19 November 2008

Election of the VLGA Board

Now it’s our turn for elections! All positions on the VLGA Board are up for election on Thursday 5 February. Here are the most important dates to put in your diary:

· 9am Friday 16^th January: Voters Roll closes.

· 10am Friday 16^th January: Nominations open.

· 5pm Tuesday 27 January: Nominations close

· 5pm Friday 30 January: Electronic and attendance voting opens

· 9am Thursday 5 February: Electronic voting closes

· 7pm Thursday 5 February: Attendance voting closes

· We intend to declare the result of the election during the Leading Edge Forum on the evening of Thursday 5 February.

Eligibility to Vote

· All individual and group members as of 18 December 2008 are entitled to vote. If you are an unfinancial member, you must renew before the Voters Roll closes.

· If you have been offered honorary membership, you must return your membership form before the Voters Roll closes.

· Councillors at VLGA member Councils are entitled to an individual vote but only if they have signed and returned their formal agreement to the VLGA Mission, Vision and Values. All member Councillors should have received a membership form and self-addressed envelope with the latest Bulletin.

For details on who is eligible to stand for Board, see our latest Bulletin (page 3).

Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre Program for 2009

This week Councillors should have received a package from us which contains information on Member Benefits and the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre’s Program for the first half of 2009. The program is also located on our webpage

VLGA Meeting & Welcome Celebration

Last night we were joined by many Mayors, Councillors and Members for our annual get-together. We were joined by Minister Richard Wynne, Lord Mayor, Cr Robert Doyle and Deputy Lord Mayor, Cr Susan Riley and our extra special guest was the lady herself, Rae Perry. It was a wonderful evening to share with wonderful people.

Seasons Greetings to all

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones the very best for the festive season. I hope you take time to have a break and return in the new year with new vigour, I know I will.

Warm Regards

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

28 November 2008

Changes Newly Elected Councillors Need To Be Aware Of

If you are elected as a Councillor at the next election, there are some legislative changes that you should be aware of straight away. Many of these require you to make new disclosures within days of being elected … so please read this information carefully!

These changes come from the Local Government Amendment (Councillor Conduct and Other Matters) Bill 2008 which was passed by the Parliament on 11 November 2008 which I’ve talked about before.

Immediate changes which will affect newly elected Councillors in your first days in office include:

• New Allowances and Other Entitlements
• Amended Requirements For Meetings
• Special Committees and Audit Committees
• Oaths and Affirmations of Office
• Election of Mayors, and
• Ordinary and Primary Returns, and
• Campaign Donations Returns.

We have listed easy to understand information from Local Government Victoria about the above changes on the New Councillor Resources – Hitting The Ground Running! section of our website.

We also received further advice late yeaterday about Councillor Allowances and Support which you might want to read on our website.

VLGA Tally Room

As previously mentioned, the VLGA will run our usual Tally Room on Saturday night and on Sunday. Our staff have been busy behind the scenes tallying all of the preference arrangements for each election, so after we know the first preference counts, we expect to be among the first to be able to ‘call election results’. For more information, see our website.

End of Term Celebration

Last night we held our end of term celebration, what a great night. Very casual and so much fun. We reminisced about what had taken place over our term. So much has happened and we rarely take the time to look back from where we have been – usually because we are so focused on the next thing. So, here are a few of the highs and lows, the achievements and frustrations.

In my VLGA role, a most significant reflection is the amount of legislative change we have experienced – perhaps the most for a decade. Following our strong campaign “What Price Democracy?” we now have minimum standards of support for Councillors, increase in remuneration (albeit modest) and superannuation for newly elected Councillors. It was a hard slog and a welcome win.

VLGA – At the Forefront of Community Debate

I often describe the VLGA as ‘the giraffe organisation’ – prepared to stick our neck out on issues, whether it’s cutting edge work related to new and better ways to work with and plan for our communities, or more recently Land Use and Food Security where in time of climate change and peak oil we need to look afresh at agricultural pursuits as they relate to food production. The past four years have also seen us continue to ‘stick our neck out’ challenging the government of the day on matters important to local communities and local democracy.

By ‘sticking our neck out’ we made great inroads in advocating for changes to the Local Government Amendment (Councillor Conduct and Other Matters) Bill 2008. While the State Government sought to clarify and limit Section 78D, non-government parties were concerned enough to remove the component of 78D which retrospectively dealt with indirect interest in planning matters.
We welcome the removal of these components until concerns about limiting debate can be properly addressed in consultation with elected Councillors in the future. The many conversations I have had indicate that there is still a lot of confusion about how these play out.

