VLGA President’s Message
The past couple of weeks have involved significant advocacy from the VLGA on a number of issues on behalf of our members. The Victorian Parliament is currently considering the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. The Bill has been read for a second time in the Legislative Assembly, and was referred back to the Legislative Council. It was moved that the Bill be read for a second time and debate has been adjourned for one week. I have written a comprehensive letter to Minister Powell about the VLGA’s concerns, and this will be circulated to local governments, along with copies of our correspondence on other matters detailed below. We think there are many areas that require clarification and that there will be unintended consequences from some of the changes. We have added more detail below about our other advocacy activities. This Wednesday, in cooperation with the City of Melbourne, the VLGA will be conducting a Community and Candidate Information Session for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates. You can see more in our Events section below. Happy Keep Australia Beautiful Week! 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
Landfill Levy
The VLGA has written to the Victorian Auditor-General requesting that the Performance Audit – Management of Environment Levies scheduled for August 2013 be brought forward to 2012. VLGA members have expressed concern about the lack of return from the collection of levies, the need to enhance infrastructure and community education programs amongst other items.
Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Defined Benefits Scheme
Last week the VLGA wrote to Prime Minister Gillard with copies to Treasurer Swan, Premier Baillieu, Minister Crean and Minister Powell, regarding member concerns about the funding shortfall to the Defined Benefits Scheme, managed by Vision Super. We are seeking the Prime Minister’s support to remove the 15% contributions tax that local governments will be required to pay on the shortfall; and for legislation that will return the scheme to an exempt public sector fund, thereby removing the requirement to ensure full funding.
Planning zone reforms
In July, local governments were advised of the Victorian Planning Minister’s intent to change the Victorian Planning Zones ahead of the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. Based on recent media coverage, there are clearly mixed views across the sector to the proposed changes. At its August meeting, the VLGA Board will be considering our response to the Government on behalf of our members. For more information, contact our Director Policy Toby Archer, by email. Responses to the DPCD discussion paper are due 21 September 2012.
VCEC Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling – have your say
The VLGA has held a number of meetings with representatives from VCEC about the inquiry. Feedback from the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) indicates that it is important for all local governments to participate in the inquiry via a submission. The VLGA will be providing a submission to VCEC and will be seeking comments and case studies from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details. Submissions are due 31 August 2012.
Shake up of Victorian speed limits
Dozens of roads across Melbourne with multiple speed zones will be simplified under new changes to Victoria’s speed limit system. While the VLGA welcomes the outcomes of the Victorian Speed Limit Review, it is unclear whether local governments will need to conduct infrastructure changes before speeds are lowered. The review does not indicate whether local governments can determine speeds on residential streets. The VLGA is seeking feedback and comments from local governments and stakeholders. Contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details.
Proposed transfer of Inspectorate’s powers to the Ombudsman Victoria
On 7 August, LGPro and the VLGA held a joint meeting with Minister McIntosh to discuss the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities of the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate (LGICI) to Ombudsman Victoria (OV). We have asked that the sector is consulted in the development of the proposed new model. We have jointly corresponded with the Minister as we are concerned that the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities could subject the sector to multiple organisations auditing performance without improving outcomes. We believe that any change to current practice needs to be easy to understand, easy to navigate and avoid duplication of effort and involvement.
Inspectorate issues Election Caretaker Policy information bulletin
The election caretaker period for Victorian councils (except Brimbank City Council whose election will be held in 2015) commences at midnight on 25 September 2012. In preparation for this, the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate conducted a review of all 79 council’s election caretaker arrangements and policies. You can view the bulletin and the good practice examples here.
