VLGA President’s Message
With the passing of the Local Government Legislative Amendment (Miscellaneous) Act 2012, the Minister for Local Government now has the power to set guidelines on the use of differential rates and to prohibit differential rates inconsistent with the guidelines. This represents a significant change to the process for implementing differential rates. A background paper has been prepared by Local Government Victoria to provide an overview of the differential rating system and the issues to be canvassed in the consultations on the guidelines. Guidelines will be released in draft form in late 2012 and will provide the focus for the consultation over January and February 2013. I have spoken to many councillors, council officers and community members concerned about the new ministerial powers, particularly in relation to differential rates developed with communities to tackle social issues. We will be convening a roundtable discussion with member councils in December to explore the sector’s concerns and help us formulate the recommendations we will put forward in the government’s consultative process. I look forward to seeing many of you later this week at Torquay at the VLGA's Essential Councillor Weekend which commences on Friday. We have reached capacity for the event and I'm delighted that so many first-time councillors have registered to join us. 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
Victorian Government considering review of the Local Government Act?
As always, this year’s local government elections have sparked interest in issues such as campaign practices, donations disclosure and voter engagement. Recent media comments suggest that the Minister for Local Government is considering whether to conduct a review of the Local Government Act. The VLGA has consistently argued that the Act requires a comprehensive review, and that there is a need for a broader examination of issues across the sector. We think that it is crucial for any review to maximise the involvement of local governments and communities. Government cannot just rely on regulation to achieve a robust democratic culture. The VLGA notes that, in many campaigns seen as ‘dirty’ or difficult, voters have seen through negative messages that played the person and not the policies. The best way to prevent negative tactics and a lack of transparency in local government elections is for voters to be informed and engaged with the process. Councillors, community leaders, the media and individuals all have important roles to play. We will be communicating more with members about the issues we need to take to the Minister for any proposed review.
VLGA submission to the draft Victorian Waste and Resource Recovery Policy
The Victorian Government is currently seeking feedback on its draft Victorian Waste and Resource Recovery Policy. This draft draws upon input, priorities and issues identified through consultation with industry, government and community in May this year. Submissions are due by Friday 23 November. The VLGA will be providing a follow up submission to our initial submission. To discuss the VLGA’s submission or provide feedback and views, contact our Senior Policy Officer Jieh-Yung Lo on 9349 7980 or via email.
2013 RGAW program funding for local governments
As part of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW), the Victorian Government through the newly established Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) is providing an opportunity for local governments to plan and host a community event to share research, knowledge or trends in responsible gambling. The VRGF will fund up to 12 local community initiatives offering up to $5,500 (incl. GST) to assist local councils. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 14 December. Email the VRGF for more information.
VLGA congratulates new ALGA President
Congratulations to Felicity-ann Lewis, newly elected President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for the next two years, following the Annual General Meeting in Hobart. Mayor of Marion in South Australia, Felicity-ann Lewis has been serving in the President's role since the previous ALGA President, and former Mayor of North Sydney, Genia McCaffery, retired from local government in September this year. Mayor Lewis has been a member of the ALGA Board since 2009 and served as ALGA Vice President between 2010 and 2012. She is the City of Marion's first woman mayor and its longest serving mayor at more than ten years. On Friday, the ALGA launched the National State of the Assets Report 2012, at the National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Hobart. The report was prepared to assess how local infrastructure is faring, whether community needs are being met and if current levels of expenditure are adequate. The National Assets Report builds on research commissioned by ALGA in 2010 which indicated that current levels of federal expenditure would need to increase by an average of $1.2 billion per year to avoid deterioration of the local road network. In 2006, the results of a study undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that the potential aggregate backlog for all 560 Australian local governments was approximately $14.6 billion, with an annual sustainable funding gap of $1.1 billion. In the latest study to inform the National Assets Report, 55 local governments contributed data about the quality, functionality and capacity of roads and bridges infrastructure.
'It Starts with Us' – remembering the Redfern Speech
On 10 December 1992, Prime Minister Paul Keating gave a momentous speech in Redfern Park that acknowledged the impact of European settlement on Indigenous Australians. As we come up to the 20th anniversary of the Redfern Speech, Reconciliation Victoria is encouraging all Victorians to watch the speech on their website and talk about what it means to be Australian in 2012. Organise your friends and colleagues to watch the speech together on Monday 10 December 2012.
VLGA hosts Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia
Last Thursday, the VLGA welcomed the Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Abel Guterres, where he met with representatives of twelve Friendship Groups around Victoria. HE Abel is a member of the VLGA and we were honoured to host him again to have conversations with our networks. Thanks to Rae Kingsbury of the Australia Timor-Leste Friendship Network for assisting us with this opportunity whilst HE Abel was in Melbourne.
