Women’s participation in local government is strong
In the lead up to the 2012 local government elections, most of you will be aware that the VLGA has been running the Think women for local government 2012 Project to attract more women to local government. The project has received financial support from the Victorian Government and has been strongly supported by Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Wooldridge, and Minister for Local Government, Jeanette Powell, a former local government councillor and mayor. The Project has provided women interested in standing in the October elections with specially designed information packages, mentoring and support opportunities as well as knowledge and skills development. Nominations for local government elections closed last Tuesday, and our analysis shows that women’s participation in local government elections has increased on the 2008 election. There is a woman standing for election in every local government in Victoria. Overall, 33 per cent of candidates in this year’s elections are women. This is an increase on the last local government elections in 2008, when 31 per cent of candidates were women. Women candidates number 664 out of a total 2004 candidates vying for 631 positions. In 2008, there were 614 women candidates. There has also been an increase in the number of wards with women candidates. In 2012, almost 80 per cent of wards have at least one woman candidate, up from 75 per cent at the last election. The introduction of four year terms, changes to electoral systems and the absence of a concerted effort to support women in previous elections have been key factors influencing women’s participation. There are some notable improvements in participation in rural Victoria. Hindmarsh and Pyrenees had no women candidates in 2008 – this election there will be four women standing for election in both councils. The increase in the number of women nominating for election is a significant achievement for those individuals and the families and communities who support them. We now have clear evidence that ensuring women have greater resources and information about local government means they will nominate for council. If we want to increase women’s participation in local government, we need long term investment in developing women’s capacity as community leaders and election candidates. There’s plenty more to be done to encourage even more women to nominate next time. The story doesn’t end here. Good luck everyone!
Maree McPherson
Chief Executive Officer
Keeping you up to date
Welcome to Northern Grampians – new VLGA members!
The VLGA extends a warm welcome to first-time VLGA member, Northern Grampians Shire. Possessing some of the world's most spectacular natural scenery and a rich golden heritage, the Northern Grampians Shire has established an exceptional reputation as a place to live, work, invest and visit. Located in the beautiful Grampians region of provincial Victoria, the Shire covers almost 6,000 square kilometres and services the major towns and villages of Stawell, St Arnaud, Great Western, Halls Gap, Navarre, Glenorchy, Marnoo and Stuart Mill.
Differential rates parliamentary committee
Recently in eNews the VLGA reported that the Victorian Parliament has not yet passed the Local Government (Miscellaneous) Bill 2012, with debate continuing in the Legislative Council from next week. The VLGA understands that the State Government has launched a parliamentary committee to investigate the use of differential rates by local governments and we will report more to members about the committee and its terms of reference.
The Big Issue's Alan Attwood to speak at VLGA AGM
Join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year and to hear Alan Attwood of The Big Issue. To RSVP contact Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983. The Big Issue Street Magazine Enterprise is a unique business solution to a social problem: using the publishing model to produce a quality product, the sale of which provides opportunities for homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged people to make positive changes in their lives. Since its launch in 1996, The Big Issue vendors in Australia have sold over six million magazines, with more than $13.2 million going into the pockets of Australia's homeless and disadvantaged.
Reformed planning zones for Victoria
In our submission to the planning zones reform consultation process the VLGA made two key recommendations: that the Department extend the implementation period for the reformed planning zones for an additional 12-month period; and that the Department make additional financial resources available to local governments to facilitate the timely implementation of the reformed zones. The local government sector plays a central role in the administration of the planning system. Local governments are also crucial to ensuring that planning is relevant and responsive to local circumstances and needs. Unfortunately, in our view, the process to develop a new system of planning zones has not been a true partnership between the levels of government. The consistent feedback in our consultation with our member local governments has been the concern about the inadequate consultation in the development of the reformed planning zones. The timing of the consultation is of particular concern given the consultation period is occurring as the local government sector is entering the caretaker period leading up to the elections in October 2012. While many local governments have sought the views of their local communities in the formation of their responses to the changes, the Department does not appear to have undertaken significant consultation with local communities. This process has served to undermine community confidence in the planning system. You can view our submission here.
National Food Plan green paper
The VLGA has submitted our response to the Commonwealth Government's National Food Plan (NFP) Green Paper. Our submission makes several recommendations based on feedback from members and our previous food security work. In summary, we have recommended:
* further risk assessment be undertaken regarding natural resource depletion and our changing climate and the possible impact on our food supply;
* better support for farmers who practice sustainable food production especially within local food systems and short supply chains;
* that the Commonwealth Government draws on relevant data and food modelling including the extensive work undertaken by the VLGA and our partners;
* that the NFP makes the reduction of food waste across the food chain (including in landfills) a central objective.
VLGA teams up with OurSay for discussion about Geelong mayoralty
At 9am on 26 September, the OurSay Geelong mayoral project went live. For the first time ever, the people of Greater Geelong will have the chance to directly elect their Mayor. This much talked about move has let the public into a process where the mayor was previously chosen behind closed doors. Now that the people are in the driver's seat, we want to know what issues you think the new mayor should tackle? What do you want to see changed in Geelong? OurSay is teaming up with the MAV and the VLGA to promote genuine community debate in the lead up to these elections.
