ALGA National General Assembly
Last week I spent a couple of days in Canberra at the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA). Let me begin by thanking the many VLGA members who spoke with me and for acknowledging the many good things the VLGA does for members. I also thank you for your questions and suggestions concerning this year’s federal and state elections. You have identified a clear expectation on behalf of our members that we need to develop an election year campaign. We have done some important groundwork already, and I will take your comments to the VLGA Board, so we can determine an effective advocacy campaign for our members. As far as the NGA is concerned, I am forever impressed by such gatherings and feel humbled by the commitment and passion exhibited by the 700+ delegates in attendance. Local government really is the level of government that can, and must, continue to make a real difference at the local community level.
After some of the presentations at the NGA I feel a heightened sense of responsibility towards my constituents. In times like these when we are fed a continuous stream of rhetoric about population growth, productivity demands and the needs of the development industry, I have a distinct lack the confidence in other levels of government. Another disappointment was the blatant admission by the Federal Minister for Climate Change that the Federal Government had completely given up on climate change mitigation and shifted its emphasis towards adaptation. There were words full of praise for local governments and our community-led approach on climate change, and much talk about the need for a collaborative and co-operative approach.
Our representatives asked some very good questions about federal funding support, the answers to which remained far too ambiguous. In a system where local government receives a mere 3%-3.5% of all taxes collected, with the balance going to State and Federal Governments, I get a little nervous about suggestions from Canberra that it is incumbent on us to make a contribution as well. We punch well about our weight, and this deserves to be recognised. Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese seems to understand this, and where there is critique there should also be praise. In his opening address he announced that he would be bringing forward one quarter of this year’s Financial Assistance Grants program, totalling $2 billion in the coming year to assist communities to recover from the global financial crisis. It was also pleasing to hear the Minister say that “…our partnership is based on recognition of the role that you play and respect for the local knowledge that you have”. Almost sounds like he’s been reading our eNews and what we’ve had to say about local expertise and subsidiarity!
One particular feature for me at ALGA was the State of The Regions Report 2010, which focussed on the lack of access to and supply of housing in Australia. The other important theme that caught my attention was the proposed referendum on constitutional recognition for local government. I believe that the VLGA has the requisite expertise to make a solid contribution to the debate and to support ALGA, and I will discuss these two topics in coming editions of eNews. More focus on regions, and planning for growth in rural Victoria.
As well as a key focus on the performance of regions across Australia at ALGA, it was heartening to see most of our airwaves and newspapers featuring an active debate about the State Government’s Ready For Tomorrow: A Blueprint For Regional Victoria last week. Last time I checked reader polls in The Age and Herald Sun about whether more government jobs should be moved to regional centres and whether readers would rather live in the country or the city, results in favour were running at around 80% and 70% respectively. It really is a no-brainer that more government jobs should be de-centralised. Like in post-war years, very few others are able to provide the jobs and stimulus that regional and rural areas need, and it is timely that the State Government is playing this role again.
Local government and community members from Geelong and Traralgon often tell the VLGA how successful the transfer of jobs has been for their communities. It was good to see that our advocacy for a larger and more flexible Regional Infrastructure Development Fund was heard, and that the amazing work and professionalism of Regional Cities Victoria chaired by Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, and Country Councils Victoria chaired by Hindmarsh Cr Rob Gersch have been recognised with the formation of a new Victorian Council of Local Governments to include the 38 rural local governments. We would like to see this model also applied to an improved partnership with all 79 local governments and will stay in touch with the partnerships that are supposed to support improved growth and infrastructure.
While much will be said about the Blueprint, and you can find more details here, I wanted to specifically mention one significant area of reform which also sees the state returning to its former role of providing housing for students. As a university lecturer, it makes particular sense to me to anchor future growth and jobs around more young people living, working and studying in rural Victoria. Finally, while many councillors in Canberra were asking me if this meant a significant shift of the population growth pressures from metropolitan areas, I don’t think this will be the case. So, we will still need to advocate for the social and infrastructure needs of our metropolitan members. It is worth noting, though, that it is refreshing to see the needs and aspirations of rural and regional communities in the spotlight.
