Last week I met with Minister Guy and Minister Powell as part of the VLGA’s regular meeting schedule in the Planning and Local Government portfolios. It was therefore interesting to see the machinery of government changes that were announced by the Premier on Tuesday afternoon with the new Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure being important to our sector. In the meeting with Minister Guy, the VLGA outlined our response to the metropolitan planning strategy and our views on governance and institutional issues for the new metropolitan planning authority. We came away with the impression that the new authority will be focused very much on implementation, and that the Growth Areas Authority will be incorporated into the new body, continuing to fulfil GAA functions in defined areas, administering the GA fund but taking a wider remit. Minister Guy reiterated that the development of the strategy and the new authority will be completed by end of spring. In our meeting with Minister Powell, we put forward our views on the guidelines for differential rates (discussed below). Minister Powell was of the view that the ministerial committee listened to all the feedback and submissions and took on board the majority of issues raised by local governments. She did not agree with our position about the timing of the introduction of the guidelines being problematic. We also discussed the review of Victorian public libraries and Minister Powell wants to see a high level of submissions from local governments on the stage two consultations. We identified that metropolitan councils will likely be very strong in their feedback about not undermining their already stretched funding, to accommodate a Victoria-wide system. With regards the VLGA’s ongoing advocacy for a review of the Local Government Act, while the Minister advised she will not have a budget in 2013-14 for a full review, she has overseen a time table for examining areas of the Act, which will include:
- governance and councillor code of conduct issues
- the electoral system
- accountability processes and how these are currently expressed in the Act (with the introduction of mandatory performance reporting).
We discussed the recent practice note issued by Local Government Victoria on councillors voting in the chamber. We reiterated anecdotal evidence from members about abstentions from voting, and the confusion the new laws have created. The VLGA will be seeking your views on this in more detail so we can report further to the Minister. That’s a lot to leave you with this week, so I look forward to seeing many of you out and about and please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
President
Keeping you up to date
Ministerial guidelines for differential rating
Last Tuesday afternoon, the Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell MP released the guidelines for differential rating which are due to be gazetted. The guidelines have been sent to all local governments and are available online. The VLGA issued a media release in response in which we said we believe the restrictive differential rates guidelines undermine the autonomy of local government and that they will prevent councils from working with their communities to address important local issues including ensuring the rates burden is distributed equitably. The VLGA will issue further advice to member local governments this week about how the guidelines will be implemented. The Minister’s additional media release on Thursday led with the line that local governments should be offering lower differential rates to farmers.
A number of VLGA members have raised with us their concerns about this Bill which was introduced to the Legislative Assembly on 5 March by the Attorney-General, and has now passed the Assembly and is in its second reading. There is concern that the sector has not been consulted about the Bill, and in particular about the amendments proposed to Sections 76 and 97 of the existing Act that propose to make the Responsible Authority under the Planning Scheme (ie. the Council) the Responsible Authority for permits issued by the Minister for Planning. If member local governments wish to provide further feedback to the VLGA for our advocacy to the Government, please email Director Policy, Toby Archer.
Local Government Aboriginal Partnership Project (LGAPP) update
On Friday, Local Government Victoria provided an update on the LGAPP to all local governments. The update document provides a summary of work undertaken to date in the project and the proposed Local Government Aboriginal Partnership Principles. Comments are welcome on the draft Partnership Principles and can be sent to rhancock@mav.asn.au by Friday 17 May.
Koolin Balit: Strategic directions for Aboriginal health 2012-2022
Koolin Balit was launched by the Minister for Health at the Aboriginal health conference in May 2012. It is the Victorian Government's strategic directions for Aboriginal health over the next 10 years. Koolin Balit sets out what the Department of Health, together with Aboriginal communities, other parts of government and service providers, will do to achieve the government's commitment to improve Aboriginal health. Download Koolin Balit and learn more online.
Benefits of the Boom?
The Regional Australia Institute has published a policy briefing on regional Australia and the resource boom. The brief assesses the extent to which regional communities benefit from local resource developments and looks at ways they can capture a greater share of the benefits.
Broadband policies explained
Many local governments and community members will be puzzling over the two policy positions of the ALP and the Coalition with regards the National Broadband Network. This explainer article by Karl Schaffarczyk, a Law Student at University of Canberra titled A tale of two NBNs: the Coalition’s broadband policy explained may be helpful (The Conversation, 9 April).
