President’s Message
Last week the realities of the federal budget received some long overdue scrutiny by the media and economics commentators. Sparked by the prediction of a decade of deficits by the Grattan Institute, the sustainability of current expenditure, declining revenues and the use of deficits and debt were explored to a level of detail sadly lacking before now. As John Daley from the Grattan Institute said, for the past decade Australian governments have squibbed the hard decisions. ‘Now courageous leaders must step forward and ensure our prosperity for future generations’ said Daley. Given most local governments are in the process of developing and endorsing annual budgets, including rate rises, it is appropriate for our sector to reflect on whether councils are asking the hard questions of themselves and actively engaging in responsible and sustainable financial decision making. At the VLGA, we've explored this theme quite a bit recently at our Essential Mayors’ Weekend and a past Leading Edge Forum. The VLGA believes local governments need to grasp all available opportunities to control their own destiny. This is by no means an easy process, but the challenges of the federal government described above demonstrate the dangers of not carefully considering the capacity to raise revenue in a responsible manner. As councils endorse budgets for public consultation, it’s worth reflecting on the key questions councillors should be asking and feel they should be able to answer. At our Essential Mayors' Weekend in January, John Comrie argued that councillors and mayors should be able to cover off on these key questions:
* Are current and preferred future service levels sustainable?
* What needs to be done to achieve/maintain financial sustainability?
* Are debt levels reasonable?
* How does the level of rates and system of rating compare with elsewhere?
* What is the average amount payable?
* Is the system fair – could it be improved?
* If the level of rates generated needs to significantly increase can this be readily explained to the community?
Now that the differential rates issue has been finalised, the VLGA is arguing that it’s time for local governments to work together to develop our capacity to set our own destiny. It’s also interesting to note that financial sustainability is entering the arguments around amalgamations and potential change in New South Wales local governance. I hope those of you with ANZAC day commitments last week enjoyed meeting with people in your local community and seeing the strong renewed interest in this part of our culture. I look forward to seeing many of you out and about and 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
Democracy in Denmark – what can television teach us about councillor conduct?
Many local governments have recently adopted their councillor code of conduct. The VLGA has assisted several local governments with this process in the past months. Through the Councillor Code of Conduct review, it is worth reflecting on the culture of local government decision making and how councillors have to conduct themselves as decision makers operating in a system very different to the prevailing political culture. Local government in Victoria is very different to the other levels of government. We don’t have governments and oppositions. Councillors must negotiate and cooperate to achieve their objectives. This is at odds with how decision makers at other levels have to work. It is sometimes difficult and we should not expect that all councillors will automatically be able to work in a cooperative manner all the time. As many have observed, cooperation is hard and our ability to ‘do’ in modern society has diminished. An upcoming TV series from another political culture might just be worth viewing for councillors to help enhance a vital skill in the councillor toolkit.
New! Data on early years, community connection, education and health outcomes for local governments
Tables of updated and newly-prepared information about conditions within Victorian municipalities have recently been added to the website, www.socialstatistics.com.au
These new and updated files include information about:
* Maternal and child health outcomes (under ‘Health’)
* AEDI early development results (under ‘Education’)
* Consolidated file of various measures of community connection, health, physical activity, mental health and nutrition (under ‘Community Strength’)
* A report summarising conditions relating to health and wellbeing in Victoria, incorporating links to internet sources at a local government level (under ‘Health’)
Once in the website, just scroll down the page to the relevant heading, as indicated.
These tables and the website are part of a collaborative project between the VLGA and the Greater Dandenong City Council.
Public libraries consultation
Public libraries are used more than any other community service in Victoria and usage continues to increase. The VLGA is currently developing our submission to the Stage 2 Discussion Paper on the Review of Victorian Public Libraries. The VLGA has a number of concerns about the proposed ‘Victorian Library’ model and the way in which it might affect local governments and library users. In our view, the significant structural changes proposed will not necessarily lead to major gains for those who manage and provide library services or for library users. Many of the identified benefits of the new model, such as better economies of scale or the acquisition of ‘shelf ready’ materials are already being successfully put in place under current arrangements. The VLGA sees inadequate funding of public libraries as the major impediment to the development of quality services across all of Victoria. Our concern is that further cost shifting, or the introduction of funding arrangements that rely on cross subsidisation will not achieve desired outcomes and could lead to metropolitan and rural councils being in conflict over available funding. We are currently gathering feedback from our members which will inform our submission. Responses can be emailed to Peter Yates.
Proposal to ban commentators promoting live odds
Last week, Free TV Australia released its proposed amendments to the Commercial Television Code of Practice. The amendments would stop commentators and their guests promoting live odds but still allow sponsored segments to promote the odds whenever the game is not in play, such as during a scheduled break or suspension of play. This follows the parliamentary Inquiry into the Advertising and Promotion of Gambling Services in Sport. The VLGA made a submission to the Inquiry and recommended:
* a national code for gambling advertising restrictions and sponsorship, similar to those for tobacco and alcohol, be developed
* a national harm minimisation program including a public awareness campaign to be broadcast during live sporting events and broadcasts
* that resources be allocated for research into how the gambling industry’s marketing strategies affect the behaviours of particular groups e.g. young male sports fans and children.