Keep Thursday 1 July free in your diary – hot topics, member views and VLGA responses
For the past few years the VLGA has used one of our monthly Leading Edge Forums (LEFs) as an interactive opportunity to network, let members have their say and influence the agenda of the day! There will be opportunities for members to raise topics that are hot for you, including some issues we know are on the horizon including:
* Issues affecting councillors – WorkCover and conflict of interest
* Issues affecting the wider sector – regulatory burden and financial sustainability
* Issues affecting the wider community – state and federal elections
Join us for finger-food and refreshments at 6pm, followed by the LEF at 7pm. There is a lot happening at the moment, so join me to air your ideas and views. VLGA Delegates are strongly encouraged to attend to provide feedback from our member local governments. Please register to attend here, email via vlga@vlga.org.au or call 03 9349 7999.
VLGA Life Member awarded Order of Australia
It was gratifying to see VLGA Life Member Peter Johnstone recognised for his services to local and other levels of government as well as to communities in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.
I first met Peter in 2002 in my first term as Councillor in the City of Boroondara, where he shaped my appreciation of the importance of local governance and community involvement. Peter was instrumental in setting up and resourcing the VLGA in its early days, and continues to play an active role in standing up for local democracy and the right of communities to be involved in decisions affecting them. Peter was the Chief Executive Officer for the City of Boroondara from 1999, and was the first CEO for the City of Moreland (1994-99) and interim CEO for the new City of Ballarat (1994). He worked for the Victorian Government from 1984-1994 as head of several departments, including Director-General of Community Services Victoria from 1984-89 and Director-General of Water Resources from 1989-91. He earlier worked for the Commonwealth Government in a number of senior policy and management roles.
Peter, in spite of his youthful, sprightly and dynamic appearance, is one of the VLGA’s ‘elder statesmen’. He co-edited and contributed to the landmark 1996 publication ‘Governing Local Communities – the future begins’ with well known academic and activist Rosemary Kiss. Throughout all his years in government and community life, Peter has been a strong advocate for effective working relationships between communities, councillors and officers, via transparent governance. He continues to be a thorn in the side of those who seek to undermine the role and importance of local governments. Congratulations Peter!
Preventing violence against women – moving soon to local government core business?
The VLGA’s 15 June workshop, aimed at unravelling the mysteries of getting violence against women high on the local government agenda, attracted local government officers from metropolitan, regional and rural areas. Panel discussions about the positive and ground-breaking work being done by many local governments included contributions from Lara Fergus of DPCD, Kellie Nagle of the State Local Government Capacity Building Project based at Darebin, Cr Shane Bourke (Wyndham), Cr Joy Banerji (Monash), CEO of Whitehorse Noelene Duff and Acting Group Manager Nillumbik, Clem Gillings. Themes explored by workshop participants and panel members included how to connect with others who may not recognise the importance of preventing violence against women as a local government issue; how to shift the issue to being core business of local government and how to work best in the face of resistance. For more information email linda@vlga.org.au or phone (03) 9349 7904.
Watch this space
Constitutional recognition of local government
As already discussed above, constitutional recognition for local government was discussed at ALGA last week. Federal Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese was very supportive and announced that the Federal Government has provided $250,000 to ALGA to raise the profile of constitutional recognition for local government, particularly in local communities.
VLGA events for your diary
Human rights implementation in local government: successes, challenges and strategies for moving forward
Wednesday 7 July 2010, from 9am
Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Together with the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, the VLGA brings you a half-day symposium to launch From compliance to culture: a toolkit for local governments to implement the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Places are already filling fast, so come along and hear from a range of speakers including local governments, VLGA CEO Maree McPherson and myself on the development of a culture of human rights through the work of local governments. Register here to attend, or for further information contact Gary Jungwirth at gary@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7986.
Other upcoming events
Food for All – Making a Difference Forum
Friday 25 June
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
Share the learnings from the Food for All project at this forum which will highlight the outcomes and key learnings of the program and inspire others to address the issue of food insecurity. Go here for more information.
Disability Rights Forum 2010
Friday 9 July
Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission will facilitate a group discussion for people actively working in disability areas on how the Victorian Charter of Human Rights is working to protect the rights of people with a disability, and how it could be improved. For more information go here or email Stephanie Cauchi at stephanie.cauchi@veohrc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9032 3408.
