VLGA Connect: Recent Episodes
Victorian Local Governance Association
This week on VLGA Connect, and as part of the VLGA's state election series, Chris Eddy is joined by Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur MLC, to discuss the opposition’s view on a range of local government issues, including rate capping and legislative loopholes.
Chris also chats with the mayor of South Gippsland Shire, Cr Nathan Hersey, about a shared council approach to FOGO services in Gippsland, and his recent trip to Singapore to put his region on the world stage.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to discuss another big week for the local government sector. This week he examines another interesting councillor conduct decision, the wash up from the Wyndham mayoral crisis and the current state of the proposed changes to the Local Government Act given this week's developments at Spring Street.
As part of the VLGA's state election series we also chat with Cr Rob Amos from Rural Councils Victoria who shares the alliance's wish list from the major parties and candidates.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to set the scene for this year’s state election.
We also chat with CEO of Moira Shire Council, Matthew Morgan, about how things are travelling at the only Victorian council currently under administration, and how he is preparing for the return of elected representation in 2028. Matthew also shares his insights on thought leadership and the current working landscape of local government.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to unpack one of the biggest stories unfolding in local government - the governance crisis at Hepburn Shire Council.
Chris is also joined by Kristen Desmond, the CEO of West Tamar Council in Tasmania, to discuss how AI was used to develop its strategic plan. They are the first council in Tasmania to develop their strategic plan using this technology.
Sponsored by Hunt of Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy speaks with Hume City Council Mayor Cr Carly Moore about the cost to the community of illegal dumping and how council is tackling the issue.
Tony Raunic from Hunt and Hunt Lawyers is also back this week with the key takeaways from a couple of recent conduct rulings. He also discusses the major legal challenge by Bayside City Council in response to the new Victorian Government planning reforms and the impact on the areas activity centres.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy speaks with the Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor, Cr Irene Grant, about council's push to improve the condition of rural and regional roads. Cr Grant shares what the latest safety data is telling us, which roads are of most concern to local residents and what funding commitments regional councils need now.
We also catch up with the Acting CEO of Infrastructure Victoria, Jill Riseley AM ahead of the Victorian state election. She unpacks Infrastructure Victoria's strategy and highlights what candidates should commit to when it comes to climate resilience, public transport in growth areas and securing better value from the assets we already have.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy speaks with Loddon Shire Mayor, Cr Dan Straub about his council's advocacy priorities ahead of the state election. Cr Straub shares his thoughts on the Murray Darling Basin Plan review process and the impact of water buybacks on his community.
We also cross to Canberra where the annual National General Assembly has been underway this week. We get some insights on the ground about some of the most pressing issues councils are talking about across the country with VLGA Vice President Cr Janet Pearce and VLGA Board Member Damien Gallagher.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews Golden Plains Mayor Owen Sharkey to discuss how his municipality is dealing with growing pains and gearing up to make sure its voice is heard in the run down to this year’s state election.
We also meet Mansfield Shire Council CEO, Kirsten Alexander who has just been reappointed for a further four years.
And finally we chat to Tony Raunic and get his initial thoughts on the updated local government legislation introduced in Victorian Parliament earlier this week.
Sponsored by Hunt and Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews Frankston City Council CEO Tennille Bradley on her first 6 months in the role, council's priorities and taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness and advocate for change in the community.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to break down the decision from the Victorian Supreme Court which has ruled the suspension of the former Whittlesea Mayor invalid.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Lawrie Cox, Mayor of Whittlesea City Council chats with Chris Eddy about the council’s stand on road conditions in the region and its call for the state government to step up and do more to manage its assets.
Cr Jodie Ashworth, the mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, joins to talk about her leadership journey, and current issues and challenges happening for council which is one of the largest and diverse municipalities in the far eastern corner of the state.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, host Chris Eddy speaks with the mayor of Glen Eira City Council, Cr Simone Zmood, about the council’s successful application for a rate cap variation, the reasons behind the request and how they consulted with the community.
To celebrate the launch of the 2026 Mary Rogers Awards for women in local government, Chris talks to last year’s inaugural winner Cr Kylie Spears from Maroondah City Council about why the awards are important and why people should nominate.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week, Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Cr Sharon Gibson joins Chris Eddy to discuss the unique challenge facing the Gippsland region due to the impacts of the closure of the power station and how the region is advocating for support to adapt.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to give his thoughts on how councils can manage the issue of homelessness, looking at amendments made by the City of Port Phillip to their local laws.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by two mayors to break down both sides of the glass bin debate. Mayor of Merri-bek City Council, an early adoptor of the four-bin system, Cr Nat Abboud and Mayor of Manningham City Council, part of the coalition of councils lobbying the state government for an alternative before the 2027 deadline, Cr Jim Grivas, discuss the pros and cons of the scheme.
Tony Raunic, Managing Principal at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss a controversial community decision at Yarra City Council.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
With the release of the state budget this week, Chris Eddy speaks to Mayor Stefan Koomen from the City of Casey to hear the views of the Outer Melbourne Councils on the pros and cons from the budget for this rapidly growing area.
Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council, Cr Ali Cupper discusses what is happening in the north west of the state, and gives a frank assessment of how the budget has fallen short for regional communities and ways the council are educating their community on the division of responsibility between local and state government.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Evan King, CEO of the City of Ballarat to talk about how the ongoing fuel crisis is having a financial impact on council as well as the implications of a recent ruling on contracts from the Fair Work Commission.
Also this week, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to give his take on recent developments in the sector.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
With a state election just around the corner, Regional Cities Victoria has made a $3B pitch as part of its advocacy campaign to secure the future of regional Victoria. Chair of RCV and Mayor of Warrnambool City Council Ben Blain joins Chris Eddy to explain more about the campaign and where they think the funding is most required.
Victoria’s Auditor General Andrew Greaves also drops by to discuss the annual report on councils’ audit performance, and gives his observations on what’s working well, and where there is still room for improvement.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, James Collins, CEO from Cardinia Shire Council reflects on his first six months in the role and talks with Chris Eddy about how things are travelling in a rapidly changing municipality with some big interface and growth-related challenges.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to review some significant recent legal decisions with implications for councils including a $15M Supreme Court judgment against the City of Whittlesea, and a Fair Work Commission ruling in favour of Hobsons Bay City Council.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, mayor of Kingston City Council, Georgina Oxley joins Chris Eddy to talk about why Kingston is expanding its presence in aged care service delivery while many other councils are going in the other direction.