Victorian Health Promotion Awards 2012
The 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion was awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities. We encourage our members to consider making an application for an award in 2012. Nominations opened on 6 August and will close on 14 September. To acknowledge the growth in the State’s health promotion activities, applications are extended beyond VicHealth funded projects – honouring initiatives, projects, campaigns, health agencies, individuals, organisations and teams delivering ground-breaking work to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
Food Alliance briefing on the National Food Plan
The Federal Government is developing a National Food Plan and on 17 July released a Green Paper. Public consultation on the Green Paper will continue until 30 September. The Food Alliance has produced a ‘Brief on the National Food Plan Green Paper’, which provides a worthwhile overview and analysis of its contents. You can read more on our Thinking Food Security website.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
In conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
ECO-Buy 2012 Green Purchasing Expo
Wednesday 12 September, 9am-12.15pm
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Gardens
250-290 Spring St, East Melbourne
The Expo will feature suppliers of essential organisational requirements including office, cleaning, facilities management, and waste management products, along with plenty of other ideas to help green your organisation. This free event is designed to help you do your research and ensure the green products you purchase not only meet the needs of your organisation but meet genuine environmental standards. Meet the suppliers themselves and ask the difficult questions. While the event is free to attend, you do need to register.
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The Conference will bring together young people with disabilities, peak bodies, representative organisations, and passionate workers and researchers in the field.
View the preliminary program here, register here and visit the NYD Conference Facebook page.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
The past couple of weeks have involved significant advocacy from the VLGA on a number of issues on behalf of our members. The Victorian Parliament is currently considering the Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012. The Bill has been read for a second time in the Legislative Assembly, and was referred back to the Legislative Council. It was moved that the Bill be read for a second time and debate has been adjourned for one week. I have written a comprehensive letter to Minister Powell about the VLGA’s concerns, and this will be circulated to local governments, along with copies of our correspondence on other matters detailed below. We think there are many areas that require clarification and that there will be unintended consequences from some of the changes. We have added more detail below about our other advocacy activities. This Wednesday, in cooperation with the City of Melbourne, the VLGA will be conducting a Community and Candidate Information Session for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates. You can see more in our Events section below. Happy Keep Australia Beautiful Week! 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
Landfill Levy
The VLGA has written to the Victorian Auditor-General requesting that the Performance Audit – Management of Environment Levies scheduled for August 2013 be brought forward to 2012. VLGA members have expressed concern about the lack of return from the collection of levies, the need to enhance infrastructure and community education programs amongst other items.
Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Defined Benefits Scheme
Last week the VLGA wrote to Prime Minister Gillard with copies to Treasurer Swan, Premier Baillieu, Minister Crean and Minister Powell, regarding member concerns about the funding shortfall to the Defined Benefits Scheme, managed by Vision Super. We are seeking the Prime Minister’s support to remove the 15% contributions tax that local governments will be required to pay on the shortfall; and for legislation that will return the scheme to an exempt public sector fund, thereby removing the requirement to ensure full funding.
Planning zone reforms
In July, local governments were advised of the Victorian Planning Minister’s intent to change the Victorian Planning Zones ahead of the development of the Metropolitan Strategy. Based on recent media coverage, there are clearly mixed views across the sector to the proposed changes. At its August meeting, the VLGA Board will be considering our response to the Government on behalf of our members. For more information, contact our Director Policy Toby Archer, by email. Responses to the DPCD discussion paper are due 21 September 2012.
VCEC Inquiry into the Social and Economic Costs of Problem Gambling – have your say
The VLGA has held a number of meetings with representatives from VCEC about the inquiry. Feedback from the VLGA’s Local Government Working Group on Gambling (LGWGOG) indicates that it is important for all local governments to participate in the inquiry via a submission. The VLGA will be providing a submission to VCEC and will be seeking comments and case studies from members and stakeholders. Please contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details. Submissions are due 31 August 2012.
Shake up of Victorian speed limits
Dozens of roads across Melbourne with multiple speed zones will be simplified under new changes to Victoria’s speed limit system. While the VLGA welcomes the outcomes of the Victorian Speed Limit Review, it is unclear whether local governments will need to conduct infrastructure changes before speeds are lowered. The review does not indicate whether local governments can determine speeds on residential streets. The VLGA is seeking feedback and comments from local governments and stakeholders. Contact Jieh-Yung Lo via email for further details.
