Last Thursday the VLGA co-hosted an informative and thought-provoking Leading Edge Forum (LEF) with our close project partners Reconciliation Victoria. We heard from Victorian and inter-state Aboriginal leaders and others about the roles and opportunities for Victorian local governments to contribute to bridging the gap and advancing reconciliation. We discussed positive examples of relationships between local governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities. I encourage those who were not able to make it on Thursday to take a look at the webcast of the night. I am always amazed at how topics that can be overly political and controversial at other levels of government are embraced by local governments and local communities. I strongly believe that local governments and communities are ‘where the action is really at’, and to this end I led a debating team arguing that “Local Government is the best level of government to reform and assist communities”, at the Communities in Control Conference last week. This was a very stimulating debate, and we will share the transcript of the debate with you when it becomes available. Our LEF, as well as the Communities in Control Conference are both great opportunities to showcase the partnerships we promote for local governments and communities to work together. Speaking of partnerships, this week we are highlighting a few key events coming up for close VLGA partners VCOSS and CHFV. I look forward to seeing you out and about. If you’d like to contact me, call me on 0407 364 509 or drop me an email. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
More balance in rates debate
It is encouraging to see that media coverage of local government rates has not been as critical or biased this year. There are two extra contributing factors for this. The MAV’s campaign on rates and their recently released Local Government Cost Index have been very useful. Another factor is the extra work that smaller local governments and the VLGA have been doing to highlight ongoing funding challenges. A good example of the more balanced rates debate can be seen here. Last week the MAV also issued a very good Media Release, with President Cr Bill McArthur confirming what we all believe, that local governments face difficult balancing acts to keep rates affordable. “This year the Local Government Cost Index forecasts the costs for councils to deliver the same level of community services as last year will increase by an average 3.6 per cent. These key council costs are not reflected in the Consumer Price Index, which measures price movements for a ‘common basket’ of household goods and services,” Cr McArthur observes. Of course the challenge of financial sustainability is a longer-term one, and the VLGA will continue to work with members and others to see these issues front and centre of the agenda for governments at all levels. There is some unfinished business in this regard, including a key contributor to local government cost escalations – the regulatory and reporting burdens imposed by other levels of government. We note that the State Government should now have received a report on streamlining reporting from the Essential Services Commission, and we will be calling for this report to be made public, consistent with the VLGA’s pre-election call for a transparent community debate.
Anti-Corruption and Integrity Panel consultation
The State Government has appointed a panel, headed by Stephen Charles QC, to lead a consultation process on certain policy issues around the State Government’s proposed anti-corruption commission. The VLGA has been invited to provide its input. The consultation is focused on:
* The scope of the definition of “public sector”
* The coercive powers of the Commission to require evidence
* The protections and privileges available to witnesses; and
* The functions and powers of the Parliamentary Committee and Inspector that will oversee the Commission
The consultation period is very short and submissions are required by 17 June. We believe that a key issue is the relationship and impact of the proposed new Commission on the Municipal Inspectorate, which may be able to be addressed under the ‘public sector’ policy issue. The VLGA intends to make a submission.
We are aware that local governments have not been directly asked to be part of the consultation. Local governments wanting a copy of the Terms of Reference and the Discussion Paper can contact the VLGA. We encourage you to take part in the process, and we would appreciate very much to hear any views you may have. Please contact Ron Exiner, Director Governance via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999 to provide input.
VLGA Leadership Intern Update
The VLGA’s intern, Netra Eng, has completed her internship with us under the Australian Experiential Learning Centre’s Australian Leadership Practice Module. This program is for selected emerging leaders from Asia Pacific countries who have been awarded scholarships to complete their Masters and PhD studies whilst developing leadership skills. Netra, from Cambodia, possesses a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting, and holds two Master Degrees in Art majoring in International Affairs and Economic Development from Ohio University, USA. Both degrees were earned while on a Fulbright Scholarship. Over six years at a local policy research institution Netra has managed research teams and conducted several studies on governance and decentralisation reform. She was one of three Cambodian researchers recruited to be part of the Government Inter-Ministerial Committees to design a 10-year policy called ‘National Programme for Decentralisation and Deconcentration’ in 2008-09. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Political Science at Monash University, Clayton. As part of her internship, Netra’s aim was to understand some of the mechanisms put in place for citizens to hold their local government accountable for decisions; and the history of local government reform and challenges faced through this time. Netra accompanied VLGA staff and Board members on a number of visits, and we thank those members who assisted us with Netra’s program and made her so welcome.
