The highlight of the past week was definitely the planning debate on Thursday evening. The event was well attended and a vigorous discussion was enjoyed by everyone on the merits of community engagement and consultation and engagement in planning processes. Feedback from participants and audience members has been very positive and we intend to develop the concept of debating in order to deliver content and at the same time, receive further feedback to inform our policy positions.
The planning theme dominated the week’s agenda, of course, with the Committee for Melbourne putting out some strong statements in favour of a centralised planning body for metropolitan Melbourne. Clearly, this is of great concern to our members and we promise to be vigilant and provide you with regular updates. The CEO and I also met with the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Justin Madden. The hour-long discussion was very engaging and I feel somewhat reassured by his intention to work collaboratively with local communities. I guess it’s up to us to make sure this actually happens. At least the Minister shared our concerns about the Committee for Melbourne’s notion of a central planning body, which is encouraging.
VLGA CEO appointed to ACFE Board
Congratulations to VLGA CEO, Maree McPherson, on her recent appointment to the Victorian Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board which provides policy advice on adult education matters to the Minister for Education, Skills and Workforce Participation. Through the board, the Victorian government funds community-based organisations, known as Adult Community Education (ACE) providers, and two adult education institutions, the Centre for Adult Education and Adult Multicultural Education Services. These providers and institutions deliver education and training programs to people over school leaving age with a special focus on those who have had limited previous access to education, including young people, older people, people with a disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. For further information, contact Maree at maree@vlga.org.au on (03) 9349 7901 to discuss adult education matters in your community.
Victorian Local Government Inspectorate takes its time
The Victorian Local Government Inspectorate is dedicated solely to investigations and compliance for Victorian councils and councillors. Some 12 months after two Campaspe Shire councillors were accused of failing to declare potential conflicts of interest, the Inspectorate determined that one councillor had not broken the regulations and decided not to prosecute the other based on voluntary disclosure and other circumstances. Lengthy processes cause increased distress to councillors and staff involved in such investigations and are often a distraction from the important work that needs to continue during these periods. Last Friday together with our CEO Maree McPherson, I met with the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate’s Chief Municipal Inspector, David Wolfe, who is responsible for managing the transition of the dedicated investigations unit from LGV to the Inspectorate and leading a team of investigations and compliance auditors. We reiterated the previous feedback from members that the inspectorate’s work, their processes and the time it takes to make decisions still require work. The meeting was very positive and our points acknowledged. We will of course wait to see how arrangements change as a result of the Proust Review (see below).
Women councillors doing it differently
A recent workshop intensive for women councillors with Dr Amanda Sinclair from Melbourne University’s Business School explored how we build and retain strength and authenticity in leadership. Amanda’s extensive teaching and research experience provided participants with new strategies and techniques to deal with common challenges. Participants were impressed with the knowledge and practical tools shared on the evening, describing the workshop as ‘truly a memorable session’ and ‘amongst the best workshops I’ve attended’ with a resounding call for additional workshops with Dr Sinclair. We’re working on that, so stay tuned!
Another successful Communities in Control Conference
Last week several VLGA staff attended the Communities in Control Conference 2010 and returned inspired by a range of excellent keynote speakers including Hugh de Kretser, Executive Officer of the Federation of Community Legal Centres. Hugh spoke highly of the excellent Smart Justice website that seeks to enhance the safety of all Victorians by promoting understanding of criminal justice policies that are effective, evidence-based and human rights compliant. Another highlight was a presentation via satellite from the UK by researchers Emeritus Professor Richards Wilkinson and Professor Kate Pickett, co-authors of a groundbreaking new work, The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better. The presentation, and book, focussed on how social problems are several times more common in unequal societies. Congratulations to conference organisers Our Community and partners. We will publicise some of the presentations when they become available.
Have you created community history?
The Victorian government is calling for applications for the Victorian Community History Awards 2010 to recognise the achievements and contributions made in community history in Victoria. A total of $40,000 is available in the following categories: Best Collaborative/Community Work; Best Print/Publication; Best Audio-Visual/Multimedia; Best Exhibit/Display; Best Walk/Tour; and Best Community Research, Registers and Records. Entries close 30 June – further information here.
Watch this space
Victorian Government adopts Proust Integrity Model
Last Wednesday the Victorian Premier announced that his government would adopt the Proust Model for public sector integrity – including the establishment of a Victorian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (VIACC). This announcement follows a review by Special Commissioner Elizabeth Proust and Public Sector Standards Commissioner Peter Allen of Victoria’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption System, released on the same day that acknowledged strengths of existing agencies and identified gaps in current arrangements. Further information and a copy of Elizabeth Proust’s Review of Victoria’s Integrity and Anti-corruption System here.
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. Hear from a range of speakers including local governments, our 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.
Local governments preventing violence against women workshop
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 10am-3.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our 15 June workshop is for councillors and officers who want to build relationships and support change. Hear how to get prevention of violence against women high on your local government agenda and make useful connections. Places are limited so register here. For further information contact Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7904.