Free TV’s proposal is open for public comment until 20 May, 5pm.
Smoke-free outdoor areas consultation closes 17 May
Victoria is the only state in Australia that has not committed to, or already introduced, a ban on smoking in outdoor dining and drinking areas. Right now, the Health Minister is asking for people to have their say on banning smoking at some public places: children’s playgrounds, public swimming pools and sea baths, skate parks and children’s sporting events. The proposal doesn’t include outdoor dining and drinking on the list of bans. For VLGA members interested in the banning of smoking in outdoor areas you can send your submission to the State Government through the Keep Fresh Air Fresh website. Keep Fresh Air Fresh is supported by the Heart Foundation, Quit Victoria, Asthma Foundation Victoria, Australian Medical Association (Victoria) and Cancer Council Victoria.
Call for submissions – Beyond the Edge: Australia’s first Peri-Urban Conference
On 1-2 October 2013, the Community Planning and Development Program, La Trobe University and the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, will co-host Beyond the Edge: Australia's First Peri-Urban Conference. The purpose of this conference is to capture national attention and bring together international, national, metropolitan and regional perspectives on this increasingly important research, policy and practice agenda. The conference will examine the major issues that are emerging in settlements beyond the city's edge and how communities, government and other service providers are responding to challenges and opportunities in these rapidly changing landscapes. The conference themes are:
• Securing food, water and the environment in Peri-urban regions
• Providing for Community Change in Peri-urban regions
• Peri-Urban Policy and Governance.
Submissions are now open for paper presentations and workshops, with abstracts due by May 30. Submission guidelines and conference information is available online.
App makes finding environmentally friendly transport easy
TripGo is a free award winning transport app that enables Victorian commuters to quickly find the fastest, cheapest and most environmentally friendly way to get to their destination. It covers Metro Trains, Yarra Trams, Metropolitan Buses and some airport buses and can be used across Australia and parts of News Zealand. Download the free app.
Boosting vitamin D levels for healthy workers
The Cancel Council Victoria has reminded us it’s that time of year when local government staff and office workers should start thinking about vitamin D for bone and muscle health. Those who work indoors particularly need to make midday sun exposure a priority. In Victoria, UV levels are low from May – August. Check out SunSmart’s free e-course for indoor workers to learn how to protect from UV while ensuring some sun for vitamin D.
Governance- new publication available
The Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission has written a new guide, titled 'Governance for good'. Its focus is charity board members.
Check-list for running community events
The Victorian Government’s Not for Profit Compliance Support Centre has recently published an online checklist as a quick reference guide to the common regulatory and compliance requirements that should be considered when planning an event.
Funding opportunities
Grants for culture, arts, tourism and community heritage
Grants of up to $20,000 are available through the Culture, Arts, Tourism and Community Heritage (CATCH) program. This program supports projects, events and activities that enhance the cultural, arts, tourism and community heritage aspects of small rural and remote communities across Australia. This funding is being made available by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal.
Information, guidelines, eligibility and how to apply for the CATCH program are available online. Applications close 24 May 2013
Events for your diary
VLGA Events
Councillors’ Leadership Dinner – book early as numbers limited!
Wednesday 15 May@ 6.15 for a 6.30pm start, to 9.30pm
The Pumphouse Hotel, 128 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy
The VLGA is hosting a special members-only dinner for councillors at VLGA member councils. This as an opportunity for councillors to network and catch up with each other to discuss local government issues. In addition we have a wonderful guest speaker, Jennifer Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria. We value the opportunity to meet with you and obtain your views on current issues and concerns, so we do hope you will be able to join us to meet and mingle with councillors from across Victoria and VLGA Board and staff. View the formal invitation and RSVP your attendance by Friday 10 May.
Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum
Thursday 6 June, 6-9pm
VLGA, 60 Leicester St, Carlton
This year we will again partner with Reconciliation Victoria for our special Reconciliation Week Leading Edge Forum. More information will be available in forthcoming eNews. Please note that a Leading Edge Forum will not be held in May.
Other Events
Rural Summit 2013
2-3 May 2013
Lakes Entrance in the East Gippsland Shire
Rural Summit 2013 brings together community leaders from rural Victoria, facilitating networking learning and capacity building for councillors, council officers, small businesses and residents to act collaboratively and increase the sustainability of Victoria’s 38 rural councils. The theme for this year’s Summit is The Rural Revolution - challenging thinking on partnerships, planning and productivity. Find out more and book tickets and follow online if you’re on Twitter with #RCVSummit and @RCVNetwork.
National Mainstreet Australia Conference
12-15 May 2013
Federation Square, Melbourne
It’s not too late to register for the biggest national conference that supports main street practitioners. To see the full conference program, including keynote speakers and events, download the registration details here.
Improving cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Tuesday 21 May, 9am-4pm
Preston City Hall, 274 Gower St, Preston
This event will bring together not-for-profit community organisations, the public sector and academia. Participants will make recommendations and suggest action items for Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria to take to government and decision makers. An expert panel will discuss current employment trends and participants can have their say on improving cultural diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Learn more and register online.
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