The mayor of Gannawarra Shire Council, Garner Smith discusses a number of current issues impacting his area, including the fuel crisis, renewable energy projects, and the Murray Darling Basin Plan Review.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, host Chris Eddy is joined by Hayden Raysmith, Liana Thompson and Dr Josh Fergeus to reflect on 30 years since the return of elected representatives following the council amalgamations that led to the creation of the VLGA, and an eye to the future.
Chris also discusses the latest campaign from Brimbank City Council with mayor Virginia Tachos as more than one hundred locals rallied at Taylors Road in Delahey saying the daily gridlock has become a safety risk on a road never built for today’s traffic.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to catch up on governance issues, including the Wyndham mayoral crisis, the release of an arbiter report at Moonee Valley City Council, and the latest on the court case involving Hepburn Shire’s CEO and a councillor.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Join us for a special episode of VLGA Connect this week as we unpack the results of the latest VLGA Victorian Councillor Census.
Chris Eddy is joined by VLGA President Dr Josh Fergeus; John Armitage from Qdos Research, and Dawn Bray from the VLGA for a panel discussion about what the results are telling us, and how this latest data will be used by the VLGA and government to inform policy and related sector discussions in order to enhance the outcomes councillors deliver for the communities they represent, as well as improve the working landscape for elected representatives.
You can download the full Census report here: https://www.vlga.org.au/sites/default/files/Census%20Report%202026_final.pdf
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Discussing a report tabled to Parliament this week, Victorian Ombudsman Marlo Baragwanath returns to chat to Chris Eddy and unpack the outsourcing by councils of "under-excess" small claims.
Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Managing Principal Tony Raunic gives his thoughts on some high profile mayoral issues making news this week, as well as the progress of new bills that will bring some significant changes to the Local Government Act.
As the cost of living takes greater effect, we find out more about the City of Greater Dandenong’s sector-leading approach to flexible rates payments, particularly for those experiencing hardship.
You can view the Victorian Ombudsman report here: https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/our-impact/investigation-reports/outsourcing-small-claims-handling
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Murrundindi Shire Council Mayor Damien Gallagher gives an update on the recovery efforts following the January bushfires which affected a large area of the region.
Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO Brent McAlister speaks about a new initiative which is bringing together Wimmera and Mallee councils to ensure the region is ready for significant investment in regional projects across energy, transmission and mining.
And Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to break down the latest arbiters reports tabled at two councils.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Join us at the RACV City Club for FastTrack 2026: Incivility - A threat to local democracy for this special episode of VLGA Connect.
Hear from panellists Dr Josh Fergeus, Virginia Haussegger, Anne Wickham, Steve Huff and Liz Gillies about their contributions to this important discussion, as well as attendees about why these conversations are so critical to their role as elected leaders.
FastTrack 2026 was sponsored by principal sponsor Payble, panellist sponsor Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and networking sponsor, Jenny Scicluna Facilitation and Consulting.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Marlo Baragwanath, the Victorian Ombudsman, sits down with Chris Eddy to discuss a joint paper, prepared with the IBAC Commissioner and the Auditor-General, titled 'Advancing budget transparency for Victoria’s core integrity agencies’.
Mayor of Swan Hill, Cr Stuart King, also joins the program to talk about the Murray Basin Plan review, and why it’s such a critical process for communities all along the Murray River.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer. Warren is a farmer, a writer and keynote speaker, and a podcaster, shining a light on capacity building, resilience and recovery in the face of increasing natural disasters and setbacks, especially in the rural Australian context.
Cr Steve Rabie, Mayor of Mansfield discusses issues affecting his community - from the controversial Emergency Services Volunteer Fund to the state government's planning reforms. Fresh off the recovery efforts from recent bushfires, Mayor Rabie shared his perspectives on what he sees as unfair policies impacting rural Victoria.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers gives his insights to two recent arbiter decisions and any lessons which can be learned from the outcomes.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy interviews the Victorian Information Commissioner, Sean Morrison, about the risks and pitfalls of using generative AI from a privacy principles perspective - a relevant conversation for every councillor in particular.
Also, Tony Raunic returns to unpack new ministerial guidelines in place for Councils in Victoria to deal with ratepayers experiencing hardship .
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect is back for 2026!
VLGA President Dr Josh Fergeus and CEO Kathryn Arndt join host Chris Eddy to give a sneak peek into the VLGA’s premier leadership conference - FastTrack - focusing on the topic of Incivility.
The mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council, Cr Toby Heydon, drops by to explain why he’s dancing up a storm on social media!
Also returning for 2026 is Hunt & Hunt Lawyers Managing Principal Tony Raunic to give his take on a ground-breaking new employee agreement in Tasmania that may have implications for the entire local government sector.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
FastTrack: Incivility: A Threat to Local Democracy
https://www.vlga.org.au/%2Fcivicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo%3Fid%3D557%26reset%3D1
Mayor Toby Heydon’s dance video on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DJMb26ACn/
City of Launceson 4 day week enterprise agreement:
https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/News-Media/City-of-Launceston-and-ASU-reach-agreement-in-principle-on-landmark-Enterprise-Agreement
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
For the final episode of the year, Tony Raunic, Managing Principal of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt join Chris Eddy to wrap up what has been an action packed first year of the council term. The team looks at the major issues and events of 2025 and look forward to what we may expect to see in the sector in 2026.
Completing our Meet the Board series, Chris chats to VLGA Treasurer, Mike Blake about his fascinating journey from Africa to the Australian public sector.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to Kerryn Ellis and Dan Nicholson from the Victorian Ombudsman about a recently released report into flood risk decisions relating to two housing estates, with broader implications for councils.
The VLGA's Meet the Board series continues with independent member Louise Hill joins the program for a discussion about how she contributes to the board, and her work in and beyond the local government sector.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Cr Kylie Spears - the inaugural winner of the Mary Rogers Award for women in local government.
Our Meet the Board series continues, with a conversation with Cr Jane Karslake from Glen Eira City Council - a recent addition to the VLGA board.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Maribyrnong Council CEO Celia Haddock joins Chris Eddy to talk about new local laws requiring authorised officers to be trained in the city's homelessness protocol; her challenge to property owners about landbanking in central Footscray, and more.
Continuing the Meet the Board series, Chris sits down for a chat with Cr Mia Shaw from Wyndham City Council, after her recent election to the board of the VLGA.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by the CEO of the Independent Broad Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) Alison Byrne to discuss the latest perceptions of corruption report and findings released by the agency.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss a move to limit Notices of Motions at the City of Whittlesea and the implications of that, along with a newly released municipal monitor report into Horsham Rural City Council.
Continuing the Meet the VLGA Board series, Vice President Janet Pearce from Macedon Shire Council joins for a chat.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
On VLGA Connect this week, Chris Eddy meets the mayor of Corangamite Shire, Cr Kate Makin, to talk about a number of local and regional challenges council is actively advocating on including the condition of regional roads, some initiatives in waste collection, renewable energy projects and the importance of reliable connectivity in regional areas as we enter fire season.
