The questions of roles and responsibilities seems to have been on a number of members’ minds in recent weeks. We have been receiving some interesting and very constructive feedback from our members about the much-needed advocacy, engagement and direction of the VLGA. I thought I’d share some of these comments with the wider membership and invite your comments. As some of you would be aware, we are currently undertaking an internal review of our constitution and will seek input from members soon. One of the fundamental questions we constantly ask ourselves is what our focus and core business should be. While part of our responsibility is to be flexible, there are some underlying principles which are captured in our vision, mission and values. The feedback I have been receiving has primarily focused on three key themes – transparency of decision making, best practice exemplars of good local governance and strengthening communities by local, group-oriented, democratic decision making. These are big topics which sit well with the VLGA’s brief, and we will talk about these in more detail with our members at Thursday’s Leading Edge Forum (see below).
The concept of transparency is seen as crucial in the success of failure of organisations, governments and communities. It relates to accountability and, ultimately, ethics. In fostering good governance, we can assist to set standards, develop policy and build capacity for our members. Please continue to send us your comments and insights so we can collectively continue to make a difference. Like one of our members who wrote to us says, I too am “… encouraged and excited about the possibilities for good local governance that the VLGA can provide”. I look forward to catching up with members on Thursday to further the debate of these issues.
Communities in control conference papers and services
I wanted to let members know that papers from the 2010 Communities in Control conference are now loaded on the Our Community website. Papers are free to download. If you or people you know who are involved in community life would also like to access other services, the following may be of interest to you. Our Community provides a number of regular newsletters designed specifically for community groups. These include the free Our Community Matters newsletter, the EasyGrants newsletter (providing a monthly listing of all upcoming grants opportunities available throughout Australia), the Raising Funds newsletter (advice and tips on fundraising), and the Board Builder newsletter (how to negotiate your board/committee responsibilities).
Performance monitoring of local government
The VLGA continues to be closely engaged with the review of the Essential Services Commission (ESC), and we expect some outcomes from this process within the next few months. We continue to reflect strong member views that indicators of performance should not be too complex nor impose too many additional reporting requirements; that a whole-of-government approach should be taken to reducing the regulatory and reporting burdens; and finally, that the costs of reporting for smaller local governments should be acknowledged and met in other ways.
I would like to acknowledge the ESC for genuinely engaging the VLGA, and many members who have helped us mount our case. Strong member feedback is the most effective means to ensure our advocacy is successful so, once again, thank you!
Managing councillor WorkCover claims
Many of you will know that as of 1 July, councillors will receive WorkCover coverage, a long-standing policy and advocacy position the VLGA fought hard for. Many CEOs we have been talking with are concerned about the transitional and claims management arrangements, and at our suggestion, WorkSafe have now published some more guidance here. The VLGA has also provided feedback on The Municipal Councillors Ministerial Guideline 2010 which will outline the circumstances in which a councillor is considered to be carrying out duties as a councillor. This Guideline should be available soon, and we will provide you with information as it is published.
This Thursday night – 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
* 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 call 03 9349 7999 to register.
VLGA Training, Thinking Transport website & Victoria Walks present:
Walking as Transport – benefits, challenges and ideas in local government
Join us on Wednesday 21 July 2010, 9am-12pm at 60 Leicester St, Carlton, for a seminar that will provide transport engineers, sustainability officers, planners, health and wellbeing officers in local government and interested others with a strategic view on walking as a transport mode and its place in a sustainable transport network. Presenters will include: Walking as Transport – benefits, challenges and ideas in local government
* Michael Hopkins – Victorian Department of Transport
* Dr Ben Rossiter – Victoria Walks
* Ben Grounds – City of Darebin
* Dr Ben Rossiter – Victoria Walks
* Ben Grounds – City of Darebin
Go here for further details and to register your place. Bookings are essential and close Friday 16 July 2010. We hope to see you there!
Watch this space
Australia’s first woman Prime Minister
Given the long-standing advocacy, support and training the VLGA has provided to ensure more women become elected councillors, I think last Thursday’s events mark a milestone for our country. The VLGA will continue to use this opportunity to shine a light on the need for all levels of government to resource projects and support that increase the number of elected women at all levels. If you are interested in our continuing work in this area, contact Linda Bennett at linda@vlga.org.au or on 03 9349 7904.
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
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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