Update on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Acknowledgements
As already noted by our President, last week’s Leading Edge Forum was a great opportunity during National Reconciliation Week to thank our local government members who have reaffirmed their commitment to these acknowledgements. Since the State Government’s announcement, the overwhelming evidence from all corners of Victoria is that local governments are continuing to acknowledge traditional owners. Members may also be interested to note a motion passed by the City of Port Phillip recently:
That Council:
1.1 Reaffirms the ongoing commitment of the City of Port Phillip to acknowledge Australia’s Indigenous history and heritage;
1.2 Reaffirms the city’s commitment to Acknowledgement of Country at civic functions, and wherever possible, the giving of a welcome to country by senior Traditional Owners of the area;
1.3 Considers Welcome to Country ceremonies and the Acknowledgement of Country in the formal proceedings of local events to be important markers of respect which unify our community, lend gravitas to civic community events and dignify us all;
1.4 Reaffirms the City’s continuing support for the local Indigenous community, acknowledging the irredeemable debt owed by all to our Indigenous countrywomen and countrymen;
1.5 Notes that there is unfinished business for all Australians until we have closed the gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous outcomes in health, employment, access and income and the capacity of First Nation Australians to maintain, participate fully and celebrate their own cultural heritage;
1.6 Acknowledges in Reconciliation Week 2011 the commitment of many in our community, Indigenous and non-indigenous, to build community through local and wider national reconciliation work.
It is also worth noting that Glenelg Shire last week signed an Aboriginal Partnership Agreement between Council and the local Aboriginal organisations. Glenelg Mayor Bruce Cross said the agreement, which was signed last Friday between council, Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Association and Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, will promote recognition and healing.
Community Housing Federation of Victoria (CHFV) Conference 2011: From Acorn to Oak
Speaking of close VLGA partners, we would like to provide you with advance notice of a not-to-be-missed event. From past experience, this conference sells out quickly so get moving if you are interested. CHFV will be taking an in-depth look at the issue of future funding of community housing in Victoria, with a particular focus on how the sector can attract investment from the institutional funds market. Particular areas of focus will be:* Funding the future of affordable housing
* How do we make a whole-of-government approach work?
* Financial models within the community housing. What can be realised?
* Alternative market solutions to funding growth
Guests will include the Hon Wendy Lovell MP, Minister for Housing; Saul Eslake, Program Director, Grattan Institute; and Darren Ray, Director Policy and Public Affairs VLGA; among many others. This conference is particularly relevant to the local government sector for its implications on planning and urban development, economic and social implications of the housing affordability crisis, and the positive community outcomes of access to quality, affordable rental homes. It will also be a fantastic opportunity to meet and make connections with key people across the community housing sector. The Conference Dinner in the Limelight Room at Etihad Stadium promises to be a more informal opportunity to network. For more information and to register see the CHFV webpage.
Tax and regulation: the current state of affairs for the community sector and not-for-profits
Another close VLGA partner, the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), is joining with Changemakers Australia to present a forum about the current initiatives in the non-for-profit law and regulation areas. Given the strong contribution of the community and not-for-profit sectors, and our close association with them, the VLGA encourages members to attend Making Headway, a forum that will have presentations from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), Tessa Boyd-Caine from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and Esther Abram from Changemakers Australia. The ATO will present on the draft Charities Tax Ruling, which has been updated to take account of High Court decisions on Word Investments and Aid/Watch. Esther Abram from Changemakers will present the results of her research into the legal barriers to charities doing or funding advocacy. She will reflect on whether the draft Tax Ruling resolves the barriers to advocacy and will seek input from participants into the ATO’s consultation process. The ATO and Tessa Boyd-Caine will present on the recent Budget announcements regarding the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, changes to tax concessions and the introduction of a statutory definition of charity. Making Headway will be held on Thursday 16 June, 2pm-4.30pm at the Multicultural Hub in the Blue Room, 506 Elizabeth Street. Places are limited, so register quickly. Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Last chance! ‘Liveable and Just’ Workshops: Helping local governments build community resilience to climate-related challenges
Friday 17 June, 9.30am-4pm
Quality Inn Latrobe Convention Centre, Princes Hwy, Traralgon
Following successful workshops in Ballarat, Bendigo, Wodonga and Mildura, this is your last chance to attend one of the rural and regional Liveable and Just Workshops – there are still some places available for this final workshop in the series. Conducted by the VLGA, and supported by mecu Ltd, each workshop is hosted by a VLGA member local government. Join us for an entertaining and practical event, and learn how our Liveable and Just Toolkit can help you build community resilience in the face of complex climate-related challenges.