Cr Dr Josh Fergus is here to talk about his approach to his new role as President of the VLGA - kicking off a “Meet the Board” series.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Chris Eddy and Julie Reid unpack the biggest planning reforms in decades have been introduced to the Victorian Parliament and explain what they mean for councils.
Plus, we put the spotlight on one of the country’s fastest growing areas - Mitchell Shire Council Mayor John Dougall joins me to talk about his community’s priorities ahead of next year’s state election.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy discuss some breaking news from the sector this week, including a proposal to introduce term limits for councillors, new Aged Care Act responsibilities for councillors, and as mayoral election season gets under way, is it a good idea to have position statements for mayors and deputy mayors?
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with VEC Commissioner Sven Bluemmel to talk through the official report on the conduct of last year’s Victorian council elections, and the recommendations for future elections.
Chris then speaks with the mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Claire Ewart-Kennedy about some of the shire’s current challenges and priorities.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, the Mayors of Merri-bek City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council join Chris Eddy to talk about a joint councils campaign to raise awareness on transport issues in the fast growing northern metropolitan region and the Northern Council's Alliance's efforts to advocate to the state government for better connectivity.
After a big week in the sector, Tony Raunic returns to the panel to unpack the Commission of Inquiry report into Whittlesea Council, the monitors report at Brimbank, the return of the Mayor of Maribyrnong and more.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
As the VLGA launches the 2025 Victorian Councillor Census, VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt and John Armitage from QDOS Research join Chris Eddy to talk about this year’s Census - how does it work, and how will the information be used?
Deputy mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Cr Cindy Madeley, also joins the program to chat about life in the shire and an important ongoing conversation with the community about financial sustainability.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Merri-bek Mayor Cr Helen Davidson to discuss the priorities and challenges for the inner city municipality as her mayoral term draws towards a close.
Adam McSwain, the newly commenced CEO at Golden Plains joins Chris to chat about his career journey, and his approach to the role as the council comes out of a period of instability.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Cr Sophie Price, Mayor of Indigo Shire, joins Chris Eddy to discuss how the northeast region is recovering from recent events, and gives us an update on the ongoing fight for better hospital and health services in the region.
Tony Raunic returns to discuss the latest legal and governance issues from across the sector, including a new arbiter decision that has led to the suspension of a Surf Coast Shire councillor for one month.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the show
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris is joined by City of Greater Bendigo CEO Andrew Cooney to talk about a major customer service survey, and how the organisation is meeting the demands of a rapidly growing regional centre.
Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss on recent issue of a governance and legal nature, including a move at Frankston to extend the term of the current mayor; a VCAT case about e-scooters in the Yarra City Council; and the latest, potentially final twist, in the long-running Slug Gate saga in the City of Greater Dandendong.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Cr Stefan Koomen, Mayor of Casey City Council on leading the new council in its first term since a long period of administration, and how the long running Operation Sandon investigation has impacted the new councillor group.
Then, we learn more about a metro Melbourne circular economy first with Sarah Furnell, Brimbank Circular Economy Officer as she explains an exciting new project repurposing soft plastics for road making materials.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect Chris Eddy interviews Mark Stoermer, CEO Mornington Peninsula Shire Council on how he is settling in as CEO, his priorities for the role, including an announced restructure, and the pending release of the Board of Inquiry report into the McCrae landslip - with potential sector-wide implications.
Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council returns to the program to discuss council’s refreshed commitment to Great Ocean Road Tourism, advocacy for better community outcomes from renewable energy, and a controversial decision to remove the prayer from the council’s meeting agendas.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest in local government news including the appointment of monitors to Kingston City Council and the standing down of Maribyrnong City Council Mayor under the provisions of the Local Government Act.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy gets to know the new CEO of Strathbogie Shire Council, Rachelle Quatrocchi to hear about her visions for the new role.
Tony Raunic and Chris catch up on the recent issues affecting the sector, including a significant local law decision at Casey Council and new legal reforms dealing with perceived invasions of privacy.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats with Gail Gatt the new CEO at Horsham Rural City Council about how she is settling into her new role and the key issues facing her community.
Chris also catches up with Port Phillip City Council Mayor Cr Louise Crawford about an innovative solution the council has developed to prevent and reduce damage to public bins.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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Today on the program Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of West Wimmera Shire Tim Meyer to talk about how he is finding this mayoral term.
Mary Agostino, Chief Executive Officer of Mitchell Shire also joins us to talk about what is happening in her community and the key issues council is addressing.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Don Henderson, Mayor of Hepburn Shire Council on what's happening in the region, the challenges council faces and what he sees are the priorities for this term.
Chris then speaks to Ryan Allott, Manager Compliance & Environmental Health at Whittlesea City Council on an innovative program council has implemented to tackle their stray cat population by offering residents feeding or sheltering a stray cat free desexing, microchipping and one year of registration.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down the latest from across the local government sector including an arbiter decision at Wyndham, a loss at VCAT for Moorabool Council, and Hume Council’s call for greater enforcement powers in relation to dangerous dogs.
Chris also interviews Ballarat City Council deputy mayor Cr Ben Taylor on council's recent announcement of a 0% rate rise, the implications on the long term fiscal outlook for council with this decision, where savings were found to be able to make this decision considering there is so much pressure on councils to do more, with less, and how other councils might be able to work towards this considering the current cost of living crisis.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down for an in-depth discussion with the Mayor of the City of Yarra, Stephen Jolly, on his first mayoral term, responding to criticism, and why he won’t be seeking another term as mayor.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris chats to Campaspe Shire Council mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell on the implementation of a zero tolerance policy to prevent inappropriate behaviour towards staff and councillors.
Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to discuss all the big news this week in the local government sector.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Cr Kris Bolam, mayor of Frankston City Council on their friendly city and sister city arrangements and how they impact the community.
Chris then speaks to Wyndham City Council mayor Cr Mia Shaw on council's partnership with RMIT University, to deliver a unique AI and analytics capability development program for businesses.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss some significant decisions released this week, including the return of a Kingston councillor from suspension.
Chris also interviews Swan Hill Rural City Council mayor Stuart King on the recent changes made to liquor licencing which while designed to remove red tape, cut councils from the decision-making process. Together they will explore the potential impacts these changes could have on communities across the state.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers returns to chat with Chris Eddy about the latest issues facing the local government sector including the parking fine error at Merri-bek council and recent election related decisions at VCAT.
