Sincere condolences to Jackie Fristacky
The Board and staff of the VLGA send our heartfelt condolences to Mayor Jackie Fristacky at Yarra City Council on the recent passing of her husband Brian Buckley. Our warmest thoughts are with you and your family Jackie.
President’s Message
Like it or loathe it, fundraising and donations are a part of politics at all levels of government in Australia. The regulation of political donations and the public funding of state and federal elections are supposed to ensure our political process is not corrupted. Last week these issues were at the forefront of public debate, with federal politicians considering and then rejecting changes to the way political donations are disclosed to the public and the level of public funding for federal elections. Here in Victoria, Minister for Planning Matthew Guy also called for new laws on political fundraising and a ban on donations by developers. Such a ban already exists in New South Wales and Queensland. Unsurprisingly, these issues have aroused considerable public comment and political intrigue. Local politics too has serious issues to consider about donations. During the 2012 local government elections, donations to candidates attracted significant debate and considerable media coverage in some instances. All candidates are required to disclose campaign contributions above $500 and disclosure statements must be published on each local government’s website. Interestingly, this analysis of donations finds that donations do not appear to be a major factor in the success of a candidate. Of the 250 candidates who received donations of $500 of more, 37 per cent were elected compared to a success rate of 31 per cent for all other candidates. How should we regulate political donations to local government candidates to ensure transparency and accountability? Debate over the federal legislation and Minister Guy's suggestion illustrates that this important question needs to be discussed at all levels. As part of our Strengthening Democracy: Improving local government elections project, we want to know how you think local government election donations should be regulated and more generally how we can improve local democracy. We will be releasing an issues paper later in June and we look forward to hearing from you then.
Following the recent expression of interest process to co-opt to the current VLGA Board vacancy, I am delighted to announce that Mr James Lamour-Reid and Mr Terry Larkins have both been co-opted to the Board. James and Terry bring extensive community, planning and local governance experience to our Board and we look forward to their first Board meeting later this month. Congratulations to you both!
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.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
National Food Plan – can we do more?
The National Food Plan white paper was released on 25 May. The VLGA is disappointed the Plan amounts to little more than a plan for growing the agriculture and food industries and exporting the Western diet to the exclusions of other considerations, in areas such as environmental sustainability, social equity or public health. Those who are concerned about Australians who suffer food insecurity are now asking can we do more to ensure that Australia is a place where the basic human right to food is guaranteed.
Anyone can run a town
In the heat of the moment, it is not uncommon for community members to say that they could do a better job than councillors and local government officers in managing the complex issues that local government deals with. Now using Australian Bureau of Statistics data, anybody can face these challenges with a new iPhone strategy game developed for the ABS called Run that town.
VLGA Member, Mitchell Shire celebrates National Reconciliation Week
Congratulations to the communities of Mitchell Shire where a special National Reconciliation Week event was held on Monday last week. The Seymour Local Indigenous Network (LIN) presented Council with the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Island flags, and a framed manuscript of the 2008 Apology speech to the Nation to be displayed in the council chamber. The presentation included Auntie Alice Solomon of the Yorta Yorta Nation reading a poem by Hyllus Maris. Mayor Cr Bill Melbourne accepted the gifts and then invited the LIN to join Council as it develops a policy paper to establish Council’s position with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and designs an Aboriginal garden outside Seymour Library as a symbol of respect to the traditional custodians of the land. Formalities ended with a smoking ceremony performed by Uncle Larry Walsh. This special event will support the Shire to continue its journey of reconciliation.
‘My Darebin’ promotional DVD released
VLGA member Darebin City Council recently released a promotional DVD which beautifully captures the spirit and offerings of the city. Featuring arts and recreation, multiculturalism and education, cafes and socialising, transport and architecture and more, this is a great three-minute snapshot of a diverse and exciting Council area. Well done to all involved in its production. Watch the video online
LG Pro Customer Service Award
Nominations are open for the 2013 LGPro Customer Service Award which recognises a team or individual initiative that has improved customer service within a Council. Nominations for the 2013 Award close on Monday 17 June. Visit the website for more information and to nominate.
