VLGA President’s Message
Many of you are aware by now of the proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), through the Local Government Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, (the Bill) which we reported on last week. The Bill proposes a number of changes, including to meeting procedures, campaign donation disclosure, conflict of interest and councillor conduct hearings. The VLGA Board discussed the proposed legislation at our meeting on Thursday and for us the items that stand out are the removal of the requirement for councillors and special committee members to vote on matters for decision, and the power to make Ministerial guidelines for the imposition of differential rates. There are a number of ‘sleeper’ issues in the Bill and we welcome any thoughts councillors, CEOs and executive teams have on the implications of these changes. This week, as we have most Council budgets passed and possible media focus on rates, I refer you to my comments in the editorial of the latest edition of Local Government Focus magazine. In addition, many members have contacted me about the Defined Benefit Plan shortfall; there has been much media speculation and discussion around the sector as we all work through what this means for local governments in Victoria, and we understand that the MAV has issued a members brief about this which we encourage you to read. And finally, it’s NAIDOC week, and many of you will be attending related functions. NAIDOC week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. I am out and about on school holidays for the next fortnight but 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
Y Council? – Q & A with young councillors for young people
The VLGA will be joining forces with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) to host forums in Melbourne (26 July) and Bendigo (9 August) to engage young people and local governments. The Y Council? forums aim to promote discussions to encourage young people to get involved in local government. These interactive sessions will inform young people about the role of local governments and what it is like to be a councillor. For more details about the forums, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email.
Updated election resources: Understanding working with your local government
A new page, Understanding working in local government, has been added to the 2012 Local Government Elections resources section of our website, and is a good start for people wanting to understand some of the mechanics of how local governments work.
Good Governance Grab – Election campaigns and council resources
The VLGA has produced our latest Good Governance Grab on the use of council resources during your election campaign. This will be added to our Local Government Elections web-page and you can also access the document here.
Williams vs. Commonwealth update
In our President’s Message last week, we commented on the High Court’s decision on Williams vs. Commonwealth regarding the National School Chaplaincy program and the possible implications for local government funding. On Thursday, the Commonwealth Parliament passed legislation to secure the future of Government programs. The Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2012 provides a legislative basis for the funding of a range of programs. Over 400 programs are identified in the Bill and regulations will be able to be made to provide a legislative basis for new programs. According to Friday’s ALGA newsletter, the legislation does not impact on the Roads to Recovery program, which already has its own legislation.
VCEC Inquiry on problem gambling – Have your say
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has been directed by the Treasurer to undertake an inquiry into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. The Inquiry is scheduled to be completed by 14 December and between now and then an issues paper will be written and submissions will be invited. Following this, a draft report will be released and comments will be sought. The VLGA will be providing a detailed submission to the VCEC and will be seeking comments and feedback from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email for further details.
City of Greater Geelong calls for safe release of Melinda Taylor
Last Tuesday, the City of Greater Geelong resolved to initiate a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of Libya, respectfully requesting the immediate safe release of detained Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor. To see more and to sign the petition, go here.
Commonwealth response to Victorian floods review
Last Thursday Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon tabled the Australian Government’s response to the Final Report of the Victorian Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response. Of the 93 recommendations contained in the report, 11 are directed either in full or in part to the Commonwealth. The recommendations supported by the Government include:
* reviewing institutional arrangements for flood forecasting and predictions for certain parts of Victoria;
* adjusting flood prediction models to incorporate water storage conditions; and
* including requirements for robust ‘all hazards’ evacuation plans in aged care facilities.
Farewell to RGAC – and thanks
The Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre closed its doors last week, and the VLGA acknowledges the Centre’s work and the team’s involvement in our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG). The RGAC will cease operations from 1 July 2012 as the company will be deregistered. The website will redirect to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation which includes information about the Foundation and its Gambling Resource and Information Office (GIRO). From 2 July 2012, you can email the Foundation and the GIRO or call (03) 8684 7984.
Local governments preventing violence against women
The final report from the Local Government Preventing Violence Against Women project (2009-2011) is a powerful story about the value of networking and capacity building in the local government sector, in the important work of preventing violence against women. The project was hosted by the City of Darebin with VicHealth funding.
National 2012 savewater! awards
The savewater! awards are now in their tenth year, and have emerged as Australia’s leading awards for water sustainability. These prestigious awards recognise and reward excellence in water-efficiency by business, government, schools, local communities and individuals. There is a government category this year which may be of interest to VLGA members.
