14 November 2008

Local Government Amendment (Councillor Conduct and Other Matters Bill) 2008 passes Legislative Assembly

I was pleased to see that the amendments supported in the Legislative Council were accepted by the Legislative Assembly earlier this week. The VLGA is proud of our success in advocating on behalf of councillors, candidates and community leaders. A copy of the debate in the Legislative Assembly can be viewed here.

The passage of this amended Bill will also mean new councillor allowances and other entitlements will be in place in time for newly elected councillors. Details of these new allowances and entitlements can be found on our website.

Candidate Discussions

Over the last few weeks we’ve spoken with hundreds of candidates standing for election. It is great to see the passion for local community as well as sector issues. I am also heartened that a vast majority welcome our direct support and advocacy for community leaders and councilors.

However, we are still concerned about the low level of women’s participation in this election, as outlined in a joint Media Release with the Women’s Participation In Local Government Coalition which can be viewed on our website.

Online Survey Extension

During our discussions with candidates, we were asked by a number to extend the deadline fir our online survey which we have now done.

If you have not completed our very brief and anonymous online survey yet – you now have until midnight this coming Sunday 16^th November. The survey can be found at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1517

End Of Term Celebration For Existing Councillors

Whether or not you are retiring, we’d love to see you at this event on November 27^th from 4-8pm. Details are on our website.

VLGA Meeting & Welcome Celebration: From 6pm Thursday 18^th December

I wanted to remind you of this event to be held on the Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton.

Following a very brief (5 minute) General Meeting to approve new members,

please join VLGA friends and members, newly elected mayors and councilors, and Local Government Minister Richard Wynne for drinks and entertainment.

RSVP for the above events via email: vlga@vlga.org.au

Warm Regards,

Beth

7 November 2008

Retiring at this Election?

The VLGA is committed to retaining important expertise and leadership in our sector.

As we promised during our Fair Deal For All Councillors Campaign, we are conducting a brief online survey for retiring Mayors and Councillors. Responses to our short online survey will influence how the VLGA continues to advocate on behalf of Mayors and Councillors in the future. Your participation in this quick online survey will help us improve the working conditions of, and respect for elected Mayors and Councillors.

Our online survey provides retiring Councillors with the opportunity to include both positive views and constructive criticism. Closing at midnight on Election Day – 29^th November, our online survey can be accessed at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1518

Candidates Online Survey

Speaking of online surveys, many candidates across Victoria have already completed our Anonymous Candidates Survey. However, by far the largest group of candidates who have completed the survey are first-time candidates. To ensure there is some balance, I urge you to also complete this survey which closes in a week’s time. Again this is a very short online survey and it can be accessed at http://surveys.infoxchange.net.au/s?s=1517

Voter Packs

In one of our regular meetings with the Victorian Electoral Commissioners yesterday, it was confirmed that Voter Packs for Postal Elections (including candidate statements and ballots) will be mailed out on the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th November and will arrive soon after in letterboxes. This leaves little room for campaigning, so if you need support and advice, make sure to contact us on 03 9349 7999 or vlga@vlga.org.au

Reminder of Important Dates

In my last enews I mentioned 2 important key dates. If you missed these, please pencil them into your diary.

“End of Term” Celebration: 4-8pmThursday 27^th November

Whether or not you are retiring, it’s time to come together with colleagues and celebrate the end of this Council term.

Leveson Hotel at 46 Leveson Street, North Melbourne (Melways Map 43, Ref E5)

VLGA Meeting & Welcome Celebration: From 6pm Thursday 18^th December

Following a very brief (5 minute) General Meeting to approve new members, join VLGA friends, newly elected colleagues and Local Government Minister Richard Wynne for drinks and entertainment.

Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton

Please RSVP for the above events via email: vlga@vlga.org.au

Warm Regards

Beth

31 October 2008

Well, what a week it’s been!

Local Government (Councillor Conduct & Other Matters) Bill 2008

By ‘sticking our neck out’ this week we have made great inroads in advocating for changes to the Bill. While the State Government sought to clarify and limit Section 78D, non-government parties were concerned enough to remove the component of 78D which retrospectively dealt with indirect interest in planning matters.

We welcome the removal of these components until concerns about limiting debate can be properly addressed in consultation with elected Councillors in the future. To see what occurred during the debate in the Legislative Council, go to their website.

Registration of How to Vote Cards

In my last VLGA Local Government Elections Update #5, we only included the date for lodging of preferences for Postal Elections as being at 4pm today. We’ve now clarified this and you can also see other important elections information on our website.

So, for those who have Attendance Elections, don’t panic – you have until noon on Friday 21 November to Register your How To Vote Cards.

Celebrate the “End of Term” With Colleagues – 27 November 2008

The end of the council term is coming. During election years we rarely celebrate our achievements – whether or not we are re-standing.

I know that everyone is very busy, but, we can’t let the moment pass without a celebration. I invite you to join with me, the Board and VLGA Staff in marking the special time we have spent together, to have a laugh, a drink and share the highs and lows of Local Government. While we wouldn’t call it a ‘Councillor muckup day’ we would love to see you.

4– 8pm Thursday 27 November

Leveson Hotel, 46 Leveson Street North Melbourne

(Melways Map 43, Ref E5)

Please RSVP via vlga@vlga.org.au

Join VLGA Friends & Minister Wynne For Christmas Drinks

While you have your diary open, please pencil in our Annual Christmas Drinks

6pm onwards Thursday 18^th December

Rooftop Gardens, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton

Please RSVP via vlga@vlga.org.au

This ‘not to be missed’ event has proved very popular in previous years, so please make sure you RSVP soon!

Please note this event will include a 5 minute General Meeting, with only one agenda item: the approval of any new applications for VLGA Membership. This is the last opportunity for new members to be approved before the Board Elections early next year.

Position Vacant - Policy Officer

Looking for a job where you can really make a difference? The VLGA is seeking a full-time Policy Officer (Local Government) to assist in our efforts to connect communities and strengthen democracy.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, a Position Description can be found on our website. Applications close on the 18^th of November.

Warm Regards

Beth

20 October 2008

Visit from Sr Arcangelo Leite, Timor Leste Minister for State Administration

Over the last few days I have had the pleasure of hosting the Minister on his first visit to Australia. At a meeting with the Minister for Local Government and great friend of Timor Leste – Richard Wynne, Sr Leite commented on how warm his hospitality had been and that he felt like he was with family.

We have had important discussions about the future of Australian-Timor Leste Friendship Groups, as well as the formation of the first four Local Governments in Timor Leste next year.

I am excited about the leading role the VLGA continues to take in supporting our newest neighbour.

Workcover for Councillors?

I am pleased to see that the Final Report of the Accident Compensation Act Review has recommended Councillors be covered under the Accident Compensation Act.

As the sole voice calling for this during our Councillor Remuneration Campaign, followed by a submission to the Review, our task now will be to convince the State Government to accept this recommendation. I will provide an update on these discussions soon.

Councillor Conduct: Ensuring Unbiased Democratic Council Decision Making

Following urging from the VLGA, the Department of Planning and Community Development have now published a terrific ‘good practice’ guide.

The well-written document has two very good case studies which provide some guidance. I think the best line in this would have to be ‘having an open mind does not mean having an empty mind’. The document is on our website.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Survey

Unlike last year, this year the VEOHRC will identify the Local Governments that do not respond to their survey in their 2008 Report. To avoid this I would like to once again bring your attention to this survey which looks at the operation of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Last year 30% of Local Governments did not complete the survey, so we are hoping that this figure is much less this time around. The deadline for participation is 24 October 2008. Details are on our website.

Warm regards

Beth