Smart meters community liaison
Local governments and community groups can now access someone to talk to about Smart Meters and energy efficiency. Community requests for meetings and presentations on energy bills and Smart Meters can be accommodated by Community Liaison Manager, Mark Travill. As a public speaker, Mark has presented at major industry conferences on a range of energy market topics, and has also presented to industry, regulators and the media to explain the reasons behind energy price rises. Mark can give straightforward, factual answers to difficult questions even when a strong understanding of complex technical issues is required. To request a meeting or presentation from Mark, contact the Department of Primary Industries via Stakeholder Engagement Adviser, Kate Tunney on (03) 9658 4088 or email.
Funding opportunities
Multicultural youth sport grants open for applications
The Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program is now open for applications. The funding provides grants to organisations of between $5000 and $50,000 to help youth from new and emerging communities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in sport within their local communities. Applications close: 2 May 2013
Community Safety Fund grants
Community Safety Fund grants of up to $10,000 can provide funding for communities in Victoria to implement locally based crime prevention projects. Eligible projects must address a crime prevention issue within a local community. Applications close: 2 May 2013
Events for your diary
Councillors’ Leadership Dinner – for councillors at VLGA member councils – book early as numbers limited!
Wednesday 15 May@ 6.15 for a 6.30pm start, to 9.30pm
The Pumphouse Hotel, 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
The VLGA is hosting a special members-only dinner for councillors at VLGA member councils. Come along to enjoy a three-course meal and guest speaker Jennifer Gray, CEO Zoos Victoria. View the formal invitation and RSVP your attendance by Friday 10 May.
Leading Edge Forum – save the date!
Thursday 6 June, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton 3053, Ground floor, Meeting room 2
The next Leading Edge Forum will be a special Reconciliation Week event. Further information will be made available on our website in the near future.
Other Events
Aging in Australia - Cultural Diversity in Aged Care Expo
Saturday 27 April 2013, 10am-4pm
Melbourne Town Hall
This free special event will help you learn about aged care services. You will be able to talk with service providers, receive free advice, and collect multilingual information aimed at helping you to navigate the aged care system. Interpreting services will be available on request. Register for your free ticket online or call (03) 8823 7979.
LGMA National: 2013 National Congress and Business Expo
19 – 21 May
Hobart
The 2013 National Congress and Business Expo is a two-day event packed with a huge range of presentations, workshops and social events. The theme is Great Society: What is local government’s role? Attended by hundreds of delegates from across Australia and internationally, this is the place to be to network with peers and contribute to the discussions around the key issues affecting the sector. View the program for full details and information on how to register. Get in now to attract the early bird discount.
PilchConnect Seminar Series: ‘Fundraising for Victorian Community Organisations’
30 May, Registrations open at 9.15am for a 9.30am start – 12.30pm
Gilbert and Tobin Lawyers, Level 22, 101 Collins St, Melbourne
Raffles, gala dinners, direct appeals for donations – fundraising is an ongoing necessity for many community organisations, and an occasional task for others. However the detailed legal and regulatory requirements surrounding fundraising are often not well understood. Help to make sure that your event is a success by ensuring you comply with fundraising laws as part of your preparation. Register online.
Australian Executive Women’s Leadership Symposium
24 - 25 June
Park Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne
The Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium will be run in four key locations throughout the country – including Melbourne – and provides women with an unparalleled opportunity to explore contemporary leadership theory and learn from current ‘best practice’ examples. The Symposium annually attracts over 1000 participants – making it Australia’s largest gathering of female leaders and decision-makers. The 2013 national program will feature over 50 of Australia’s most inspirational leaders, trainers and academics. This year, a range of Skills Development Sessions will be interspersed throughout the two-day program. Visit the official website for more information.
Some industry subsidies, which reduce the attendance fee to $995pp (from $2,295), remain unallocated. To confirm your eligibility please contact 1300 138 037.Local Government New Zealand Conference
Transforming communities – building a successful New Zealand
21 – 23 July
New Zealand's local government sector is experiencing great change. It is vital people working in local government come together to support one another in continuing to do the best job they can for their communities. The theme is 'transforming communities – building a successful New Zealand.' We anticipate a lot of discussion about how to best build success in our communities. Learn more and register online.
Amendment:
ALGWA Conference: Going Bush in 2013
In last week’s eNews, we advertised the ALGWA conference as 26-26 May. The correct conference date is 24 – 26 May. Going Bush in 2013 has something for everyone and more information is available at the ALGWA website.
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