Democratic Governance

There is no doubt that our consistent, measured and progressive approach has placed us squarely on the scene as a credible and long term player in the local government field. Our focus on democratic governance is hitting the right spot of a previously unfulfilled need.

Our opinions, views and policies on matters are regularly sought out by the media as well as government ministers and of course local governments. We have been able to exert significant influence in a range of areas, including changes to planning schemes with our insistence that for the first time, steering committees such as Streamlining Planning Processes and Cutting Red Tape should include members drawn from front line users of the system - officers and councilors!

Supporting Councillor and Community Development

The establishment of the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre puts YOU front and centre, where learning and development programs are developed and delivered by highly skilled local government practitioners whose personal experience brings an a value add to both the face to face and on line learning programs.

A Personal Highlight

A highlight for me has been the visits to your areas and your Council chambers, These annual visits are now an entrenched part of the VLGA calendar. Personally, I find these visits informative, particularly regarding the diversity (as well as the similarities) of local governments. They are an important way to value our relationship.

I can reflect that the VLGA slogan “Connecting Communities, Strengthening Democracy’ has been really lived out in the past term. Thanks to all who have been part of this!

My best wishes go to each and every one of you, whether you are re-standing for election or whether like me, you are looking to a new and exciting part of life’s journey. Please stay involved with the VLGA.

Warm Regards

Beth

24 November 2008 - Candidates Special

Good luck!

We are nearly there and I wish all candidates well for this election. As participation levels in public life decline, your energy and commitment to represent the interests of your local community is appreciated.

I firmly believe that the role and independence of elected Councillors will depend on the way we support each other in the future and the VLGA looks forward to working with you.

2008 Anonymous Candidates Online Survey Results

A very high percentage of candidates (74%) have never been Councillors, nevertheless many of the issues and needs are consistent with those expressed by current Councillors. Results can be viewed on our website.

VEC Counting Arrangements

There are a lot of myths out there about how the counting of votes will occur. The VEC tells us that they should have provisional results on Saturday night for around 25 Local Governments – this includes any preference distributions required.

There may also be some additional 1^st preference results on Saturday night. However, as I have said before, final results will not be known in many municipalities until Monday or Tuesday.

Details of the VEC’s Counting Arrangements can be found on our website.

More local information can also be clarified with your local Returning Officer, and details are also on our website.

VLGA Tally Room

The VLGA will run our usual Tally Room on Saturday night and on Sunday. Our staff have been busy behind the scenes tallying all of the preference arrangements for each election, so after we know the first preference counts, we expect to be among the first to be able to ‘call election results’.

This service proved very popular for the media and members last time, so if you want to hear about results or have your own intelligence from scrutineers, call our office on 03 9349 7999 or email our Acting CEO Cr Darren Ray – darren@vlga.org.au from 6pm this coming Saturday!

Property Council Breakfast This Wednesday Morning

Our Acting CEO Cr Darren Ray will moderate a Breakfast for the Property Council of Australia. Five Lord Mayoral candidates will be put through their paces and the breakfast is open to the public. Further information and registration details can be found on our website.

VLGA and the MAV

Many of the hundreds of first-time candidates who’ve made contact with us over the last month have been curious to understand the difference between the VLGA and the MAV.

There are some misconceptions and myths out there so I thought I might spend a little time clarifying our difference.

For 128 years or so the MAV has played the critical role of concentrating on the long term security and financial stability of municipal corporations and continuous improvement of council's operation, performance and service delivery, including the provision of a mutual liability insurance scheme. The MAV assists municipal corporations by supporting them to achieve the highest levels of respect and recognition through improved performance.

Therefore, it could be said that the MAV’s primary focus is on corporate governance which is work that they do well and is critical to our collective success as a sector.

In contrast, the VLGA concentrates on democratic governance. Our value-add is the work we do with the critical link between the municipal corporation and the community we all serve i.e. Councillors and members of local communities.

Far from being a ‘copycat peak body’, our focus on democratic governance is formally enshrined in our Constitution where we state that:

The VLGA is a unique peak body for councillors, community leaders and local governments working to build and strengthen their capacity to work together for progressive social change. "

Giving Democracy and You The Leading Edge

Not surprisingly given our focus on democratic governance the VLGA’s Learning and Development Arm – the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre – has been very busy designing an exciting and specialist program for incoming Councils.

We have now finalised training dates for the first half of 2009 which can be found on our website.