IWC Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarships
The International WaterCentre’s Masters Scholarships are now open to study the IWC Master of Integrated Water Management in Australia in 2013. Apply online for a scholarship by 1 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
July Leading Edge Forum
Resilient Cities: What ingredients are needed to support sustainable urban change?
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us for this practical and informative Leading Edge Forum which will look at how local governments can facilitate sustainable urban change and help build resilient communities for the future. Featuring presentations from three diverse speakers, the forum will share current best practice approaches in integration, community engagement and sustainable development. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities, and see what our President and CEO are up to. This week we congratulate Moreland and Golden Plains on their wins in the 2012 National Local Government Awards, and you can link through to provide feedback on the State Disability Plan.
Other Events
15th International Riversymposium
8-11 October
Melbourne
Registrations are now open for the 15th International Riversymposium, to be held for the first time in Melbourne from 8 to 11 October 2012. This year’s event will look at ‘Rivers in a Rapidly Urbanising World’ and will explore the intricately linked pressures on rivers as our urban population grows. Earlybird registrations close on 11 July.
UNAA Business & Human Rights Workshop 5
Addressing adverse human rights impacts: Managing human rights related complaints, disputes and grievances
Wednesday 1 August, 9am-1pm101 Collins St, Melbourne
Hosted by Allens, this workshop, part of a series, invites professionals from diverse backgrounds wanting to learn more about business and human rights and how to apply the UN Guiding Principles in practice. The workshops build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights impacts and risks, and provide practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. Register here by Monday 23 July.
Victoria at the Crossroads?
24-24 August
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf
Just another downturn, or is Victoria at the crossroads? Despite benefitting from the early stages of the resources boom, has Victoria missed its chance to lay the foundations for future growth? Is the required infrastructure now outside the scope of tightened budget constraints? Prime Minister Julia Gillard will deliver this special luncheon address, where she will share her vision for Victoria’s role in Australia’s future prosperity.
Many of you are aware by now of the proposed amendments to the Local Government Act 1989 (the Act), through the Local Government Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, (the Bill) which we reported on last week. The Bill proposes a number of changes, including to meeting procedures, campaign donation disclosure, conflict of interest and councillor conduct hearings. The VLGA Board discussed the proposed legislation at our meeting on Thursday and for us the items that stand out are the removal of the requirement for councillors and special committee members to vote on matters for decision, and the power to make Ministerial guidelines for the imposition of differential rates. There are a number of ‘sleeper’ issues in the Bill and we welcome any thoughts councillors, CEOs and executive teams have on the implications of these changes. This week, as we have most Council budgets passed and possible media focus on rates, I refer you to my comments in the editorial of the latest edition of Local Government Focus magazine. In addition, many members have contacted me about the Defined Benefit Plan shortfall; there has been much media speculation and discussion around the sector as we all work through what this means for local governments in Victoria, and we understand that the MAV has issued a members brief about this which we encourage you to read. And finally, it’s NAIDOC week, and many of you will be attending related functions. NAIDOC week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. I am out and about on school holidays for the next fortnight but 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
Y Council? – Q & A with young councillors for young people
The VLGA will be joining forces with the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria (YACVic) to host forums in Melbourne (26 July) and Bendigo (9 August) to engage young people and local governments. The Y Council? forums aim to promote discussions to encourage young people to get involved in local government. These interactive sessions will inform young people about the role of local governments and what it is like to be a councillor. For more details about the forums, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email.
Updated election resources: Understanding working with your local government
A new page, Understanding working in local government, has been added to the 2012 Local Government Elections resources section of our website, and is a good start for people wanting to understand some of the mechanics of how local governments work.
Good Governance Grab – Election campaigns and council resources
The VLGA has produced our latest Good Governance Grab on the use of council resources during your election campaign. This will be added to our Local Government Elections web-page and you can also access the document here.
Williams vs. Commonwealth update
In our President’s Message last week, we commented on the High Court’s decision on Williams vs. Commonwealth regarding the National School Chaplaincy program and the possible implications for local government funding. On Thursday, the Commonwealth Parliament passed legislation to secure the future of Government programs. The Financial Framework Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2012 provides a legislative basis for the funding of a range of programs. Over 400 programs are identified in the Bill and regulations will be able to be made to provide a legislative basis for new programs. According to Friday’s ALGA newsletter, the legislation does not impact on the Roads to Recovery program, which already has its own legislation.