Other upcoming events
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria: Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Night – tickets now on sale
Friday 18 June 2010, 6.30pm-11.00pm
Atlantic Room, Central Pier, Docklands
Winners from each award category will be announced, along with Dame Phyllis Frost recipients and the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year and Clean Beach of the Year. Connect with a diverse group of like-minded people and decision-makers from the sustainability sector. Further information on our Events Calendar or here. To purchase tickets for the KABV Awards Night contact Joanna Meyer on (03) 8626 8750 or email kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
The planning theme dominated the week’s agenda, of course, with the Committee for Melbourne putting out some strong statements in favour of a centralised planning body for metropolitan Melbourne. Clearly, this is of great concern to our members and we promise to be vigilant and provide you with regular updates. The CEO and I also met with the Minister for Planning, the Hon. Justin Madden. The hour-long discussion was very engaging and I feel somewhat reassured by his intention to work collaboratively with local communities. I guess it’s up to us to make sure this actually happens. At least the Minister shared our concerns about the Committee for Melbourne’s notion of a central planning body, which is encouraging.
VLGA CEO appointed to ACFE Board
Congratulations to VLGA CEO, Maree McPherson, on her recent appointment to the Victorian Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board which provides policy advice on adult education matters to the Minister for Education, Skills and Workforce Participation. Through the board, the Victorian government funds community-based organisations, known as Adult Community Education (ACE) providers, and two adult education institutions, the Centre for Adult Education and Adult Multicultural Education Services. These providers and institutions deliver education and training programs to people over school leaving age with a special focus on those who have had limited previous access to education, including young people, older people, people with a disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. For further information, contact Maree at maree@vlga.org.au on (03) 9349 7901 to discuss adult education matters in your community.
Victorian Local Government Inspectorate takes its time
The Victorian Local Government Inspectorate is dedicated solely to investigations and compliance for Victorian councils and councillors. Some 12 months after two Campaspe Shire councillors were accused of failing to declare potential conflicts of interest, the Inspectorate determined that one councillor had not broken the regulations and decided not to prosecute the other based on voluntary disclosure and other circumstances. Lengthy processes cause increased distress to councillors and staff involved in such investigations and are often a distraction from the important work that needs to continue during these periods. Last Friday together with our CEO Maree McPherson, I met with the Victorian Local Government Inspectorate’s Chief Municipal Inspector, David Wolfe, who is responsible for managing the transition of the dedicated investigations unit from LGV to the Inspectorate and leading a team of investigations and compliance auditors. We reiterated the previous feedback from members that the inspectorate’s work, their processes and the time it takes to make decisions still require work. The meeting was very positive and our points acknowledged. We will of course wait to see how arrangements change as a result of the Proust Review (see below).
Women councillors doing it differently
A recent workshop intensive for women councillors with Dr Amanda Sinclair from Melbourne University’s Business School explored how we build and retain strength and authenticity in leadership. Amanda’s extensive teaching and research experience provided participants with new strategies and techniques to deal with common challenges. Participants were impressed with the knowledge and practical tools shared on the evening, describing the workshop as ‘truly a memorable session’ and ‘amongst the best workshops I’ve attended’ with a resounding call for additional workshops with Dr Sinclair. We’re working on that, so stay tuned!
Another successful Communities in Control Conference
Last week several VLGA staff attended the Communities in Control Conference 2010 and returned inspired by a range of excellent keynote speakers including Hugh de Kretser, Executive Officer of the Federation of Community Legal Centres. Hugh spoke highly of the excellent Smart Justice website that seeks to enhance the safety of all Victorians by promoting understanding of criminal justice policies that are effective, evidence-based and human rights compliant. Another highlight was a presentation via satellite from the UK by researchers Emeritus Professor Richards Wilkinson and Professor Kate Pickett, co-authors of a groundbreaking new work, The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better. The presentation, and book, focussed on how social problems are several times more common in unequal societies. Congratulations to conference organisers Our Community and partners. We will publicise some of the presentations when they become available.
Have you created community history?
The Victorian government is calling for applications for the Victorian Community History Awards 2010 to recognise the achievements and contributions made in community history in Victoria. A total of $40,000 is available in the following categories: Best Collaborative/Community Work; Best Print/Publication; Best Audio-Visual/Multimedia; Best Exhibit/Display; Best Walk/Tour; and Best Community Research, Registers and Records. Entries close 30 June – further information here.
Watch this space
Victorian Government adopts Proust Integrity Model
Last Wednesday the Victorian Premier announced that his government would adopt the Proust Model for public sector integrity – including the establishment of a Victorian Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (VIACC). This announcement follows a review by Special Commissioner Elizabeth Proust and Public Sector Standards Commissioner Peter Allen of Victoria’s Integrity and Anti-Corruption System, released on the same day that acknowledged strengths of existing agencies and identified gaps in current arrangements. Further information and a copy of Elizabeth Proust’s Review of Victoria’s Integrity and Anti-corruption System here.
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. Hear from a range of speakers including local governments, our 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.
Local governments preventing violence against women workshop
Tuesday 15 June 2010, 10am-3.30pm
VLGA rear meeting rooms, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our 15 June workshop is for councillors and officers who want to build relationships and support change. Hear how to get prevention of violence against women high on your local government agenda and make useful connections. Places are limited so register here. For further information contact Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on (03) 9349 7904.
Other upcoming events
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria: Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Night – tickets now on sale
Friday 18 June 2010, 6.30pm-11.00pm
Atlantic Room, Central Pier, Docklands
Winners from each award category will be announced, along with Dame Phyllis Frost recipients and the prestigious Sustainable City of the Year and Clean Beach of the Year. Connect with a diverse group of like-minded people and decision-makers from the sustainability sector. Further information on our Events Calendar or here. To purchase tickets for the KABV Awards Night contact Joanna Meyer on (03) 8626 8750 or email kabv@sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Cr Heinz Kreutz
VLGA President
0438 006 656
heinz@vlga.org.au
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