Many of you will have seen the poker machine debate come to a head last weekend – and we thought we should give you a run-down on the key issues. Independent MP Andrew Wilkie withdrew his support for the Labor Government after it announced it was backing down from introducing a mandatory pre-commitment scheme by the end of 2014, in favour of a year-long trial in the ACT. In other news, it appears that the claims by industry about the costs have been somewhat exaggerated according to the Australia Institute, which says it has modelled the costs of introducing $1 maximum bets and pre-commitment technology and neither plan would cost more than roughly $340 million – much lower than the clubs industry's figure of around $5 billion. In addition to the trial, the Gillard Government stated in a media release plans to introduce pre-commitment technology to every poker machine in Australia, impose a $250 withdrawal limit on ATMs in gaming venues, introduce cost of play displays on poker machines by 2016, provide additional counselling support and self-exclusion arrangements, and improve training for staff in pokies venues. The mandatory pre-commitment trial will begin in 2013 and venues will be reimbursed for lost revenue during the trial. The government will have three months after the end of the 12-month trial to act on the findings, effectively deferring the final decision on pre-commitment into the next election term. Andrew Wilkie’s support for the Government was contingent on legislation on mandatory pre-commitment across Australia being passed through parliament by May 2012, and in place across Australia by 2014.
The Federal Coalition’s Discussion Paper on Gambling Reform considers voluntary, not mandatory, pre-commitment on gaming machines could be effective if adopted with other measures. The Australian Greens have stated they will put forward $1 maximum bet limit legislation to parliament next month, a key recommendation from the 2010 Productivity Commission Inquiry into Gambling. The Victorian State Government will introduce new laws in July 2012 that ban all ATMs in venues with gaming machines, expanding on the withdrawal limits proposed by the Federal Government. The Victorian Government recently announced in a media release that it would vary the ban to include all cash withdrawal devices that did not require interaction with venue staff, after indications that a new non-ATM cash device was being marketing to gaming venues ahead of the ban’s introduction. The Victorian Government will also be enacting legislation regarding voluntary pre-commitment.
The VLGA supports the findings of the Productivity Commission’s 2010 report, including mandatory pre-commitment on gaming machines in Australia. The VLGA continues to believe that mandatory pre-commitment is an effective harm minimisation measure which can reduce the risk to consumers. Watch this space for any future developments – there’s a lot going on right now!
On another note, last week we sent our six-month report to all VLGA member councils for circulation to your councillors and officers. We hope this update on our activities is useful. You can also download the report here.
I look forward to seeing you all as we return to our council and other commitments in the coming week.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Entries close 17 February – 2012 National Awards for Local Government
The National Awards for Local Government recognise, reward and promote the innovative work of local governments across Australia. The Awards are run by the Department of Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government. View this link for more detail and note that entries close on 17 February.
Bottle shop density linked to binge drinking: report
Victorian residents with eight or more takeaway alcohol outlets within one kilometre of their homes are twice as likely to binge drink, a University of Melbourne and VicHealth study shows. Researcher Professor Anne Kavanagh surveyed 2,334 people from 21 local government areas within 20 kilometres of the Melbourne CBD to discover whether take-away liquor outlet density was associated with the amount of alcohol they drank – and how often. “We found that the more outlets a person has in their neighbourhood, the more likely it is that they will drink alcohol at a level that can cause short-term harm,” Prof. Kavanagh said. “Interestingly, we found no evidence that having a bottle shop close to your house is linked to heavier drinking patterns, so it’s not necessarily the proximity to the alcohol outlet, it’s more the sheer number of alcohol stores that makes a difference. VicHealth’s Manager of Alcohol Brian Vandenberg believes a tightening of alcohol licensing is warranted in Victoria. “Clearly, a new approach that takes into account the differences in neighbourhoods is needed to deal with Victoria’s harmful drinking culture. There is a need for better state-wide prevention policies that address the availability of alcohol, as well as local responses, devised by communities themselves,” Mr Vandenberg said. “It’s time to give some control back to local communities who feel under siege by alcohol problems in their neighbourhood".
Inquiry into Feed-in Tariffs and Barriers to Distributed Generation
The Victorian Treasurer has directed the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) to conduct an inquiry into Feed-in Tariff Arrangements and Barriers to Distributed Generation. The terms of reference ask the Commission to assess the design, efficiency and effectiveness of feed-in tariffs, recommend whether existing feed-in tariffs should be continued, phased-out or amended and identify barriers to the development of a network of distributed renewable and low emission generation in Victoria. An issues paper will be released in the near future describing the scope of the inquiry, the information the Commission is seeking, and outlining the process and timetable for the inquiry. The inquiry was referred to the Commission on 13 January 2012 and is due to provide a final report to the Government by 13 July 2012. To find out more, go to the VCEC website.
Living Victoria Rebate Program
The Victorian Government is currently offering rebates for Victorian small businesses and households on water efficient products. The Living Victoria Rebate Program was launched in July 2011 and will be available until June 2013. Home and garden rebates under the program are now being extended to all Victorian households (including those that are self-supplied and not connected to a reticulated water supply). Rebates are available for products purchased and installed between 1 July 2011 and 30 June 2013. Rebates are now also available for small businesses connected to a reticulated water supply that have 20 or fewer employees, to improve the water efficiency of their business. Small businesses are eligible to receive a one-off rebate of up to $2000 for the purchase and implementation of a range of products, appliances and services as set out in an approved schedule. Small business rebates are available for products purchased and installed between 19 July 2011 and 30 June 2013.
