VLGA President’s Message
Over the past few weeks, the VLGA has been advocating on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. We have written to Minister Powell about our concerns and requested a meeting time to discuss these in more depth. We have sought meetings with the Opposition, and have had discussions with two of the upper house Greens members about our apprehensions. We have been particularly concerned about the proposal to change the process for local governments to implement differential rates, and we issued a media release on 21 June. Since that time, we have been seeking the views of councillors and local governments on the content and implications of the Bill, and member council CEOs have received two communiques from the VLGA on this matter – one dealing primarily with the VLGA’s research on differential rates and the other seeking views on the remaining provisions in the Bill, before we provide a response to the Government. Several local governments have already contacted us, especially about the lack of consultation with the wider sector prior to the introduction of the Bill. It’s not too late to get your comments to our Director Policy Toby Archer via email, or you can contact me directly. You might have seen in a previous edition of eNews that the VLGA is seeking your views on what makes a Resilient Neighbourhood. If you haven't had a chance to attend one of our Resilient Neighbourhoods workshops you can complete our online survey. We'd love to hear from as many of you as possible. Further information about the project can be found here. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
The VLGA and RMIT University’s Australian Centre for Human Rights Education are bringing you this practical workshop. If you haven’t already registered, make sure you RSVP today.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Register quickly for this special workshop for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections. More details below in our Events section and you can download the registration information here.
A variety of views on Victoria’s planning reforms
Local governments around the state are considering how the recently announced changes to the proposed planning zones will be implemented locally and what impact they will have on planning decisions. A mix of views were reported in the media last week. Local governments and community members have until 21 September to provide comment on the proposed changes. A discussion paper, fact sheets and an online feedback form are now available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website. The VLGA is preparing a submission for DPCD and we are keen to hear the views of members. Please contact our Director Policy Toby Archer via email to add your ideas.
VLGA submission to interim report for the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The VLGA is concerned about the proliferation of online gambling and the targeting of young people and other vulnerable communities. We believe the Australian Government has a clear role to play in regulating online gaming, sports betting and advertising of gambling and we have made a submission to the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which incorporates comments from our members including the Local Government Working Group on Gambling.
VCEC Issues Paper released - Inquiry into Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has released an Issues Paper for the Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling in Victoria. The Issues Paper is intended to assist organisations and individuals to prepare submissions to the inquiry. Submissions are invited by 31 August 2012 and the VLGA will be preparing a submission in consultation with members. The VCEC encourages interested people to ‘follow’ on Twitter @gamblinginquiry and ‘like’ on Facebook. Email the VCEC for further information.
Victorian smoking rates hit record low
According to new research released by the Cancer Council of Victoria (CCV), smoking rates in Victoria have dropped below 15%. The 2011 Smoking Prevalence and Consumption in Victoria report showed 14.4% of Victorians were regular smokers in 2011 compared to 21.2% in 1998. CCV has pointed out that this outcome has been achieved due to a period of significant action and tobacco reform over the last five years including increases to the price of cigarettes and anti-smoking messages. A number of local governments in Victoria have also led the way with the introduction of local laws to expand non-smoking areas to promote health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy
Last Tuesday the VLGA was represented at the Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy economic development summit in Melbourne by our CEO Maree McPherson. The Summit was addressed by Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Minister, Jeanette Powell, and included a wide variety of speakers and panellists from the Commonwealth, State and local governments.
ALGWA Study Award – opportunity for women officers
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Annual Study Award encourages and assists women in the local government sector to further their education. The Study Award is open to permanent members of staff in a Victorian local government. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or full time basis and must demonstrate the ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment. Applications close Monday 27 August 2012. Email for further enquiries.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – ‘Running and winning issue campaigns’
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA social media updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we follow CEO Maree McPherson to Elgar Contact Inc in Box Hill and the Economic Development Summit: Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy in Melbourne. Visitors can find links to the VLGA Resilient Neighbourhoods project online survey and read about a fantastic opportunity to support diversity in local government, offered by the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition.
This week we have added to our YouTube video posts with a great synopsis of the Think- women- for- local- government- 2012 media launch at Parliament House on 5 June.