Nominations open for 2013 Victorian Women's Honour Roll
Each year, the Victorian Honour Roll acknowledges women from across the State who have made a lasting impact on their communities. Minister for Women's Affairs, The Hon Mary Wooldridge, is encouraging people to nominate women who have made a significant contribution locally, nationally or internationally. The 2013 Victorian Honour Roll of Women builds on the success of previous Honour Rolls, reflecting the diversity of Victorian women and their skills, strength and personal determination. Almost 500 women have been inducted on the Honour Roll since it began in 2001 as part of Victoria’s Centenary of Federation celebrations. Nominations are open until Friday 7 December 2012 and application forms and guidelines can be found online.
2012 Fire Awareness Awards finalists announced
After a record number of applications, finalists for the 2012 Fire Awareness Awards have been selected. This year has produced 186 entries, coming in from all over Victoria, as well as NSW and Queensland. The awards presentation will take place on 3 December at the RACV City Club in Melbourne. Several VLGA member local governments have been named as finalists, and we congratulate Alpine Shire Council, Monash City Council, and Greater Shepparton City Council on their applications – good luck to all of you!
Good luck Boroondara
While on the theme of awards, the VLGA wishes the City of Boroondara the very best of luck at the Australian Sustainable Cities Awards 2012 on 29 November in Kogarah, NSW. Boroondara is the Victorian finalist and we have our fingers crossed for you.
YWCA promotes 2012 SHE Speaks survey
YWCA Victoria, along with YWCAs from around the country, is promoting the 2012 SHE Speaks Survey, which will listen to the voices of thousands of girls and young women aged 15-30. The 2012 SHE Speaks Survey canvasses girls and young women on topics such as their leadership aspirations, strategies to overcome barriers to support women’s leadership, discrimination, equality, feminism and role models. SHE Speaks results will be used by YWCA and other youth sector agencies to better understand young women’s attitudes and aspirations, and their concerns and ideas for the future. This project is supported by Flinders University, SA Community Health Research Unit, and has been commissioned by YWCA Australia.
Employment vacancy
Member Relations Officer
The VLGA is currently seeking applications for the position of Member Relations Officer, to commence in 2013. The role is responsible for VLGA membership and communications-related activity and requires flexibility, initiative and the ability to work within competing demands in a complex political environment. For application details, and to download a position description visit our website.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
2012 VLGA Members’ Christmas ‘thank you and celebration’
Thursday 6 December, 6-8pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Our final VLGA gathering for 2012 will be held on Thursday 6 December. Members are invited to join us for our end-of-year thank you and celebration with local government, community and government colleagues. We will also present the 2012 John Jago Award for Good Governance. Register here.
Other Events
ALGWA (Vic) networking lunch
Tuesday 27 November, 12-2.30pm
Camberwell Civic Centre, Camberwell Rd, Camberwell
The Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA) invites you to a networking lunch, including the presentation of the annual bursary award to a council officer. It is an ideal opportunity to meet new and existing councillors and officers. The cost is $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Please contact Hon Secretary Helen Harris via email to RSVP by 22 November 2012.
VEOHRC Local Government forums
November-December
Melbourne, Wangaratta, Ararat, Mildura
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) is holding a series of human rights forums for local government in November and December. Local governments have asked for more support, training and information to help in their efforts to implement the Charter so these forums are geared towards developing skills to put human rights into practice in governance and service delivery roles. The four forums will be held on:
* 23 November in Melbourne
* 28 November in Wangaratta
* 5 December in Ararat
* 12 December in Mildura
Sustainability Accord Showcase
30 November
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is holding an event to showcase recently completed Victorian Local Sustainability Accord (Accord) funded projects, and provide an opportunity to build knowledge and foster connectivity across sustainability and climate change driven projects. The event will feature presentations and displays hosted by those directly involved with Accord projects. Local and State Government staff, and industry professionals from across Victoria are invited to attend. In addition, a live stream of presentations and Q&A sessions will be available. For more information about the live stream and to register for the event, go here.
19th Maurice Blackburn Oration – An issue of equity: Is it fair and just that there are 230,000 second class citizens in the NT?
Presented by Prof Clare Martin
Wednesday 5 December, 7pm
Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Hosted by the Moreland City Council, Prof Clare Martin will give the 2012 Maurice Blackburn Oration. Prof Martin is the Former Labor Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, former CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service and currently Professorial Fellow at Charles Darwin University. This is a free event and all are welcome. RSVP is required to Jo Graham by phone 9240 2373 or email.
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