Proposed transfer of Inspectorate’s powers to the Ombudsman Victoria
On 7 August, LGPro and the VLGA held a joint meeting with Minister McIntosh to discuss the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities of the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate (LGICI) to Ombudsman Victoria (OV). We have asked that the sector is consulted in the development of the proposed new model. We have jointly corresponded with the Minister as we are concerned that the proposed transfer of powers and responsibilities could subject the sector to multiple organisations auditing performance without improving outcomes. We believe that any change to current practice needs to be easy to understand, easy to navigate and avoid duplication of effort and involvement.
Inspectorate issues Election Caretaker Policy information bulletin
The election caretaker period for Victorian councils (except Brimbank City Council whose election will be held in 2015) commences at midnight on 25 September 2012. In preparation for this, the Local Government Investigations & Compliance Inspectorate conducted a review of all 79 council’s election caretaker arrangements and policies. You can view the bulletin and the good practice examples here.
Victorian Health Promotion Awards 2012
The 2011 VicHealth Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Promotion was awarded to the VLGA for building capacity in local governments and communities. We encourage our members to consider making an application for an award in 2012. Nominations opened on 6 August and will close on 14 September. To acknowledge the growth in the State’s health promotion activities, applications are extended beyond VicHealth funded projects – honouring initiatives, projects, campaigns, health agencies, individuals, organisations and teams delivering ground-breaking work to improve the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
Food Alliance briefing on the National Food Plan
The Federal Government is developing a National Food Plan and on 17 July released a Green Paper. Public consultation on the Green Paper will continue until 30 September. The Food Alliance has produced a ‘Brief on the National Food Plan Green Paper’, which provides a worthwhile overview and analysis of its contents. You can read more on our Thinking Food Security website.
A Gender Agenda on Channel 31
The VLGA, in co-operation with Channel 31, has produced a documentary panel discussion about women in local government and candidacy opportunities. The program has already screened once and will run again on Sunday 26 August at 9pm.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Community and Candidate Information Session
Wednesday 22 August, 6pm
Town Hall Administration Building, 120 Swanston Street, Melbourne
In conjunction with Melbourne City Council, the VLGA is conducting a workshop for prospective City of Melbourne local government election candidates at the Melbourne Town Hall. For further information visit Melbourne City Council online.
September Leading Edge Forum: Rates and revenue raising – what’s the answer?
Thursday 6 September, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Local government rates have been the topic of much debate recently. There are many issues to be examined for our future governance, and one of those might be whether the current rating system is an appropriate and sustainable revenue base for twenty-first century people and property services. Join us at this Leading Edge Forum to hear our speakers discuss the capacity of councils to set rates at levels appropriate to meet policy goals and deliver services and infrastructure for communities. Register online or phone (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
ECO-Buy 2012 Green Purchasing Expo
Wednesday 12 September, 9am-12.15pm
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Gardens
250-290 Spring St, East Melbourne
The Expo will feature suppliers of essential organisational requirements including office, cleaning, facilities management, and waste management products, along with plenty of other ideas to help green your organisation. This free event is designed to help you do your research and ensure the green products you purchase not only meet the needs of your organisation but meet genuine environmental standards. Meet the suppliers themselves and ask the difficult questions. While the event is free to attend, you do need to register.
National Youth Disability Conference
24 & 25 September
Jasper Hotel, Melbourne
The Conference will bring together young people with disabilities, peak bodies, representative organisations, and passionate workers and researchers in the field.
View the preliminary program here, register here and visit the NYD Conference Facebook page.
2012 Not For Profit Summit
18 October
Simonds Stadium, Kardinia Park, South Geelong
The 4th annual Not For Profit Summit is a high profile event that includes workshops, presentations, networking and exhibits. This year's theme, ‘Change – Challenge & Choice’, will deliver information on workforce, funding and sector development – all key topics for the community sector.
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