Let’s step up to engage with disability employment organisations
The VLGA is encouraging the Victorian Government and local governments to consider adopting the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s policy to strengthen working partnerships with disability employment organisations through the establishment of business pathways between Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) and government departments and agencies. According to statistics, approximately 18% or one million Victorians have some form of disability. The VLGA believes employment provides empowerment and a sense of belonging for people with a disability. It also improves social outcomes such as health and community inclusion. The Victorian Government was quick to establish the regulatory guidelines that allowed its government departments and agencies to by-pass mandatory tender requirements when purchasing from an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE), but it has since fallen behind other jurisdictions. It is important to leverage and acknowledge this provision to ensure opportunities and outcomes for people with disability are achieved through targeted government purchasing arrangements. Procurement opportunities in the NSW Government have been enhanced for ADEs by changes to the Public Sector Employment and Management (Goods and Services) Regulation 2010, which now contains an exemption (Clause 27) allowing government agencies to directly engage with ADEs. In partnership with National Disability Services (NDS), the NSW Government coordinates the Ready, Willing and Able program, which consists of three key actions with the combined aims of providing sustainable employment opportunities for people with disability in the NSW public sector, and setting procurement targets for purchasing from ADEs. Under this policy, public sector agencies are not required to conduct open competitive tenders where procurement is from disability employment organisations. The exemption to local governments is currently capped and does not extend to contracts exceeding $150,000.
University of Melbourne study to compare dollar value on land use
Post-graduate students from the University of Melbourne will be comparing the economic benefits of conventional versus lifestyle farming for the next Agribusiness Gippsland survey in mid-February. Mornington Peninsula Shire is helping Agribusiness Gippsland to host the study. For more information contact Sue on 0402 267 802.
Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission
VLGA members may be aware of the Federal Government’s intent to establish the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). A discussion paper has been released and public comment is welcome, with submissions due on 28 February. The ACNC Discussion Paper has been released to seek feedback on the functions and operations of the ACNC. The paper discusses the design and implementation of the new reporting framework for charities that will be administered by the ACNC and is a central platform for the Government’s vision of ‘report once-use often’ reporting for the NFP sector. It also seeks comments on the ACNC’s public information portal, and the ACNC’s educative role. In addition to the discussion paper the ACNC are also conducting public consultations around Australia. You can register for one of these sessions via the ACNC website.
Whole of Government review of Victoria’s Alcohol and Drug Strategy
The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) is asking all Victorians to provide feedback and ideas on how the harms associated with alcohol and drugs can be reduced. VLGA members can add comments and ideas to the discussion forum at http://your-say.net.au/ or send an email with your comments, ideas or personal stories. You can also participate in one of a series of focus groups being undertaken in metropolitan Melbourne in February. Exact times and locations are yet to be determined, however if you wish to participate, please email or call 9412 5600 to register your interest. There is only a small window of opportunity to contribute, with the consultation taking place between 23 January and 19 February 2012. For further details contact David Taylor, Policy Officer at VAADA, on 9412 5603.
VLGA Events
First Leading Edge Forum for 2012
2012 Timor-Leste Elections: implications, opportunities and challenges
Thursday 2 February, from 6pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester Street Carlton
**THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL** Due to an overwhelming response, this event has now reached full capacity. If you have not already registered to secure your place at this forum we encourage you to watch the event via our live webcast on the night; starting at 7pm.
To view the webcast live on the night go to: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vlga-leading-edge-forum
As Timor-Leste faces its third round of democratic elections since it formally achieved independence in 2002, our first LEF for the year brings a range of speakers together to reflect on the implications for our nearest neighbour and Australians. Join experts and observers to explore: who’s who in the Timor-Leste Elections; long-term dynamics and issues likely to face any new President, the Government and people; implications for the strategic relationship with Australia; and how Australian friendship relationships are influencing wellbeing in local communities. Confirmed speakers include Dr Clinton Fernandes, Cr Rachael Powning and Rae Kingsbury.
Being Deputy Mayor in the final council year
Thursday 9 February 2012
5.30pm for 6pm start -9pm (incl. light refreshments)
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
The VLGA is offering our popular development session for those serving as Deputy Mayor in 2012. There is no uniform role for Deputy Mayors, and this could be particularly challenging during an election year. The role can vary from simply deputising for the Mayor when they are unavailable, to sharing some of the team-building, strategy and other responsibilities with the Mayor. This session will include ample time to explore your individual needs and circumstances and those of your council. It is a unique opportunity to learn from others performing the same role, share and reflect on your own experiences, hear about strategies from others and plan for the rest of your term.
For further information please phone (03) 9349 7999 or download the registration form.
Other Events
Melbourne versus Sydney: Do they compete? Who’s winning? Are they in the wrong game?
Thursday 16 February, 4pm (incl. light refreshments) Theatrette at State Library of Victoria, Entry 3, 179 Latrobe St Melbourne
RSVP by Thursday 2 February
Bookings are essential for this free event hosted by SGS Economics and Planning. Australia is supposedly driven by the resources sector, situated mainly in WA and Qld. However, the facts show that Sydney and Melbourne are the nation's principal wealth generators. The strategic national economic role of Sydney and Melbourne lies in their production and export of advanced business services including to inter-regional clients in the mining states. Whilst there is a fair amount of competitive tension between the two cities, there is also a great deal of complementarity in their business service roles. This discussion will feature a range of economists, planners and geographers from SGS, chaired by Marcus Spiller. To register, send email or call Rebecca Stroud on 8616 0331.
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