Issues covered in this 7 July edition include:
• Welcome new board members
• Latest VLGA Good Governance Grab - councillors as state or federal candidates - a conflict?
The Transport Integration Act now ‘live’
• Workcover for councillors ‘guideline’ gazetted
• Ensure your CALD communities have the opportunity to vote
• Local governments embrace Women’s Charter Project 2010
• Australia’s first community owned wind farm
• Local government leaders preventing violence against women conference
• Disability Rights Forum 2010
Cr Heinz Kreutz
President
0438 006 656 or heinz@vlga.org.au
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In recent editions of my eNews, I’ve talked a lot about a key area of VLGA work valued by our members – our advocacy on behalf of elected councillors and local governments. Part of this work has involved extending and improving councilor working conditions. The need for us to stand up for the role, independence and resourcing of local governments is by no means over, despite the VLGA's landmark advocacy and research in our Councillor Remuneration Campaign. As discussed in the last eNews, our fight for Workcover coverage has been successful, and the State Government has also listened to our feedback prior to gazetting its Municipal Councillors Ministerial Guideline 2010 (see below). We see a direct link between your ongoing support for the VLGA’s work, your direct input into the advocacy positions we take, and ultimately the preparedness of other levels of government to listen to our voice. In the end, winners will be greater diversity of representation, and more supported elected councillors working closely with communities.
Welcome new board members
In accordance with the VLGA constitution, two casual vacancies for ordinary board members were created following the resignation of the former President and Vice-President and subsequent appointments of interim President and Vice-President by the board. I am delighted to announce that the board has co-opted Cr Rachel Powning (Port Phillip) and Cr Tim Rodgers (Mornington Peninsula) to fill these vacancies. These appointments, and those of interim President and Vice-President, are for the period of time up to the next VLGA Board elections which will take place in February 2011. For more information contact our CEO Maree McPherson at the VLGA via email maree@vlga.org.au or (03) 9349 7901.
Latest VLGA Good Governance Grab – councillors as state or federal election candidates – a conflict?
We are releasing our sixth Good Governance Grab on the above topic due to the number of member inquiries we have received over the last month or so. Please find the time to read it here. If you have any inquiries about this Good Governance Grab or other governance inquiries, contact Ron Exiner at the VLGA via email at ron@vlga.org.au or via telephone at 0417 392 078.
The Transport Integration Act now ‘live’
From 1 July the Transport Integration Act became Victoria’s primary transport statute. It brings together the transport portfolio, including ports and marine and sets out a vision, objectives and principles for transport that includes the integration and sustainability of the transport system economically, environmentally and socially - establishing transport as a triple bottom line issue. The Act will require all Victorian transport agencies to work together towards an integrated and sustainable transport system and land use agencies, including local governments, to take account of the new Act when making decisions that impact on the transport system.
Councillors as State or Federal candidates - a conflict?
The VLGA's latest Good Governance Grab deals with the timely issue of whether councillors have a conflict as a result of their candidature at the upcoming state and federal elections. There are a lot of views out there, so this Good Governance Grab addresses some of these views and the sorts of issues councillors should take into consideration.
Workcover for councillors ‘guideline’ gazetted
In my last eNews, I mentioned that we would send to all CEOs and councillors a copy of the Municipal Councillors Ministerial Guideline 2010 which outlines the circumstances in which a councillor is considered to be carrying out duties. This Guideline has now been gazetted, and along with the Fact Sheet circulated last week can be found on our website here. We would like to thank all our members who gave us input into the Draft Guideline a few months ago, and happily note that all of our feedback has been included.
Ensure your CALD communities have the opportunity to vote
The Victorian Electoral Commission’s (VEC) new CALD outreach services will ensure eligible Victorians have the opportunity to vote at the upcoming state and federal elections. This access will be regardless of background, age or ability. VEC will provide a range of in-language and easy English materials and free services including: worker information sessions; community information sessions; and enrolment outreach. For further information or to arrange for the VEC to visit your community book early by contacting Kate Higgins, CALD Outreach Officer on (03) 9299-0553 or kate.higgins@vec.vic.gov.au or Carolyn Favier, Community Engagement Officer on (03) 9299-0507 or carolyn.favier@vec.vic.gov.au
Local governments embrace Women’s Charter Project 2010
As a key signatory to the charter, the VLGA is very pleased to see more and more local governments responding to the invitation to endorse the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter and create an action plan identifying three actions for each of the three principles of the charter – gender equity, diversity and active citizenship. Email project consultant Jenny Ashby on ashby1@active8.net.au for more information about how the project can support your local government to adopt and act on the Charter in 2010 and beyond.
Watch this space
Australia’s first community owned wind farm
Australia’s first community owned wind farm, at Leonards Hill, just south of Daylesford is well on its way, with a $750,000 State Government grant to assist with the connection of the wind farm to the electricity grid and help reduce connection costs for similar future projects. Construction is scheduled to begin on-site in October and the two turbines are expected to be operational in the first half of 2011. The VLGA is glad to see the State Government providing funding for sustainable energy projects, and we hope that this continues for other projects.
Upcoming events
Local government leaders preventing violence against women conference
Local government leaders will come together on 26 August from 10am to 4.30pm to discuss how local governments can prevent violence against women and foster safe and inclusive environments for all. Mayors, their delegated councillors and other senior decision makers and officers who are critical contributors to actions on strategic plans are especially welcome. For further information or to register go here.
Disability Rights Forum 2010
This Friday
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.
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