2nd Annual Victorian Infrastructure Summit 2010
29–30 July 2010
Rydges, Melbourne
VLGA members will be able to attend this important conference at a special offer half-price rate. The two day conference will explore the delivery of crucial infrastructure to drive the economic growth and development of Victoria and will include keynote speakers Minister for Roads & Ports & Major Projects, Tim Pallas and Minister for Public Transport, Martin Pakula. The VLGA will alert members once the opportunity to claim this discount becomes available. In the meantime, you can find further information about the conference here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
Last week I spent a couple of days in Canberra at the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA). Let me begin by thanking the many VLGA members who spoke with me and for acknowledging the many good things the VLGA does for members. I also thank you for your questions and suggestions concerning this year’s federal and state elections. You have identified a clear expectation on behalf of our members that we need to develop an election year campaign. We have done some important groundwork already, and I will take your comments to the VLGA Board, so we can determine an effective advocacy campaign for our members. As far as the NGA is concerned, I am forever impressed by such gatherings and feel humbled by the commitment and passion exhibited by the 700+ delegates in attendance. Local government really is the level of government that can, and must, continue to make a real difference at the local community level.
After some of the presentations at the NGA I feel a heightened sense of responsibility towards my constituents. In times like these when we are fed a continuous stream of rhetoric about population growth, productivity demands and the needs of the development industry, I have a distinct lack the confidence in other levels of government. Another disappointment was the blatant admission by the Federal Minister for Climate Change that the Federal Government had completely given up on climate change mitigation and shifted its emphasis towards adaptation. There were words full of praise for local governments and our community-led approach on climate change, and much talk about the need for a collaborative and co-operative approach.
Our representatives asked some very good questions about federal funding support, the answers to which remained far too ambiguous. In a system where local government receives a mere 3%-3.5% of all taxes collected, with the balance going to State and Federal Governments, I get a little nervous about suggestions from Canberra that it is incumbent on us to make a contribution as well. We punch well about our weight, and this deserves to be recognised. Local Government Minister Anthony Albanese seems to understand this, and where there is critique there should also be praise. In his opening address he announced that he would be bringing forward one quarter of this year’s Financial Assistance Grants program, totalling $2 billion in the coming year to assist communities to recover from the global financial crisis. It was also pleasing to hear the Minister say that “…our partnership is based on recognition of the role that you play and respect for the local knowledge that you have”. Almost sounds like he’s been reading our eNews and what we’ve had to say about local expertise and subsidiarity!
One particular feature for me at ALGA was the State of The Regions Report 2010, which focussed on the lack of access to and supply of housing in Australia. The other important theme that caught my attention was the proposed referendum on constitutional recognition for local government. I believe that the VLGA has the requisite expertise to make a solid contribution to the debate and to support ALGA, and I will discuss these two topics in coming editions of eNews. More focus on regions, and planning for growth in rural Victoria.
As well as a key focus on the performance of regions across Australia at ALGA, it was heartening to see most of our airwaves and newspapers featuring an active debate about the State Government’s Ready For Tomorrow: A Blueprint For Regional Victoria last week. Last time I checked reader polls in The Age and Herald Sun about whether more government jobs should be moved to regional centres and whether readers would rather live in the country or the city, results in favour were running at around 80% and 70% respectively. It really is a no-brainer that more government jobs should be de-centralised. Like in post-war years, very few others are able to provide the jobs and stimulus that regional and rural areas need, and it is timely that the State Government is playing this role again.
Local government and community members from Geelong and Traralgon often tell the VLGA how successful the transfer of jobs has been for their communities. It was good to see that our advocacy for a larger and more flexible Regional Infrastructure Development Fund was heard, and that the amazing work and professionalism of Regional Cities Victoria chaired by Ballarat Mayor Cr Judy Verlin, and Country Councils Victoria chaired by Hindmarsh Cr Rob Gersch have been recognised with the formation of a new Victorian Council of Local Governments to include the 38 rural local governments. We would like to see this model also applied to an improved partnership with all 79 local governments and will stay in touch with the partnerships that are supposed to support improved growth and infrastructure.
While much will be said about the Blueprint, and you can find more details here, I wanted to specifically mention one significant area of reform which also sees the state returning to its former role of providing housing for students. As a university lecturer, it makes particular sense to me to anchor future growth and jobs around more young people living, working and studying in rural Victoria. Finally, while many councillors in Canberra were asking me if this meant a significant shift of the population growth pressures from metropolitan areas, I don’t think this will be the case. So, we will still need to advocate for the social and infrastructure needs of our metropolitan members. It is worth noting, though, that it is refreshing to see the needs and aspirations of rural and regional communities in the spotlight.