Download the flyer and registration form. For more information contact Philip Schier, VLGA Senior Policy Officer, via email or telephone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA July Leading Edge Forum
Local government: a reflection of our diverse communities?
Thursday 7 July, 6-9pm
VLGA, Carlton
True or false? Local Government in Victoria:
* Employer of choice for diverse applicants?
* A reflection of diverse communities?
* Responding to worsening skills gaps?
Come along to the July LEF and be at the leading edge of challenges and debates in our sector and communities. Hear the latest research, case studies, and a panel of peak body representatives. Guest Speaker is Professor Santina Bertone, Associate Dean Research, Swinburne University Faculty of Business and Enterprise. Leading the Workplace Studies Centre for over a decade, Santina has published 87 articles on workforce, immigration and industrial relations. A longstanding executive member of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, Santina held other community and government board roles, and was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2008. Download the flyer and register online here, or call the VLGA on (03) 9349 7999.
Other events
Tuesday to Wednesday 7-8 June 2011
Warrnambool
The Department for Planning & Community Development (DPCD), presents the third annual planners forum for planning and community development professionals. The forum will explore ways of preparing for and responding to future planning challenges in rural and regional Victoria. Featuring keynote speakers, field trips and discussion workshops, it should not be missed by planners, community engagement professionals and other practitioners from the private and public sector. This forum will provide an ideal networking opportunity for participants from regional Victoria to share skills and ideas. Issues to be discussed include:
* climate change adaptation
* using data and technology to inform strategic planning
* improving planning for rural and non-urban areas
* new energy generation opportunities
* risk management and planning responses
For a full copy of the program and to register, go here. For more information contact Sally Hutchison via email or telephone (03) 5988 5280.
IAP2 Community Engagement Tips, Tools and Techniques
Thursday 16 June
Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford
Don’t miss out on the value and experience of this one day IAP2 workshop on Community Engagement Tips, Tools and Techniques. If you are keen to learn more about creative engagement techniques and to develop skills around evaluation techniques then this is the perfect opportunity. In this jam packed agenda, 8 leading practitioners will share their favourite tools and techniques through creative activities and parallel workshops. The event will be hosted by the IAP2 Vic Committee; post event networking opportunities will be provided and all participants will receive take home notes. For more information and to register, visit the IAP2 website.
Joint Built Environment and Health Promotion sector Forum concerning the Parliamentary Inquiry into Environmental Design and Public Health
Friday 17 June, 10am-1pm
MAV, Level 11, 60 Collins Street, Melbourne
Speakers:
• The Hon. David Davis, Minister for Health
• Assoc. Prof. Trevor Budge, Latrobe University
• Assoc. Prof. Carolyn Whitzman, University of Melbourne
• Kelly Anne Jolly, Director Cardiovascular Health, Heart Foundation
• Assoc. Prof. John Fitzgerald, CEO, VicHealth
• Jason Black, Project Director, PIA
This free event will be facilitated by Ruth Davies, PIA Social Planning Chapter, Chairperson. Register via the MAV website.
PIA Planning for Licensed Premises
Tuesday 21 June
Melbourne
How does the built environment contribute to managing the social and economic issues of planning for licensed premises? A Planning Institute of Australia’s panel of experts will look to address these issues and more in this seminar. Speakers include Con Tsotsoros (MPIA, and Department of Planning and Community Development), Maxine Cooper (Planning Panels Victoria), and John Rogerson (Australian Drug Foundation). The cost for PIA Members is $45, ISV/VPELA Members $55, and Non Members $60. You can RSVP by Friday 17 June online or by sending the registration form via email.
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