Over the past few weeks, the VLGA has been advocating on the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. We have written to Minister Powell about our concerns and requested a meeting time to discuss these in more depth. We have sought meetings with the Opposition, and have had discussions with two of the upper house Greens members about our apprehensions. We have been particularly concerned about the proposal to change the process for local governments to implement differential rates, and we issued a media release on 21 June. Since that time, we have been seeking the views of councillors and local governments on the content and implications of the Bill, and member council CEOs have received two communiques from the VLGA on this matter – one dealing primarily with the VLGA’s research on differential rates and the other seeking views on the remaining provisions in the Bill, before we provide a response to the Government. Several local governments have already contacted us, especially about the lack of consultation with the wider sector prior to the introduction of the Bill. It’s not too late to get your comments to our Director Policy Toby Archer via email, or you can contact me directly. You might have seen in a previous edition of eNews that the VLGA is seeking your views on what makes a Resilient Neighbourhood. If you haven't had a chance to attend one of our Resilient Neighbourhoods workshops you can complete our online survey. We'd love to hear from as many of you as possible. Further information about the project can be found here. Please don’t hesitate to email or give me a call on 0407 364 509 if there’s anything you wish to discuss. Cheers.
Cr Samantha Dunn, President
Keeping you up to date
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
The VLGA and RMIT University’s Australian Centre for Human Rights Education are bringing you this practical workshop. If you haven’t already registered, make sure you RSVP today.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Register quickly for this special workshop for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections. More details below in our Events section and you can download the registration information here.
A variety of views on Victoria’s planning reforms
Local governments around the state are considering how the recently announced changes to the proposed planning zones will be implemented locally and what impact they will have on planning decisions. A mix of views were reported in the media last week. Local governments and community members have until 21 September to provide comment on the proposed changes. A discussion paper, fact sheets and an online feedback form are now available on the Department of Planning and Community Development website. The VLGA is preparing a submission for DPCD and we are keen to hear the views of members. Please contact our Director Policy Toby Archer via email to add your ideas.
VLGA submission to interim report for the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001
The VLGA is concerned about the proliferation of online gambling and the targeting of young people and other vulnerable communities. We believe the Australian Government has a clear role to play in regulating online gaming, sports betting and advertising of gambling and we have made a submission to the review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 which incorporates comments from our members including the Local Government Working Group on Gambling.
VCEC Issues Paper released - Inquiry into Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has released an Issues Paper for the Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling in Victoria. The Issues Paper is intended to assist organisations and individuals to prepare submissions to the inquiry. Submissions are invited by 31 August 2012 and the VLGA will be preparing a submission in consultation with members. The VCEC encourages interested people to ‘follow’ on Twitter @gamblinginquiry and ‘like’ on Facebook. Email the VCEC for further information.
Victorian smoking rates hit record low
According to new research released by the Cancer Council of Victoria (CCV), smoking rates in Victoria have dropped below 15%. The 2011 Smoking Prevalence and Consumption in Victoria report showed 14.4% of Victorians were regular smokers in 2011 compared to 21.2% in 1998. CCV has pointed out that this outcome has been achieved due to a period of significant action and tobacco reform over the last five years including increases to the price of cigarettes and anti-smoking messages. A number of local governments in Victoria have also led the way with the introduction of local laws to expand non-smoking areas to promote health and wellbeing.
Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy
Last Tuesday the VLGA was represented at the Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy economic development summit in Melbourne by our CEO Maree McPherson. The Summit was addressed by Aboriginal Affairs and Local Government Minister, Jeanette Powell, and included a wide variety of speakers and panellists from the Commonwealth, State and local governments.
ALGWA Study Award – opportunity for women officers
The Victorian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association Annual Study Award encourages and assists women in the local government sector to further their education. The Study Award is open to permanent members of staff in a Victorian local government. The Award is given in memory of past State and National President of ALGWA, Marie Wallace OAM JP. The applicant must be currently studying at a Diploma level or higher, at a recognised tertiary institution, on a part time or full time basis and must demonstrate the ability to make a positive contribution to their area of employment and to their employer through further tertiary study. The studies undertaken must be directly related to the applicant’s field of employment. Applications close Monday 27 August 2012. Email for further enquiries.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Applying Human Rights Locally: Reporting what you are doing
Thursday 26 July, 9am-1pm
RMIT Building 13 (Emily McPherson Building), Level 3, Multipurpose Room, Cnr Victoria Parade and Russell St, Melbourne
RSVP 23 July
A valuable workshop for local government officers who are charged with the responsibility to complete the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Annual Survey, and for local government managers or councillors with an interest in human rights at the local level. Facilitated by the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education and the VLGA, this practical workshop will focus on how to complete the Survey, considering both its requirements and the council approval process. To register, contact 9349 7999 or send email.