VLGA submission to the vision for Citizenship in a Multicultural Victoria
The Victorian Multicultural Commission is seeking feedback to its Vision for Citizenship in a Multicultural Victoria vision statement. The purpose of this statement is to summarise the Victorian Government’s outlook for the future of cultural diversity in Victoria. The VLGA will be providing a brief submission and invites members to provide their feedback by COB on 24 October 2012. For further information, contact Jieh-Yung Lo on (03) 9349 7980 or via email.
Bikes an issue in council elections?
A recent media release from Bicycle Network Victoria (BNV) states that “Victoria’s booming population of bike riders could play a decisive role in this year’s council elections.” BNV says more than 1.1 million Victorians ride a bike each week and they have launched Votebike – an online system that allows a candidate in the forthcoming local government elections to present their credentials directly to riders. Votebike enables candidates to fill in a web form that places their information in front of riders residing in that electoral area. Riders can then review candidates’ statements and contact candidates if they wish.
Sustainable procurement training coming up at ECO-Buy
Sustainable procurement has been shown to reduce costs, avoid supply chain risks, and improve internal and external stakeholder engagement. But do you and your staff have the skills and knowledge to implement it and achieve these benefits? ECO-Buy is running its two most popular professional development courses in October in Melbourne:
* Sustainable Procurement Fundamentals – 18 Oct, 9am-4pm and
* Green Contracts and Tenders – 31 Oct, 9am-1pm
For any queries, please email or phone (03) 9349 0402.
Forest Audit Program 2012 Community Open Days
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is holding two community open days for the public to learn about the Forest Audit Program and attend an active audit of a commercial timber harvesting coupe. The first open day will be held in the East Gippsland Forest Management Area (FMA) on Wednesday 17 October and the other will be in the Central FMA on Wednesday 14 November. Those who wish to participate in the community open days must register with DSE by 10 October for the East Gippsland FMA and 7 November for the Central FMA. For further information or to register your interest in attending a community open day, please email. Participants will be required to provide their own 2WD transport to the coupes however car-pooling may be possible.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
VLGA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 4 October, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Join us to reflect on the challenges and the achievements of the last year. We will formally present our audited financial statements for 2011-12 and the Annual Report, and our special guest speaker is Alan Attwood, editor of The Big Issue. For more information contact the VLGA’s Member Resources Officer, Sarah Colgan, via email or on (03) 9349 7983.
VLGA end of term ‘thank you’ for member councillors
Thursday 18 October, 6-8pm
The Leveson, 46 Leveson St, North Melbourne
VLGA member councillors are invited to join us for a barbeque dinner and an evening of networking, and to enable us to say ‘thanks’ for your commitment to local government and your community. This is a free event for VLGA member councillors. Register by emailing before Monday 8 October.
2012 VLGA Essential Councillor Weekend – ‘Year one… here we go!’
23-24 November
The Wyndham Resort, Torquay
Numbers are limited and there is an early bird discount for those who get in quickly. You can download the program and registration form from our website. These two days will feature a number of expert-led practical workshops and networking opportunities relevant to how councillors approach the first year of the new council term. To find out more contact Sarah Colgan, Member Resources Officer via email or telephone (03) 9349 7983.
Other Events
Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
‘Secure occupancy in rental housing: an international comparison’
Wednesday 10 October, 2-6.30pm
Spring Street Conference Centre, 1 Spring St, Melbourne
This event will present the findings from the AHURI research project Secure occupancy in rental housing: a comparative analysis. The seminar will close with a group discussion and Q&A session facilitated by Dr Andrew Hollows (Deputy Executive Director, AHURI Ltd). Stay and join us after the event for some light refreshments and the opportunity to engage with local and international researchers. As part of AHURI's commitment to international collaborative research, this event is being convened by AHURI with the support of OTB Research Institute for the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, and Swinburne University of Technology.
IAP2 Building an Engaging Organisation and CRED!
7 & 8 November AND 9 November
Training Choice, 50 Queen St Melbourne
Bookings are only via email – to claim a special price, quote ‘Members Special’ in the subject line. Click here to view details of the course in Melbourne 7 & 8 November and here to view details of the course in Melbourne on 9 November.
Thriving Neighbourhoods 2012
12-14 November
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Southwharf
Thriving Neighbourhoods is an international conference on emerging approaches to the planning, design and management of local neighbourhoods that are set to radically improve health, social engagement, environmental quality and productivity in communities. As a conference supporter, VLGA members are entitled to significant discounts: up to $260 off the full registration fee.
ECCV 2012 State Conference: Victoria’s Multicultural Identity
Tuesday 20 November
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre
Registrations for Victoria’s Multicultural Identity State Conference are now open. The Conference will bring together government, policy makers, academics, service providers and community leaders to find intelligent solutions to Victoria’s identity challenges.
*Authorised by M. McPherson, 60 Leicester St Carlton, 3053
No comments:
Post a Comment