President’s Message
Following Premier Napthine’s cabinet reshuffle I have written to congratulate Minister Powell on retaining her portfolio and a number of other ministers on their responsibilities. This week, the VLGA Board will have our second meeting of the term and we will be on strategic retreat to consider our aspirations and priorities for the Association for the future, so we will be well-placed to put our ideas to the Premier and his ministry. Dr Napthine had a wonderful start to his Premiership with the induction of twenty new women named as the 2013 inductees to the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll – congratulations to them all. Don’t forget we still have a few places available at our councillor development session ‘The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance’ so make sure you scroll below to register and don’t miss out. Also this week we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week - a time when Victorians have an opportunity to share aspects of their culture, faith and language, and celebrate the benefits multiculturalism brings to our State. I wish my many local government colleagues success with your activities celebrating multiculturalism in your local areas this week. I look forward to seeing many of you around and about - please don’t hesitate to be in touch on 0407 364 509 if I can be of assistance.
Cr Samantha Dunn
President
Keeping you up to date
Upcoming VLGA Ministerial Meetings
The VLGA met with Shadow Minister for Planning Brian Tee last week, and will meet with Shadow Minister for Local Government, Richard Wynne this week. Our next meeting with Minister Powell is scheduled for 10 April where we will be presenting the VLGA’s State Budget Submission. A meeting has also been set with Minister Guy on 9 April, to discuss the VLGA’s response to the metropolitan planning strategy consultation process. Other ministerial and shadow meetings are scheduled. For further information contact CEO Maree McPherson via email.
Differential rates draft ministerial guidelines
Following our survey on differential rates as reported in last week’s edition, the VLGA has provided the Government with our response to the discussion paper and draft ministerial guidelines on differential rates. The VLGA believes that local governments should be free to work with their communities to develop rating strategies and policy responses to their unique circumstances. While the draft ministerial guidelines provide an appropriate structure to guide the development of differential rates, they could be considerably improved. We believe the guidelines should focus on achieving good practice rather than prohibiting certain differential rates. To achieve this, the guidelines require amendments to remove ambiguity and the prescriptive definitions of types or classes of land. The VLGA is also concerned about implementation of the guidelines. Local governments require greater clarity regarding how the Minister will arrive at a decision to prohibit differential rates that are inconsistent with the guidelines, whether consultation or feedback will occur and how such differential rates will be identified. The VLGA has recommended the Victorian Government supports a capacity-building program for local government leaders to develop and effectively communicate strategies for financial sustainability.
Lack of State support continues to plague constitutional recognition
Federal Local Government Minister Simon Crean has noted the "issue of timing" following the release of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government's final report last week. The report recommends a referendum on constitutional recognition of local governments at the time of the September 2013 federal election. Minister Crean’s media release of 11 March noted "the only dissent is whether there is time". Constitutional recognition requires bi-partisan political support and a “Yes” from all states if it is to succeed. The VLGA understands that the Victorian, New South Wales, Tasmanian and Western Australian Governments have maintained their stance of non-support for financial recognition of local government in the Australian Constitution.
Tackling problem gambling – what can your council do?
Last Thursday evening the VLGA hosted a free session for councillors and accompanying officers on the challenges associated with local government action to tackle problem gambling in local communities. The intent of the session was to engage a broader audience of councillors on the topic, post the October 2012 local government elections. Thank you to those who attended this very useful event in assisting the VLGA to examine our future leadership on this issue for local governments and communities.
TAFE funding announced
Premier Napthine has announced new funding to support Victoria’s TAFE colleges. The Victorian Government has released the Independent TAFE Review Panel’s report on vocational education and training, as well as the Government’s response, Next Steps for Refocusing Vocational Training in Victoria – Supporting a Modern Workforce. An additional $200 million across four years will be provided to support innovation and structural reform in TAFE.
New publication examines local government’s role in reducing alcohol related harm
Local government is a key setting for the prevention of alcohol and other drug problems and harms. But do local councils have the scope and power to influence the way in which alcohol is sold, purchased and consumed within their borders? Sharing responsibility, the latest publication in the Australian Drug Foundation’s PolicyTalk series, highlights opportunities for all three tiers of government to work together to develop more powerful alcohol-harm reduction interventions.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
‘The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance’ – a few spaces left!
Wednesday 20 March 5.30-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Following this very successful Masterclass at the VLGA’s Essential Mayors’ Weekend, we are opening this session up for all councillors. Council’s role includes appointing and managing the CEO. This discussion workshop and panel will explore why performance management is important, why councillors have a role in providing quality feedback and how both parties can benefit from a strong process. Download the flyer and registration form.
April ‘Leading Edge’ Forum - Strengthening democracy: improving local government elections
Thursday 4 April, 6-9pm
60 Leicester St, Carlton
Strengthening democracy is in the VLGA’s DNA. It’s why we were founded, and continues to be a key part of our mission today. With the 2012 local government elections completed, it’s time to reflect on how local democracy can be improved. This workshop-style forum is the first stage in a public conversation the VLGA is conducting and it will explore key challenges such as how to:
* increase community participation in the electoral process
* enhance transparency and accountability
* ‘raise the bar’ on election campaign conduct.
This is a key opportunity to express your issues and concerns, and to discuss your solutions to the challenges of local democracy. It’s a chance to draw on the insight of all those who care about local democracy including councillors, election candidates, local government officers, community activists and voters at large. The forum will help develop a stronger evidence base about what is working in local government elections and how things can be improved. Findings will contribute to a VLGA discussion paper on strengthening local democracy, for release later in 2013. Register to attend
*Note - where registration numbers are limited, VLGA members will be given priority
‘Resilient Neighbourhoods: Integrated approaches to urban change’
Thursday 11 April 9.30am-12.30pm (including light refreshments)
60 Leicester St, Carlton
With Greater Melbourne's population growing at a rapid pace, local governments increasingly need to review and improve their strategies for sustainably managing growth and urban change. If your role is focused on planning for growth, or you would like to gain a better understanding of how Council's teams and professional disciplines can work effectively together with the community to assist sustainable urban change, then this important workshop is for you. The session will cover sustainable approaches to urban change, integration models and processes,
community engagement, and enablers and barriers. RSVP by email or call (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
All About Women
Sunday 7 April
Opera House, Sydney
Cost - $35 to $80
All About Women is a fearless discussion of everything from parenting and equality to leadership. Keynote speakers include Joint Nobel Peace Prize winner, Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee and author Brooke Magnanti (Belle de Jour). Panel speakers include Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Annabel Crabb, Gretel Killeen, Eva Cox, Bob Ellis, Hamish Macdonald and more. This all-day conference provides a packed agenda of challenging topics and lively discussions.
Grant-seeker’s Guide to Assessing Social Impact
Tuesday 30 April, 8.45am-4.30pm
Melbourne CBD
Cost - $395-$550
Philanthropy Australia and Westpac Social Sector Banking are partners for the 2013 seminar series focusing on best practice for measuring social impact in Australia. Presented by Gianni Zappala, 'A Grant-seeker's Guide to Assessing Social Impact' will provide not-for-profits with practical and current information and resources. This workshop is suited for grant-seekers of all levels. Visit the website for more information and to register.
“A Vision for ending homelessness”
2013 Council to Homeless Persons Conference
2 and 3 May
Hilton on the Park, Wellington Pde, East Melbourne
The conference is targeted to a cross-section of homelessness services, private and philanthropic sector representatives and academics, government and allied health and welfare professions to discuss future directions for Victoria’s response to homelessness. Further information can be found on the conference website and you can join the mailing list to receive important conference updates and news.
No comments:
Post a Comment