Matt Collins, CEO of the Planning Institute of Australia discusses the recent survey which highlighted the severe shortage of qualified planners and the impact on councils and their service delivery.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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Sally Jones, Interim CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council returns to VLGA Connect this week to update Chris Eddy on the latest from the Federal Court hearing into the combined enterprise bargaining arrangements.
Cr Karen Foster, Mayor of Moyne Shire Council then joins the show to discuss the significant drought in the region, and the calls for more action to support communities.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy chats to Mayor of Murrindindi Shire Council, Cr Damien Gallagher about what he sees are the opportunities and challenges unique to the region, and to the sector as a whole.
Leonie Martens, Manager Family and Children's Services at Baw Baw Shire Council joins Chris to discuss council's partnership with Casey and Cardinia Councils in maternal and child health to deliver immunisation services to the region.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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With the Victorian Government announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council, Chris Eddy sits down with Tony Raunic of Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to look at how the Inquiry will work and what can be expected.
Chris also speaks with Mayor of Port Phillip City Council, Cr Louise Crawford on the recent report into community safety commissioned by council, and their response to the recommendations.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with Kingston City Council Mayor Georgina Oxley to discuss council's position on the Suburban Rail Loop and the effect of the project on the municipality, along with some key changes they would like to see made to improve outcomes for community.
With the Victorian State Budget released this week, Kathryn Arndt, CEO of the Victorian Local Governance Association joins Chris to discuss the response to the Budget, and the shortfall of funding for some key projects for the sector, as well as the backlash from Victorian councils to the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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It has been a big week in the local government sector!
This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic break down this week's big issues including the voiding of the election of a councillor from Whittlesea City Council and the suspension of the mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayor of Manningham City Council, Cr Deirdre Diamante to discuss the implications of plans to mandate kerbside glass collection and the push by a group of councils across the state to look at alternative options.
Chris is also joined by Tony Raunic to discuss the release of some significant monitors reports and their recommendations, as well as the review into the validity of some of decisions made at Kingston City Council prior to a councillor being stood down.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks to Simone Zmood, Mayor of Glen Eira City Council on their recent advocacy activities to both the state and federal government. We learn about the key issues facing the Glen Eira community and what support the Council is seeking from the other tiers of Government.
Then, Chris sits down with Alan Getley, the Mayor of Buloke Shire Council and Brent McAllister, CEO of Northern Grampians Shire Council about an alliance between five north east councils to advocate collectively on significant projects affecting the Wimmera region.
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This week on the program Chris Eddy sits down with David Jackson, Director of Customer and Corporate Services at Moorabool Shire Council, to learn more about the use of AI and the benefits the introduction of this technology is having for a smaller council.
Later in the program Chris speaks with Mayor of Cardinia Cr Jack Kowarzik about Outer Melbourne Councils – a group of 10 councils that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne that was formed to advocate for better services and infrastructure to about 1.6 million residents.
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With Chris Eddy on leave, Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt steps into the VLGA Connect hosting chair, as Chris interviews Johnathan Spear, CEO of Infrastructure Victoria to discuss the recently launched draft Victorian 30-year infrastructure strategy.
Julie Reid re-joins the panel to discuss the recent planning scheme reforms.
And, Helen Healy the Mayor of Mildura joins us to talk about the Nature Strip Showdown - a unique annual community competition where residents showcase their creatively maintained nature strips.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy sits down with the Mayors of Indigo Shire and Wodonga City Councils to discuss the fight for a new hospital development in the Albury Wodonga region, after a recent rally to Parliament in Melbourne.
Chris also chats to Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers on the startling document leaked on the redevelopment of the Rex in Hepburn Shire Council, and dissects the Model Governance Rules which have been released to the sector for feedback.
All this, plus much more!
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This week in a Special Edition of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Victorian Local Governance Association CEO Kathryn Arndt to interview The Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government.
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Chris Eddy brings you this week's latest local government news in this week's VLGA Connect, including safety concerns at council meetings across the state.
Joining Chris this week is Bradley Thomas, CEO of Hepburn Shire Council to outline council's request to increase rates above the state government's rate cap to assist with the council's financial sustainability.
Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and Chris Eddy analyse the leaked letters reported in the media between the CEO and Mayor at the City of Whittlesea, as well as the monitor's report into Buloke Shire Council.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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Join us for a special edition of VLGA Connect, as we come to you live from the launch of the results from the VLGA's Victorian Councillor Census.
Hear from John Armitage at QDOS Research as he and Chris Eddy discuss how the census was conducted, and the key insights the data found. Mike Gooey from LGV joins to chat about how the state government will use the data to guide its policy decisions moving forward.
Chris also chats to Councillors Jane Karslake, Mia Shaw, Jack Kowarzik and Kylie Spears about how the data reflects their own councillor experience.
Joining in the flesh, Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers discusses how the data could make a difference to the sector now and into the future.
Learn more about why this work is so important here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQNkaC56WQs and read the full Census Report here: https://bit.ly/vlga_cr_census
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Join Chris Eddy and the team for the new VLGA Connect where each week we bring you the latest local government news and take a deep dive into issues affecting the sector.
This week, Kendrea Pope joins Chris to break down the new mandatory professional development requirements facing councillors, and discuss their impact on the sector.
Michael Annear, Director Infrastructure & Development at Mount Alexander Shire Council outlines the groundbreaking shared services agreement with Hepburn Shire Council and the potential for these to be used to increase efficiencies in local government.
Also, Chris speaks to Mansfield Shire Council Mayor Cr Steve Rabie on the state government's planned Emergency Services Volunteer Fund and its impact on councils.
Proudly sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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This week on VLGA Connect, Tony Raunic of Hunt & Hunt Lawyers joins Chris Eddy to break down the recent disruption of the Casey City Council meeting and the no confidence motion against City of Whittlesea mayor.
Following on from last week's segment on open briefings, two councillors Cr Anthony Marsh, Mayor Mornington Peninsula Shire and Cr Rhonda Garad of Greater Dandenong City Council join Chris Eddy to discuss their point of view.
All this, plus the latest in local government news.
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Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect is Mark Dupe, former CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council to take a deep dive into the move by some councils towards open briefings. Mark and Chris discuss whether this is a shift towards greater transparency, or a limit to councillors receiving detailed advice.
Chris interviews Sally Jones, interim CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council on the move to take a proposal to conduct combined enterprise bargaining to the Federal Court.
All this, plus the week's local government news.
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New year - new program! In 2025 the VLGA is proud to re-launch The Governance Update as VLGA Connect - your weekly program covering the latest news, analysis and deep dives into the current issues shaping the local government sector.
