President’s Message
How wonderful to see so many National Close the Gap Day celebrations and events around Victoria on Thursday. Australia’s largest ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health campaign has been run by Oxfam Australia since 2006. In 2012 alone, more than 130,000 Australians joined National Close the Gap Day to show their support, to talk about, to spread the word, and to take action to improve Indigenous health. You can download the Shadow Report 2013 and it’s not too late to sign the Close the Gap pledge. Numerous Harmony Day celebrations also took place across Victoria last Thursday and the VLGA participated with staff members bringing in a plate of food to share, which represented their cultural heritage. This was a fun (and tasty) way to acknowledge and respect cultural diversity. I feel energised by the VLGA’s Board meeting and strategic review session last week. We spent a day reviewing issues for the local government and community sectors, and our Association’s proposed responses to these. More information soon as we reveal our developing strategic plan ideas. 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
The Council – CEO Relationship: Managing Performance
The VLGA’s councillor development session on managing CEO performance last Wednesday evening attracted wide interest and we are looking to deliver a similar session in regional locations – stay tuned for more information. In the interim, don’t forget to refer to the VLGA’s CEO KPIs Good Governance Grab and read our other Good Governance Grabs which provide councillors with useful practical advice on a range of issues.
Melbourne’s voting rules under review
An article in The Age (19 March) reported that Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell will review the rules for the Melbourne City Council elections. As reported in previous eNews editions, the VLGA will be undertaking a public conversation to enhance our collective understanding of the challenges of local government and opportunities for improvement. Our April Leading Edge Forum will provide an opportunity for VLGA members and supporters to contribute via a two-hour workshop. This work complements our research partnership with the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) undertaking a comparative study of representative governance arrangements for local governments across Australia. Please email Toby Archer, Director Policy for more information.
Barriers to effective climate change adaptation
On 14 March the Productivity Commission launched the Barriers to Effective Climate Change Adaptation Inquiry report. The VLGA submitted to the Inquiry and our comments, as referenced in the Inquiry report, focused on determining the appropriate balance between protecting public and private property versus the environmental and amenity aspects of coastal areas; the significant issues for local governments in raising enough revenue to manage climate related impacts on infrastructure; and our work in supporting local governments with community adaptation strategies.
New report - environmental profit and loss
On 19 March the strategic audit report Co-benefits: the rise and fall of environmental profit and loss was tabled in the Victorian Parliament by The Hon Ryan Smith MP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change. In this year’s report, Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability considers improved resource efficiencies in government operations and the co-benefits not only for the purposes of environmental sustainability but also the social benefit and fiscal responsibility.
Research shows people will walk as transport
In the VLGA’s recent submission to the Walking, Riding and Access to Public Transport draft report we recommended:
* a National Walking Strategy be prepared to facilitate a growth in the number of Australians walking
* an infrastructure plan to implement the Strategy
* federal funding for walking infrastructure and safety measures, set at a fixed proportion of commonwealth transport expenditure
* federal funding be made available directly to local governments to improve access to public transport and active transport behaviour change.
This article Build it and they will walk – the suburbs that foster good health from The Age (19 March) profiles longitudinal research from the University of Melbourne and partners showing that if we “design suburbs so walking to public transport, shops and parks is an easy option, people will walk” – simple and common sense, and an argument many local governments have been making for some years.
Celebrating carbon neutrality with Melbourne, Moreland and Yarra
At the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA) breakfast on Tuesday morning, presentations were made to the Cities of Melbourne, Moreland and Yarra on their certification as carbon neutral by Low Carbon Australia. The VLGA was pleased to be represented by our CEO Maree McPherson at this important event and we congratulate our three member local governments on their achievements. According to NAGA, carbon neutral certification is a very tangible demonstration of local government leadership in climate change action, and the journey to carbon neutrality is composed of many small steps, together adding to lowered emissions, substantial cost savings, demonstrated leadership for their communities, and effective climate change action.
Can tax reform reduce problem gambling?
