ‘Go for your life’, and VLGA has joined as a planning partner for the forum.
The forum is open to health professionals, Local Government staff and councillors and children’s service providers.
It will explore how to increase children’s participation in active transport, through increased awareness of the relationship between active transport and children’s health and wellbeing; increased collaboration between all stakeholders; greater understanding of stakeholder role and responsibilities; and overcoming barriers and limitations to children’s participation in active transport.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the VLGA’s Local Government Transport Facilitator, Stacey Bloomfield on 03 9349 7943 or Stacey@vlga.org.au if you require any further info.
I hope this enews finds you all well. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss these or any other issues.
Cr Ruth McGowan
Interim President
0431 664 693 or Ruth@vlga.org.au
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