VCEC Inquiry on problem gambling – Have your say
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has been directed by the Treasurer to undertake an inquiry into the social and economic costs of problem gambling in Victoria. The Inquiry is scheduled to be completed by 14 December and between now and then an issues paper will be written and submissions will be invited. Following this, a draft report will be released and comments will be sought. The VLGA will be providing a detailed submission to the VCEC and will be seeking comments and feedback from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email for further details.
City of Greater Geelong calls for safe release of Melinda Taylor
Last Tuesday, the City of Greater Geelong resolved to initiate a petition addressed to the Prime Minister of Libya, respectfully requesting the immediate safe release of detained Australian lawyer Melinda Taylor. To see more and to sign the petition, go here.
Commonwealth response to Victorian floods review
Last Thursday Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon tabled the Australian Government’s response to the Final Report of the Victorian Review of the 2010-11 Flood Warnings and Response. Of the 93 recommendations contained in the report, 11 are directed either in full or in part to the Commonwealth. The recommendations supported by the Government include:
* reviewing institutional arrangements for flood forecasting and predictions for certain parts of Victoria;
* adjusting flood prediction models to incorporate water storage conditions; and
* including requirements for robust ‘all hazards’ evacuation plans in aged care facilities.
Farewell to RGAC – and thanks
The Responsible Gambling Advocacy Centre closed its doors last week, and the VLGA acknowledges the Centre’s work and the team’s involvement in our Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG). The RGAC will cease operations from 1 July 2012 as the company will be deregistered. The website will redirect to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation which includes information about the Foundation and its Gambling Resource and Information Office (GIRO). From 2 July 2012, you can email the Foundation and the GIRO or call (03) 8684 7984.
Local governments preventing violence against women
The final report from the Local Government Preventing Violence Against Women project (2009-2011) is a powerful story about the value of networking and capacity building in the local government sector, in the important work of preventing violence against women. The project was hosted by the City of Darebin with VicHealth funding.
National 2012 savewater! awards
The savewater! awards are now in their tenth year, and have emerged as Australia’s leading awards for water sustainability. These prestigious awards recognise and reward excellence in water-efficiency by business, government, schools, local communities and individuals. There is a government category this year which may be of interest to VLGA members.
IWC Master of Integrated Water Management Scholarships
The International WaterCentre’s Masters Scholarships are now open to study the IWC Master of Integrated Water Management in Australia in 2013. Apply online for a scholarship by 1 August 2012.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
July Leading Edge Forum
Resilient Cities: What ingredients are needed to support sustainable urban change?
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
We invite you to join us for this practical and informative Leading Edge Forum which will look at how local governments can facilitate sustainable urban change and help build resilient communities for the future. Featuring presentations from three diverse speakers, the forum will share current best practice approaches in integration, community engagement and sustainable development. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
VLGA Facebook updates this week
Don’t forget to visit the VLGA Facebook page to stay up-to-date with VLGA news and activities, and see what our President and CEO are up to. This week we congratulate Moreland and Golden Plains on their wins in the 2012 National Local Government Awards, and you can link through to provide feedback on the State Disability Plan.
Other Events
15th International Riversymposium
8-11 October
Melbourne
Registrations are now open for the 15th International Riversymposium, to be held for the first time in Melbourne from 8 to 11 October 2012. This year’s event will look at ‘Rivers in a Rapidly Urbanising World’ and will explore the intricately linked pressures on rivers as our urban population grows. Earlybird registrations close on 11 July.
UNAA Business & Human Rights Workshop 5
Addressing adverse human rights impacts: Managing human rights related complaints, disputes and grievances
Wednesday 1 August, 9am-1pm101 Collins St, Melbourne
Hosted by Allens, this workshop, part of a series, invites professionals from diverse backgrounds wanting to learn more about business and human rights and how to apply the UN Guiding Principles in practice. The workshops build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights impacts and risks, and provide practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. Register here by Monday 23 July.
Victoria at the Crossroads?
24-24 August
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf
Just another downturn, or is Victoria at the crossroads? Despite benefitting from the early stages of the resources boom, has Victoria missed its chance to lay the foundations for future growth? Is the required infrastructure now outside the scope of tightened budget constraints? Prime Minister Julia Gillard will deliver this special luncheon address, where she will share her vision for Victoria’s role in Australia’s future prosperity.
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