This week, Chris Eddy is joined by Cr Jo Armstrong, Mayor Ararat Rural City Council to get the latest on the recovery efforts following the Grampians bushfires, and Tony Raunic to look at the latest consultation from the state government into lobbying reforms.
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This week on the TGU final episode for the year, the panel looks at this week’s news and reflects on the year and the previous Council term. Plus, predictions for what might be ahead in the new year, and Rhys Thomas shares some special poetry treats!
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On the agenda this week, councils unite on healthcare; two Gippsland council CEOs have announced their departure; councils getting tough on illegal dumping and unregistered cat breeding; and a review of Parks Victoria announced… what could that mean for councils?
Loaded with gratuitous movie titles, Rhys will comment on a few recommendations from the recent Parliamentary Enquiry into local government.
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On the agenda this week, the wrap up of mayoral elections; a parliamentary report into local government funding makes 48 recommendations; criticism of the increasing use of municipal monitors; Yarra City Council’s 36 point omnibus motion passes after a marathon session; and should 16 year olds be able to vote in council elections?
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This week, the team discuss the push to overhaul council elections, the mayoral elections taking place around the state, a notice of motion to overturn 35 previous decisions of council, a push from rural councils for a better deal from the Federal Government, the suspension of the Townsville mayor, and a mayor ordered to complete training to better understand the role.
Rhys Thomas discusses an issue that has arisen with a number of Councillors failing to take the oath/affirmation correctly, including three at one Council, as well as what the Inspectorate is planning to do about it.
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The TGU panel returns to discuss the wrap up of Victorian council elections, and allegations of suspected postal vote tampering in two Council wards. Plus a change of leadership for the sector’s peak bodies, mayoral elections underway, a controversial CEO resignation and a push in NSW to ban confidential councillor briefing sessions.
Rhys Thomas joins Chris Eddy to talk about some of the trends we saw at the election, including the long awaited data on the gender gap on Councils. He will also raise some examples of councillors that did not last long in the role - hopefully something that doesn’t happen this time.
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This week, the TGU panel unpacks the provisional council election results that we know so far. The winners, the losers, the surprises and what’s still to come. Plus municipal monitors appointed to three councils, and the latest CEO to announce a new career move.
Rhys Thomas talks about the gap between the council election day and the swearing in of councillors and the limits on the powers of councils and CEOs during that period. He will identify a specific flaw in the Act that means a council could be left without leadership.
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This week on TGU, the panel attempts to pull together interim results from the Victorian council elections; strike action mooted at Greater Geelong council; a council’s concerns about a fast tracked planning decision; and Rhys Thomas unpacks the detail of Victoria’s new governance and integrity regulations.
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The TGU panel is back to look at the new governance and integrity regulations which have dropped this week, along with a raft of planning and building announcements that have taken councils by surprise.
The election period is coming to an end and voting will soon commence in Victorian council elections.
Is a post-Covid mentality responsible for more poor council governance, and how many councils still use X (formerly Twitter)?
Plus Rhys Thomas is back with some handy election eve tips for governance officers.
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On the TGU menu this week, stories from the campaign trail; the councillor who resigned to be able to speak freely during the election campaign; a live TV debate with Lord Mayoral candidates; help on the way for regional councils dealing with a shortage of municipal building surveyors; the candidate campaigning on having a beer and watching the football; councils cop another whack about the pace of housing approvals; and much more. Plus Rhys Thomas provides analysis on election candidates and some opportunities for improvement.
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The panel is back for more TGU from VLGA Connect, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Up for discussion this week - new report from IBAC on an investigation in bribery and misconduct allegations at Moonee Valley City Council; vandalism and theft on the campaign trail in Victoria; a record number of candidates; why you should make you’re on the role and do the training first; Councils reveal the most popular dog names and breeds; and much more.
VLGA Snapshot - “Incrhysingly formal”Rhys talks about the voting process, including how to vote and the common mistakes that make votes informal. Also what happens if one of the candidates has been retired?
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As we draw closer to the end of this council term, Chris Eddy, Kathryn Arndt and Rhys Thomas reflect on the last four years and the issues which shaped local government.
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As we look back on some of the big issues of the last year, we revisit this discussion between Chris Eddy and CEO of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) in the UK, Jonathan Carr-West.
Chris and Jonathan look at LGIU research into the financial sustainability of the local government sector in the UK and similarities with the Victorian sector.
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This week, we look back at an interview with Deputy Commissioner at IBAC, David Wolf.
David and Chris look at the risks associated with donations and lobbying in local government elections. In the lead up to the election period we revisit this issue, and much more.
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Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human right, but the housing crisis is growing globally. With increasing cost pressures, and population growing faster than build times, what can local government do to address the crisis? This panel looks at barriers to housing accessibility, development, the role of all levels of government to work together and short and long term strategies councils could look to easing the pressure.
Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt moderate a Q&A style discussion with a panel comprising leaders in this space from across Australia and the UK.
Panellists include:
Rushda Halith - General Manager Community and City Services, City of Melbourne
Robert Burns - Chief Executive Officer, Monaghan County Council, Ireland
Diwa Hopkins - Senior Economist, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)
Dr Grace Vickers - Chief Executive Officer, Midlothian Council, Scotland
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This week, we look back at a conversation between Chris Eddy and the (then) newly elected Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel.
Chris and Sven discuss Sven’s career journey, from Victorian Information Commissioner to Victorian Electoral Commissioner, and consider the intensive work that was undertaken to prepare for this year’s local government elections across the state.
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Today on TGU, the panel looks at an exciting new waste to energy project;
Reaction to the government’s latest housing plans
Concerns over a rental agreement in Yarra and the use of parking sensors in Maribyrnong;
A Melbourne Council CEO is moving on
A new program to address workforce shortages in local government, and a campaign to encourage more people to become planners
Plus councils in NZ told by the Prime Minister to get back to basics.
And Rhys Thomas joins us to look at the likely impact of structure changes on the upcoming elections, plus some fun facts about ward names.
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This week, the TGU panel looks at a surprise move to ban hired e-scooters in Melbourne; a councillor resignation preceding an arbiter misconduct ruling; a municipal monitor for Horsham; a high five commotion in Yarra Ranges; interesting Notices of Motion from the past week; an innovative housing project; an interesting FOI decision; a monumental nomination debacle in New South Wales and much, much more.
Plus Rhys Thomas’s analysis of the draft model Code of Conduct and other materials currently out for comment.
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In what has been a heartbreaking week for the local government sector, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the latest in the sector in this week's TGU.
This week, the devastating passing of two sitting councillors, a new model Code of Conduct is out for consultation, a contentious heritage proposal raises temperatures at Boroondara Council, the status of the CFMEU’s Fair Work Commission application to represent Greater Geelong workers, budget troubles at a Horsham Rural City Council, and a NSW council at odds over its policy on alcohol for councillors.