We are locking in some final venues and costs, so we will get the Final Program to you shortly. In the meantime, I thought it would be good to share the dates with you so you can pencil course dates that interest you into your diary well in advance.

Final dates and further information can be found on our website.

Warm Regards

Beth

21 November 2008

Update on VLGA CEO Rae Perry

I am pleased to provide this update from our CEO Rae Perry's family.

Following her serious road accident two months ago, Rae is making a much stronger recovery than previously thought possible. Rae is now having meaningful conversations and is more physically active. Rae's return home no longer looks like an IF but a WHEN!

I am sure you will join Rae's family and the VLGA team in celebrating this good news. If you would like us to pass on your good wishes please send emails to us via vlga@vlga.org.au or cards to our office (Suite G06, 60 Leicester St Carlton Vic 3053 .

Historic Canberra Meeting of Mayors, Peak Bodies & Federal Government

I was in Canberra earlier this week for this historic meeting. I was struck by several things – firstly how diverse the 570 Local Governments are and therefore how important it is that a range of voices continue to be heard. I was also struck by the enormous goodwill in the room, and an ongoing commitment to improved relationships.

Understandably much of the resulting media focus was on money and local infrastructure gaps. As we have done a lot more planning and better understand our infrastructure challenges in Victoria, I am optimistic that this will lead to more money coming south.

While I welcomed the funding announcements, I was not going to miss the opportunity to talk about how Governments need to work together to promote social inclusion and build community engagement. If you have not seen my Media Release and the 2 Papers I tabled in Canberra, these can be found on our website under VLGA News. Also, a copy of the Prime Minister’s Opening Speech can be found here.

ABC Learning Centres & Childcare Policy

While in Canberra, I noted that a strong majority of Mayors indicated their support for reforms to childcare policies. We hope one such reform will be the capping of childcare places in areas that are over-supplied, while encouraging more places to be provided by a mix of providers in areas of need.

While the VLGA continues to oppose any further cost-shift to Local Governments, we would support these types of reforms to better meet community needs. The ABC Learning Centres disaster makes such reform even more urgent in my opinion. A copy of the VLGA’s Childcare Statement is on our website.

2008 Human Rights Panel: Human Rights And Australia – The Next Chapter

Opened by The Hon Rob Hulls MP, Deputy Premier and Attorney-General and hosted by journalist and broadcaster Julie McCrossin, the 2008 Human Rights Panel will be held on December 11^th. Details including an invitation are on our website.

Farewell To Mayor John So

I was pleased to represent the VLGA at a farewell for John on Wednesday evening.

I think public life in Victoria is better for having had such a passionate ambassador from a non-English speaking background. John was always a strong supporter of the VLGA and we thank him for his commitment to democracy.

Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre Offer

If, like me, your Microsoft Office skills can do with improving, this amazing offer is for you!

The VLGA’s Learning and Development Arm – the Local Government Leadership and Learning Centre – is offering ½ price online courses from beginner to advanced levels for Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Project, Word and Windows Vista. This half price offer is great value for up to 30 hours of online learning.

Details of the exclusive LGLLC offer (valid until 31 December) can be found on our website.

Finally, we are also putting the finishing touches to our Leading Edge Learning and Development Calendar for Councillors and community leaders as well as council officers. Our program is aimed at improving the ability of councillors, community leaders and council officers to work together for our local communities.

I am very excited by the fact that accreditation for many of these courses will occur for the first time in Victoria.

Warm Regards

Beth

14 November 2008

Local Government Amendment (Councillor Conduct and Other Matters Bill) 2008 passes Legislative Assembly

I was pleased to see that the amendments supported in the Legislative Council were accepted by the Legislative Assembly earlier this week. The VLGA is proud of our success in advocating on behalf of councillors, candidates and community leaders. A copy of the debate in the Legislative Assembly can be viewed here.

The passage of this amended Bill will also mean new councillor allowances and other entitlements will be in place in time for newly elected councillors. Details of these new allowances and entitlements can be found on our website.

Candidate Discussions

Over the last few weeks we’ve spoken with hundreds of candidates standing for election. It is great to see the passion for local community as well as sector issues. I am also heartened that a vast majority welcome our direct support and advocacy for community leaders and councilors.

However, we are still concerned about the low level of women’s participation in this election, as outlined in a joint Media Release with the Women’s Participation In Local Government Coalition which can be viewed on our website.

Online Survey Extension

During our discussions with candidates, we were asked by a number to extend the deadline fir our online survey which we have now done.