In the article Why tax reform can help reduce problem gambling from The Conversation (18 March), Charles Livingstone, Senior Lecturer Global Health and Society at Monash University makes an argument that funding harm minimisation is important for governments. Charles was a panellist at the VLGA’s recent councillor session Tackling problem gambling: what can your council do?
Migration and multiculturalism report tabled
Last Monday, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration tabled its report entitled Inquiry into Migration and Multiculturalism in Australia. The report received bi-partisan support and made 32 recommendations after receiving over 500 submissions and holding 27 public hearings over a two-year period. The report found that Australian multiculturalism is a success story, and stands as a good example to the world on how to build a cohesive society. The committee’s recommendations include: rebuilding Australia’s research capacity in this field, especially in qualitative research; factoring cultural and linguistic diversity into the Government’s Social Inclusion Agenda, greater flexibility in English language training and support for micro enterprises, especially for women. The Committee found Job Services Australia needs to improve its delivery of services to people of diverse backgrounds, including refugees.
2013 Heart Foundation Healthy Community Awards NOW OPEN
The Heart Foundation Healthy Community Awards provide an opportunity for local governments to celebrate their achievements and receive recognition for their commitment to creating healthier communities. Not only do you have the chance of receiving a high level of recognition for your healthy community work, but you could also receive part of $38,000 in cash awards. If you have a range of initiatives that are contributing to creating a healthy community and you would like to share and showcase your work enter the awards by the closing date of 17 May.
Code of Best Practice for engagement with the NFP sector
The Minister for Social Inclusion, the Hon Mark Butler MP released the draft Code of Best Practice for Engagement with the not-for-profit sector (Engagement Code) for public consultation on 18 March to mark the third anniversary of the National Compact: working together. Interested parties can make submissions on the draft Engagement Code until 29 April 2013. This Engagement Code will be a practical reference tool for Commonwealth public servants and will strengthen engagement practices between the Government and NFP organisations.
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
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’ Forum
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 you would like to learn more about how other local government teams and professional disciplines are working effectively together with the community to assist sustainable urban change, then this important forum is for you. The session will showcase current practice, feature case studies and cover:
* sustainable approaches to urban change
* integration models and processes
* community engagement
* enablers and barriers
RSVP by email or call (03) 9349 7999.
Other Events
UNAA (Vic) Business and Human Rights Workshop series (6 workshops)
Workshop 1 – Introduction to the UN Guiding Principles
Tuesday 26 March, 8.30am-1pm
Allens, Level 37, 101 Collins St
RSVP by Friday 22 March
The UNAA Business and Human Rights Workshops series build capacity to monitor and manage corporate human rights risks and impacts, providing practical guidance on how to integrate human rights considerations into everyday business practices. The workshops provide a practical learning forum for practitioners from all stakeholder groups, on the international and domestic standards and tools available to help prevent and redress business-related human rights harm.
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 to $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.
Multicultural Conference: Strengthening Diversity
Thursday 2 May, 8.30am-4.00pm
Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell St and St Georges Rd
Cost - $55 to $130
Victoria’s multicultural community organisations are an essential part of the broader service system. The conference will examine how multiculturalism can be misunderstood, how service providers need to prepare to work in a more competitive environment and government commitments relating to ethnic communities in Australia. The conference aims to bring together ethno-specific and multicultural organisations, service providers, policy makers, researches, community organisation leaders, students, academics, government personnel and other stakeholders.
The Castan Centre Annual Human Rights Conference 2013
Friday 26 July
The Edge, Federation Square, CBD
Cost - $60 to $240
Registrations are now open for this conference with an early-bird offer until 30 April. While program details are still being finalised, all speakers are now confirmed and include The Hon. Mark Dreyfus QC, Commonwealth Attorney-General, Jonathan Holmes, Host of Media Watch, ABC1, Megan Mitchell, National Children's Commissioner (Australian Human Rights Commission) and more. Visit the conference webpage for more information and how to register.
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