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This week on TGU, Greater Geelong Council CEO Ali Wastie makes a stand in court against gendered abuse;
A call for more resourcing for the Local Government Inspectorate;
An extension of the term for municipal monitors at Moonee Valley, while the Minister rejects a call for a monitor at Northern Grampians;
A CEO defends the editing of a council meeting recording;
And new CEO appointments in regional Victoria.
Rhys Thomas discusses the rules around election signage and pulls out another Olympic anecdote!
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Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic return to brighten your Friday with the latest in local government news!
This week the panel discuss, the first Victorian council to open briefing sessions to the public, the cost of asbestos clean up across parks in Hobsons Bay revealed, a councillor wants a municipal monitor appointed, e-scooters here to stay, the latest on Liverpool’s battle with the NSW State Government and a unique new governance model unveiled for a council that has been under administration for 11 years.
With the countdown now on to election day, Rhys Thomas talks about the need to consider personal wellbeing on the election campaign trail, and the privacy (or lack thereof) of the voters roll and what you can do about it, as well as a piece of Olympic trivia...
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Today, the sector mourns the passing of a local government legend;
a likely suspension looms for Liverpool Council as a public inquiry is announced;
a misconduct finding against a councillor at Port Phillip;
the on-again, off-again filming of The Block in Daylesford is back on;
And a controversy over a proposal to change a council’s Acknowledgement of Country.
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The TGU team return with the latest in this week's local government news.
This week, another municipal monitor appointed to a Victorian council, an interstate Council CEO appointment with a Victorian and sporting connection, Melbourne Councils in the news over flood modelling and climate emergency planning, the rise of abusive behaviour towards elected officials and council staff raises concerns in Tasmania and New Zealand.
And Rhys Thomas joins us to talk about the nuances of the elevation of a new Lord Mayor of Melbourne and what to expect in the next Council term when vacancies arise
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On TGU this week, the panel unpacks recent conduct decisions at Brimbank City Council; a former councillor avoids a jail sentence; a long term councillor resigns and a high profile CEO announces retirement; councils cracking down on an unsafe EV charging practice; and the mayor locked out of town hall for 3 and a half years. Plus Rhys Thomas updates on the passage of new conduct legislation and the use of gendered language at Victorian councils.
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On TGU today,
Melbourne has a new Lord Mayor;
Melbourne’s west mayors react to the Airport Rail Link mediation outcome
Concerns over Suburban Rail Loop planning, and integrity issues raised at two Melbourne councils
We’ve had a Council CEO resignation this week
And Townsville’s embattled mayor was back at work this week, reigniting calls for his resignation
Plus we’ll check in with Rhys Thomas who has been in Canberra this week for the National General Assembly.
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On TGU this week, the panel unpacks recent conduct decisions at Brimbank City Council; a former councillor avoids a jail sentence; a long term councillor resigns and a high profile CEO announces retirement; councils cracking down on an unsafe EV charging practice; and the mayor locked out of town hall for 3 and a half years. Plus Rhys Thomas updates on the passage of new conduct legislation and the use of gendered language at Victorian councilss.
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This week, on TGU Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Nick Miller chat about the new Victorian Government conduct reforms made law, draft housing targets for all Victorian councils announced, Port Phillip, Yarra, Greater Geelong councils in the news, Community Satisfaction Survey results released and a 1 metre long ballot paper for a by-election in Canada.
**Rhys Thomas returns to reveal the “mystery of the missing municipality” on the anniversary of Council amalgamations in Victoria.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.**
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This week the TGU panel discusses recent media reports about interventions at Victorian councils; local government elections targeted by more extremist candidates; Merri-bek Council’s proposal to double rates for landlords; a new Chair Administrator and a long term councillor to step aside; the council ordered to return $36M to the government; and a councillor’s unfortunate exposure during an online council meeting.
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Join the TGU team for a look at the week’s local government news, including a councillor suspension for serious misconduct; governance concerns at Brimbank; a coffee van row prompts calls for the amalgamation of Queenscliffe borough; the return of a merry Christmas at Stonnington; an update on the passage of conduct reforms through Parliament; and a look at anomalies in electoral roll legislation ahead of Victorian council elections in October. TGU is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by Nick Miller from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers for this week’s panel discussion on the week’s local government news, including new legislation, wards boundaries, an arbiter decision, housing challenges, planning winners and much more. Plus, introducing a new segment with Rhys Thomas reporting on the latest important happenings from the VLGA.
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On TGU this week, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the panel discusses the latest council concerns about funding for state-owned roads; a mayor puts pressure on Melbourne Airport and the government to get serious about an airport rail link; permanent and interim CEO appointments announced; wicked housing problems and collapsing roads; and the neighbours who don't like living next to a brewery.
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This week the TGU panel looks at sector reaction to the Federal Budget; concerns of a massive loss of open space from the state government’s Big Build; a council’s wicked housing problem; the overturning of Cumberland’s controversial library book ban; a capital city mayor takes issue with her own council’s decision; and much more of the week’s local government news.
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On TGU this week, the panel looks at sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget; yet another Council has a monitor installed; CEO announcements; waste collection dilemmas; a council’s controversial library book ban creates backlash; turning off Facebook comments; and Jeremy Clarkson upsets his local council again.
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This week the TGU panel discusses new governance and integrity measures for local government in Victoria; the appointment of municipal monitors to Darebin City Council; plans to remove council planning powers if they don’t meet housing targets; and much more of the week’s local government news.
TGU from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week’s TGU panel discussions looks a sexist newspaper cartoon about a female Council CEO; Ballarat Council’s rejection of a policy on formal positions; the challenges of national standardisation of kerbside bins; falling levels of public trust in government in the UK; a council’s warning about Brazilian Butt Lifts and more! Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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This week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic are joined on the TGU panel by Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s local government news, including:
- The release of the municipal monitors’ report for Glenelg Shire Council
- A councillor under fire for an appearance at a pro-Palestine rally
- More parks closed due to asbestos contamination
- CEOs and GMs caught up in political dramas
- The cost of a Queensland mayoral induction questioned
Brought to you by the VLGA and sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
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The TGU panel this week looks at the latest appointment of municipal monitors to the City of Greater Geelong. Plus more suburban parks closed after the discovery of asbestos; a council to stop maintaining state government assets in a push back against cost-shifting; the call for an overhaul of disaster recovery funding to councils; and much more on the list of the week’s local government related news stories.
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Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect Local Leaders today is the Mayor of Kingston City Council, Cr Jenna Davey-Burns.