Victorian Heart Maps
The Heart Foundation has produced an online map of hospital admissions for heart attack, unstable angina and heart failure by local government area. The Victorian Heart Maps show admissions for these conditions from 2007-08 to 2011-12. The maps use data from the Victorian Department of Health and show that people living in rural and regional Victoria tend to have higher rates of hospitalisation than people in metropolitan Melbourne. The maps also show a clear association between hospitalisation and risk factors for heart disease and strong association between hospitalisation and social disadvantage.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum
‘Cultural awareness and local governments – promoting creative strategies’
Thursday 6 June, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
This year we will again partner with Reconciliation Victoria for our special Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum focusing on cultural awareness strategies that achieve new outcomes. Our guest speakers include Glenn Shea, a Wathaurong/Ngarrindjeri man and an actor and playwright. Other speakers will feature case studies of how cultural awareness programs have impacted local government outcomes. Call 03 9349 7999 to RSVP or register online.
Show me the money! New approaches to funding
Wednesday 12 June, 9am to 12.30
Melbourne Multicultural Hub (Purple Room), 506 Elizabeth St, CBD
Finding money to fund community projects has never been easy and this is not likely to change any time soon. Governments at all levels are focused on austerity and belt tightening. In local government, the pressure is on to continue to deliver community projects with tight budgets. This seminar will provide participants with an overview of opportunities to engage the philanthropic sector, social entrepreneurial approaches and new funding models for local government projects. RSVP by Friday 7 June to 03 9349 7999 or by email.
Delivering community infrastructure in challenging times
Friday 28 June, 9am to 12.30
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Planning and financing community infrastructure is difficult at the best of times. Governments at all levels are focused on austerity and belt tightening. In local government, the pressure is on to continue to deliver community infrastructure with tight budgets. This VLGA workshop brings together a range of perspectives to share good practice and innovative approaches to planning and delivering community assets in today’s challenging environment. RSVP by Tuesday 25 June to 03 9349 7999 or by email.
Other Events
Australian Environment Business Network workshops
June, Melbourne
With the change of focus of EPA Victoria, EPA NSW and other Government authorities, it is imperative that industries, businesses and councils understand their environmental obligations and are able to demonstrate compliance. To effectively manage your environmental exposures, the development of an efficient and appropriate Environmental Management System (EMS) will assist your business to streamline processes and resources. The Australian Environment Business Network (AEBN) has developed two Workshops:
* Demonstrating compliance with environmental regulations to Government Authorities - Understanding Environmental Compliance Workshop; - (EMS session 1) - AM Half Day, 26 June 2013 Melbourne; AND
* Improve and implement an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) Workshop - (EMS session 2) - PM Half Day, 26 June 2013 Melbourne
Australian Democracy in 2013
Wednesday 12 June, 7.30-8.30pm
The Capitol Theatre
It’s been a tumultuous term in the federal government – and now it’s time for voters to decide if it’s time for change. As we prepare to exercise our democratic duty to vote the Wheeler Centre is hosting a robust look at Australian democracy in action. What does it mean? Does democracy work? What does democracy mean to different people, and does everyone in Australia truly have access to it? Speakers include authors Dr Anne Summers, Don Watson and Margaret Simons, Kon Karapanagiotidis, founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Jane Smith, Director of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka and Humphrey McQueen, historian and cultural commentator. For more information and to register, visit the Wheeler Centre online.
Immigration in diversified Australia
20 and 21 June, 198 Berkeley Street, University of Melbourne
The conference marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Immigration: Control or Colour Bar? and its important influence in ending the White Australia Policy. The two day conference will provide a framework for an overall review of the state of play of Australian immigration policy in today’s world. Learn more or register online.
VLGA Membership
As a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governanceAs a VLGA member you become part of a unique organisation that specialises in democratic governance. Our Our membership includes local governments, organisations and individual community members. Membership brings many benefits such as regular updates on important and relevant issues, participation in the organisation's decision-making and discounts to VLGA events and training. To join the VLGA, visit our website or contact Member Relations Officer Chelsea Ayling on 03 9349 7999 or via email.
No comments:
Post a Comment