Keep Thursday 1 July free in your diary – hot topics, member views and VLGA responses
For the past few years the VLGA has used one of our monthly Leading Edge Forums (LEFs) as an interactive opportunity to network, let members have their say and influence the agenda of the day! There will be opportunities for members to raise topics that are hot for you, including some issues we know are on the horizon including:
* Issues affecting councillors – WorkCover and conflict of interest
* Issues affecting the wider sector – regulatory burden and financial sustainability
* Issues affecting the wider community – state and federal elections
Join us for finger-food and refreshments at 6pm, followed by the LEF at 7pm. There is a lot happening at the moment, so join me to air your ideas and views. VLGA Delegates are strongly encouraged to attend to provide feedback from our member local governments. Please register to attend here, email via vlga@vlga.org.au or call 03 9349 7999.
VLGA Life Member awarded Order of Australia
It was gratifying to see VLGA Life Member Peter Johnstone recognised for his services to local and other levels of government as well as to communities in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.
I first met Peter in 2002 in my first term as Councillor in the City of Boroondara, where he shaped my appreciation of the importance of local governance and community involvement. Peter was instrumental in setting up and resourcing the VLGA in its early days, and continues to play an active role in standing up for local democracy and the right of communities to be involved in decisions affecting them. Peter was the Chief Executive Officer for the City of Boroondara from 1999, and was the first CEO for the City of Moreland (1994-99) and interim CEO for the new City of Ballarat (1994). He worked for the Victorian Government from 1984-1994 as head of several departments, including Director-General of Community Services Victoria from 1984-89 and Director-General of Water Resources from 1989-91. He earlier worked for the Commonwealth Government in a number of senior policy and management roles.
Peter, in spite of his youthful, sprightly and dynamic appearance, is one of the VLGA’s ‘elder statesmen’. He co-edited and contributed to the landmark 1996 publication ‘Governing Local Communities – the future begins’ with well known academic and activist Rosemary Kiss. Throughout all his years in government and community life, Peter has been a strong advocate for effective working relationships between communities, councillors and officers, via transparent governance. He continues to be a thorn in the side of those who seek to undermine the role and importance of local governments. Congratulations Peter!
Preventing violence against women – moving soon to local government core business?
The VLGA’s 15 June workshop, aimed at unravelling the mysteries of getting violence against women high on the local government agenda, attracted local government officers from metropolitan, regional and rural areas. Panel discussions about the positive and ground-breaking work being done by many local governments included contributions from Lara Fergus of DPCD, Kellie Nagle of the State Local Government Capacity Building Project based at Darebin, Cr Shane Bourke (Wyndham), Cr Joy Banerji (Monash), CEO of Whitehorse Noelene Duff and Acting Group Manager Nillumbik, Clem Gillings. Themes explored by workshop participants and panel members included how to connect with others who may not recognise the importance of preventing violence against women as a local government issue; how to shift the issue to being core business of local government and how to work best in the face of resistance. For more information email linda@vlga.org.au or phone (03) 9349 7904.
Watch this space
Constitutional recognition of local government
As already discussed above, constitutional recognition for local government was discussed at ALGA last week. Federal Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese was very supportive and announced that the Federal Government has provided $250,000 to ALGA to raise the profile of constitutional recognition for local government, particularly in local communities.
VLGA events for your diary
Human rights implementation in local government: successes, challenges and strategies for moving forward
Wednesday 7 July 2010, from 9am
Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Together with the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, the VLGA brings you a half-day symposium to launch From compliance to culture: a toolkit for local governments to implement the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. Places are already filling fast, so come along and hear from a range of speakers including local governments, VLGA CEO Maree McPherson and myself on the development of a culture of human rights through the work of local governments. Register here to attend, or for further information contact Gary Jungwirth at gary@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7986.
Other upcoming events
Food for All – Making a Difference Forum
Friday 25 June
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
Share the learnings from the Food for All project at this forum which will highlight the outcomes and key learnings of the program and inspire others to address the issue of food insecurity. Go here for more information.
Disability Rights Forum 2010
Friday 9 July
Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission will facilitate a group discussion for people actively working in disability areas on how the Victorian Charter of Human Rights is working to protect the rights of people with a disability, and how it could be improved. For more information go here or email Stephanie Cauchi at stephanie.cauchi@veohrc.vic.gov.au or call (03) 9032 3408.
2nd Annual Victorian Infrastructure Summit 2010
29–30 July 2010
Rydges, Melbourne
VLGA members will be able to attend this important conference at a special offer half-price rate. The two day conference will explore the delivery of crucial infrastructure to drive the economic growth and development of Victoria and will include keynote speakers Minister for Roads & Ports & Major Projects, Tim Pallas and Minister for Public Transport, Martin Pakula. The VLGA will alert members once the opportunity to claim this discount becomes available. In the meantime, you can find further information about the conference here.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
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