Hear about Cr Davey-Burns' journey to local government leadership, her dedication as a foster carer, her commitment to fostering positive relationships with other levels of government, and her thoughts on how to tackle the rising incivility and hostile behaviour targeting political leaders.
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The TGU team is back and taking a walk down memory lane as the sector marks 30 years since the amalgamation of Victorian councils.
Also this week, new Council CEOs appointed, another resigns, a rescission motion is lost, and a council Facebook page disappears.
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On TGU this week, the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne announces her departure; a Council CEO moving on to a new role; a new Chair appointed to the Local Government Grants Commission; Geelong returns to the G21 fold; and much more local government news to discuss on the TGU panel.
Plus a bonus interview special with Tony Raunic and Scott Hodges.
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On TGU this week, reflections on AI risk management for councils; the state government responds to Operation Sandon and releases new green wedge management plans; a new inquiry announced into the sustainability of local government and much more.
Brought to you by the VLGA and Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Story list with links in Transcript
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On TGU this week, a new conduct finding leads to another councillor suspension; a place naming policy becomes controversial in regional Victoria; Yarra’s push to charge owners of large vehicles higher parking fees; Warrnambool expresses its concerns after offshore wind farm announcement; a new mayoral advisory panel announced; and much more including the council that is trying to ban scrolling in public.
Brought to you by the VLGA and Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
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Welcome to the 8th March edition of TGU The Governance Update with the ‘A Team’ of Julie Reid and Tony Raunic, joined this week again by Steve Cooper. TGU is proudly presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association.
On this International Women’s Day the Panel discussed the VLGA Event on 5 March to release the 2023 findings of the ARC Linkage Grant Research Project, ‘Women in Local Government:Understanding Their Political Trajectories’ with researchers Professors Leah Ruppaner and Andrea Carson.
The recent Arbiter report that resulted in suspension of Cr Susan Bissenger at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council was also unpacked.
The Panel noted some terrific work on affordable housing at Yarriambiack Shire council, noted the reappointment of Peter Stephenson as Administrator at Strathbogie Shire Council; noted the extraordinary case of the Queensland councillor seeking re-election while fighting a murder charge and pointed to a customer service initiative at Melbourne City Council.
Two upcoming events were also noted, Fast Track 2024: Leading Under Pressure (15 March) and the VLGA & LGiU Global Executive Panel - Increasing Gender Equity in Local Government (21 March). Registration links below.
Erratum
Apologies to the community of Minyip, the prime filming location for ‘The Flying Doctors’. Not Murtoa, 20 minutes away.
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Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect from London is Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), to discuss a stark new report on the financial state of the UK local government sector.
With a number of UK councils having already declared effective bankruptcy, and more likely to follow, Jonathan reveals the reasons for the crisis and how the sector is responding. The survey reveals a disturbing low level of confidence from within councils about their capacity to stave off serious financial decline in the coming years without significant intervention.
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This week, with Chris Eddy away on a mystery international assignment, regular panellists Julie Reid and Tony Raunic are joined by Steve Cooper to dissect the week’s local government news.
The panel discuss the mooted local government conduct changes, VEC ward boundary reviews, emergency management, vandalism of public art, a contentious planning application and some Scottish push-back against central government interference.
The episode includes an interview with South Gippsland Shire CEO Kerryn Ellis about Kerryn’s experiences in responding to a major emergency, with some telling messages around leadership and culture.
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The TGU panel dissects the week’s local government news, including a tweak to existing use rights in Victorian planning schemes; more meetings disrupted over ceasefire calls; a council clean up initiative rubbished in the media; a councillor’s call for a charge on dog waste bags; and councils on the frontline of recovery efforts after more storms and bushfires.
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VLGA Connect's popular Local Leaders is back for a new season in 2024.
First up this year is the four-term Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council, Cr Robyn Gulline, who shares with Chris Eddy her approach to the role as a first-term councillor, thoughts of dealing with conduct issues across the sector, local challenges and future plans.
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This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the week’s major local government news, which includes the announcement of structural changes for 39 Victorian councils ahead of elections later this year.
Also: monitors start work at Brimbank and finish up at Greater Geelong; conflict in the Middle East continues to impact local council meetings; a major event in Mornington Peninsula relocated, while a city mayor makes a plea to Taylor Swift.
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This week on TGU, Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by guest panellist Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s big local government stories, including:
The potential return of sacked former councillors
The impact of electoral representation reviews and ward boundary reviews on Victorian councils ahead of this year’s elections
A council leads the way with its new AI policy
New data suggests a weak link between short-stay rentals and housing supply
A UK council planning mistake leads to reputational damage, and
Economic juggernaut Taylor Swift rolling into town and a council’s unique plan to celebrate.
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TGU is back for 2024 with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discussing some of the latest local government developments, including:
Municipal monitors for Moonee Valley; a Darebin councillor suspended for misconduct; a CEO departs the sector for a state government role; a major review of the local government financial model in NSW; and should councils be sponsoring sporting clubs?
Brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers and VLGA Connect.
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On the final TGU for the year, the panel brings you the week’s big local government stories including a Council meeting that turned ugly; CEO and Councillor appointments, resignations and a sacking; Christmas goes missing in one municipality, and the return of the age-old debate on Christmas decorations.
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On the agenda this week, the suspension of Strathbogie Shire and the installation of an interim administrator; a councillor facing a four month suspension after a conduct panel ruling; a new executive team announced sending ripples through three councils and a peak body; plus a damning Ombudsman report into public sector politicisation and a government intervention in a Canadian council.
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The TGU team is back to unpack the week’s local government news, including the council position that nobody wants; councillors claim unsafe work environment; council work practices in question; a councillor passes; a CEO appointed and much more.
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In a new episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy welcomes the recently appointed Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel for a conversation about his career journey, and the work that is underway preparing for next year's round of local government elections across the state.
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This week on TGU with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid, new conduct reforms announced for Victorian councils; the OHS implications of war-related motions; Councils fail to maintain quorum; a countback fails; and overseas, an increasing number of ‘neutrality motions’ and court rules guns are allowed in Council meetings!
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On the TGU agenda this week - Glenelg monitors revealed; a 30 kph speed limit extension; councils standing up to cost-shifting; the Ombudsman investigates a 7-year building permit saga; the 4-day working week on trial in Victoria and the UK; plus more of the week's local government news with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid.
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On TGU today, the team discusses Merri-bek Council’s controversial resolution on Gaza; tragedy strikes two council communities; monitors start Monday at Glenelg, but who are they?; Strathbogie Council asked to show why it shouldn’t be suspended; a NSW mayor suspended for serious corrupt conduct; should councils operate mobile speed cameras?; and much more on the agenda for your weekly discussion on all things local government with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid.