If you have not completed our very brief and anonymous online survey yet – you now have until midnight this coming Sunday 16^th November. The survey can be found at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1517

End Of Term Celebration For Existing Councillors

Whether or not you are retiring, we’d love to see you at this event on November 27^th from 4-8pm. Details are on our website.

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 for the above events via email: vlga@vlga.org.au

Warm Regards,

Beth

7 November 2008

Retiring at this Election?

The VLGA is committed to retaining important expertise and leadership in our sector.

As we promised during our Fair Deal For All Councillors Campaign, we are conducting a brief online survey for retiring Mayors and Councillors. Responses to our short online survey will influence how the VLGA continues to advocate on behalf of Mayors and Councillors in the future. Your participation in this quick online survey will help us improve the working conditions of, and respect for elected Mayors and Councillors.

Our online survey provides retiring Councillors with the opportunity to include both positive views and constructive criticism. Closing at midnight on Election Day – 29^th November, our online survey can be accessed at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1518

Candidates Online Survey

Speaking of online surveys, many candidates across Victoria have already completed our Anonymous Candidates Survey. However, by far the largest group of candidates who have completed the survey are first-time candidates. To ensure there is some balance, I urge you to also complete this survey which closes in a week’s time. Again this is a very short online survey and it can be accessed at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1517

Voter Packs

In one of our regular meetings with the Victorian Electoral Commissioners yesterday, it was confirmed that Voter Packs for Postal Elections (including candidate statements and ballots) will be mailed out on the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th November and will arrive soon after in letterboxes. This leaves little room for campaigning, so if you need support and advice, make sure to contact us on 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au

Reminder of Important Dates

In my last enews I mentioned 2 important key dates. If you missed these, please pencil them into your diary.

“End of Term” Celebration: 4-8pmThursday 27^th November

Whether or not you are retiring, it’s time to come together with colleagues and celebrate the end of this Council term.

Leveson Hotel at 46 Leveson Street, North Melbourne (Melways Map 43, Ref E5)

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

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

Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton

Please RSVP for the above events via email: vlga@vlga.org.au

Warm Regards

Beth

31 October 2008

Well, what a week it’s been!

Local Government (Councillor Conduct & Other Matters) Bill 2008

By ‘sticking our neck out’ this week we have made great inroads in advocating for changes to the Bill. While the State Government sought to clarify and limit Section 78D, non-government parties were concerned enough to remove the component of 78D which retrospectively dealt with indirect interest in planning matters.

We welcome the removal of these components until concerns about limiting debate can be properly addressed in consultation with elected Councillors in the future. To see what occurred during the debate in the Legislative Council, go to their website.

Registration of How to Vote Cards

In my last VLGA Local Government Elections Update #5, we only included the date for lodging of preferences for Postal Elections as being at 4pm today. We’ve now clarified this and you can also see other important elections information on our website.

So, for those who have Attendance Elections, don’t panic – you have until noon on Friday 21 November to Register your How To Vote Cards.

Celebrate the “End of Term” With Colleagues – 27 November 2008

The end of the council term is coming. During election years we rarely celebrate our achievements – whether or not we are re-standing.

I know that everyone is very busy, but, we can’t let the moment pass without a celebration. I invite you to join with me, the Board and VLGA Staff in marking the special time we have spent together, to have a laugh, a drink and share the highs and lows of Local Government. While we wouldn’t call it a ‘Councillor muckup day’ we would love to see you.

4– 8pm Thursday 27 November

Leveson Hotel, 46 Leveson Street North Melbourne

(Melways Map 43, Ref E5)

Please RSVP via vlga@vlga.org.au

Join VLGA Friends & Minister Wynne For Christmas Drinks

While you have your diary open, please pencil in our Annual Christmas Drinks

6pm onwards Thursday 18^th December

Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton

Please RSVP via vlga@vlga.org.au

This ‘not to be missed’ event has proved very popular in previous years, so please make sure you RSVP soon!

Please note this event will include a 5 minute General Meeting, with only one agenda item: the approval of any new applications for VLGA Membership. This is the last opportunity for new members to be approved before the Board Elections early next year.

Position Vacant - Policy Officer

Looking for a job where you can really make a difference? The VLGA is seeking a full-time Policy Officer (Local Government) to assist in our efforts to connect communities and strengthen democracy.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, a Position Description can be found on our website. Applications close on the 18^th of November.

Warm Regards

Beth

20 October 2008

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