‘Y’ Council?
Thursday 26 July, 5-7pm
Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
RSVP by 19 July
AND
Thursday 9 August, 5-7pm
Bendigo Town Hall
195-229 Lyttleton Tce, Bendigo
RSVP by 2 August
Are you interested in running for council in 2012?
Are you aged between 16-25?*
Are you interested in politics?
The VLGA and the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) are teaming up to run a free interactive forum in Melbourne and Bendigo for any young people who are thinking about running for local government in the 2012 local government elections or in the future. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of young councillors in a Q&A session, followed by an opportunity to debate council motions on controversial issues and then amend and vote for them. These are FREE events and refreshments will be provided.
*Note: you cannot run for council until you are 18, but you are still very welcome to come along!
August Leading Edge Forum – ‘Running and winning issue campaigns’
Thursday 2 August, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government elections provide an opportunity for local issues to be considered and debated. This Leading Edge Forum will explore how you can get your issue on the local agenda. We invite you to join us for this special Leading Edge Forum, featuring international community campaigns author and practitioner, Tony Milne. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999 to RSVP.
Candidate Workshop – ‘Practicalities between now and E-day’
Tuesday 7 August, 5.30-8.30pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St Carlton
This workshop is designed for candidates running in the October 2012 local government elections who want to learn about the practical work to be done before Election Day. The workshop will include tip sheets to take away, how to prepare your 150-word candidate statement, and a chance to hear from people with experience and success in campaigning at the local government level – what works and what doesn’t. Download the flyer and registration form here and register quickly as places are limited.
VLGA social media updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities. This week we follow CEO Maree McPherson to Elgar Contact Inc in Box Hill and the Economic Development Summit: Aboriginal Victorians in the Economy in Melbourne. Visitors can find links to the VLGA Resilient Neighbourhoods project online survey and read about a fantastic opportunity to support diversity in local government, offered by the Victorian Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Coalition.
This week we have added to our YouTube video posts with a great synopsis of the Think- women- for- local- government- 2012 media launch at Parliament House on 5 June.
Other Events
Melbourne Conversations - Heritage and development innovation: making Melbourne a world leader
Friday 27 July, 6-7.30pm
RMIT Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St (opposite Melbourne Town Hall)
Free entry – no bookings
Inner Melbourne will experience development and growth to meet contemporary needs and maintain prosperity. How should Melbourne lead by example, and balance the tangible heritage values of the material form and the newly emerging heritage paradigm associated with the values of cultural identity, memory and usage of urban spaces and places? Hear from the experts and have your say. You can also get involved in the conversations on Facebook and Twitter. More information can be found online.
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed are all increasingly common. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions. Event details are listed below.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
Melbourne Conversations - Heritage and development innovation: making Melbourne a world leader
Friday 27 July, 6-7.30pm
RMIT Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St (opposite Melbourne Town Hall)
Free entry – no bookings
Inner Melbourne will experience development and growth to meet contemporary needs and maintain prosperity. How should Melbourne lead by example, and balance the tangible heritage values of the material form and the newly emerging heritage paradigm associated with the values of cultural identity, memory and usage of urban spaces and places? Hear from the experts and have your say. You can also get involved in the conversations on Facebook and Twitter. More information can be found online.
Hope talks: the social environment and youth suicide
Despite appearances of prosperity, we are losing our young people at an alarming rate. Continual cyber bullying, long term mental illness, family breakdown, lack of hope and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed are all increasingly common. P4T (Partnering for Transformation), YFC, Sophia Think Tank and the Australian Media Engagement Project are hosting conversations aimed at raising awareness and moving towards solutions. Event details are listed below.
Urban Conversation - FREE
Sunday 29 July, 6pm
Café Hamodava, Westwood Place (near 614 Bourke St) Melbourne
RSVP by 26 July via email specifying this event, OR
World Café Facilitated Conversation - $30 per person
Tuesday 4 September, 9.30am-4pm
Venue TBC
RSVP by 30 July via email specifying this event.
Law Enforcement and Public Health conference (LEPH2012)
11-14 November
Melbourne
This important event, the first international conference on law enforcement and public health, will take place in Melbourne. More details, including the draft program are here.
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