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Joining Chris Eddy on Local Leaders today is Cr Denise Massoud, a former mayor and deputy mayor at Whitehorse City Council, and the current President of the Victorian Local Governance Association.
Denise talks about her passion for community and a story of frustration that led to her eventually becoming a councillor; how long-term councillors can continue to play an active role in the community; and the responsibility to foster the next generation of local leaders.
Denise also shares her plan for life post-local government, whenever that may be.
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On the TGU menu this week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss the pending appointment of municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council; a Council CEO responds to inaccurate media reporting on the removal of posters relating to the Israel/Gaza conflict; a Supreme Court rejects a former councillor’s appeal against an arbiter’s finding of misconduct; mayoral election results; a new CEO appointed; a unique community campaign about e-scooter behaviour; and much more news from around the world of local government.
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Cr Jennifer Anderson is today's guest on Local Leaders.
Cr Anderson has been mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire five times, and is the current deputy mayor.
She speaks with Chris Eddy about how she manages balancing a busy GP practice with her local government career; how her approach to council leadership has changed over time; and the value her broader sector representation role brings to the local community.
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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Hadi Saab, the Mayor of Kingston City Council.
Cr Saab is a Druze first-generation Australian born to Lebanese and Syrian parents. He talks to Chris Eddy about his motivations for getting into local government, the progress made this year on significant issues for the Kingston community, and his commitment to improving transparency and community consultation.
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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Dr. Josh Fergeus, the Vice President of the VLGA and a councillor at the City of Monash.
Josh has a background in social work and a doctorate in foster care and mental health, and is passionate about social justice and the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children in the child protection system.
He is also the CEO of the charity Kevin Hines Grow, which supports people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
Josh believes in the importance of being open and sincere as a political representative and engaging in genuine conversations with the community.
"In the end, it's about making people's lives better however I can."
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On TGU this week, a call for an overhaul of planning laws in relation to developers; a councillor in court over a fire prevention order; a new homelessness initiative launched in Yarra; IBAC’s new commissioner announced; another councillor resignation; the NT council suspended by the government; deja vu out of New South Wales, and much more local government news.
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Jacqui Weatherill is the CEO of Greater Dandenong City Council, is the most multicultural municipality in Australia.
She and her council are passionate about working with diverse and disadvantaged communities.
Jacqui talks to Chris Eddy about her career path leading to her taking up the role at Greater Dandenong in late 2022.
Her local government career began in the 1980s, and for a time Jacqui was the CEO of Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, before returning to the sector as CEO of the City of Stonnington.
Jacqui is focused on addressing the city's financial challenges while making the most of technology and AI.
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Join Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid for TGU, your weekly rundown of local government happenings from VLGA Connect.
Topics for discussion this week include Australian councils reacting to events in the Middle East; the ongoing use of Council prayers; opening briefing sessions to the public; cat curfews; VCAT decisions; sector arrivals and departures; Roundup usage by Melbourne councils; the new Melbourne YIMBY movement; and a move in Malta to allow 16 and 17 year olds to be elected mayor or deputy mayor.
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The Mayor of Melton City Council, Cr Lara Carli, joins Chris Eddy on Local Leaders to discuss the challenges and excitement of managing the fastest growing municipality in Australia.
Cr Carli says the affordability of housing and the presence of hidden gems like wineries and parks are attracting people to Melton in ever increasing numbers. She emphasizes the importance of public transport and employment opportunities in the city.
Mayor Carli discusses the upcoming council elections and the potential for new faces in local representation.
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VLGA Connect - TGU, 6th October 2023
Julie Reid returns to the TGU panel with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic to look at the week in local government news.
Stories include state government announcements about residential land tax and an extension of an e-scooter trial; a historic joint meeting of three councils in Melbourne’s north; Glen Eira considers closing council-run childcare centres; the council that asked its community if councillors should get a pay rise - the answer probably won’t surprise you; and the rise of abuse of elected members is a global problem.
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Recorded Thursday , 7th September 2023
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As a local government CEO, Carl Cowie keeps a low profile in the sector - preferring to focus his efforts on delivering for "the people who pay me."
VLGA Connect has secured a rare interview with Carl, who made the move from the private sector to local government originally as CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
He was recently signed up for a second term leading Nillumbik Shire Council, the green wedge shire on Melbourne's outskirts.
Hear Carl's thoughts on the financial sustainability of the sector, how we need to catch up with others on climate change response, and who are the mentors that have inspired his career development along the way.
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VLGA Connect: TGU, 29th September 2023
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the latest local government news, including a change of Premier in Victoria and the likely impact on the sector; more reaction to the government’s housing and planning reforms; a new conduct panel decision leading to a three month councillor suspension; a mistake rectified after 12 years; the insurance market impacts on council projects; and the council technology solution dramatically reducing wildlife roadkills.
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Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leaders series is Brett Davis, the CEO of Moyne Shire Council in south west Victoria.
Brett has a background in local government and planning, and his planning experience has helped him in his role as CEO.
Moyne Shire has implemented innovative initiatives, such as key worker housing in caravan parks, to address housing challenges. The shire is also dealing with the impacts of wind farms, with six in operation, four under construction, and four more planned.
Tourism is a significant economic factor for Moyne Shire, particularly in Port Fairy and Koroit.
Brett Davis values the input and support of other CEOs and mentors in the industry. He says, "CEOs are a sharing bunch, I've come to discover!"
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"There's a real awakening, especially amongst young people, about the fact that their world is changing and the circumstances in which they're living really need strong and in some cases, dare I say, radical interventions to ensure that their future and standard of living is not only commensurate with those of those of the people who came before them, but better in some ways."
Mayor Joseph Haweil is currently serving his second term as mayor of Hume City Council.
He is focused during his mayoral term on infrastructure and catering for growth in Hume.
He believes that politics plays a role in local government and that councils should work together with the state government.
Mayor Haweil studied politics and has a passion for public service, and was motivated to become a councillor to have a seat at the table and make decisions.
He is also Deputy President of the MAV, and talks about current issues including the government’s housing and planning reforms, and his criticisms of peak body LGPro and its public position on the standard of councillor behaviour.
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VLGA Connect - TGU, 22nd September 2023
It was the week the government unveiled its new housing statement and reforms to the Victorian planning system. How has the local government sector responded?
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic look at the major changes and reactions so far.
Also this week, waste charges take the media spotlight, new data shows most council-run airports are running at a loss and need more government support, and Julie Reid reports from London on the challenges faced by the UK local government sector.
Some links:
Victoria’s Housing Statement
Good decisions, made faster
Premier Media Statement
MAV response #1
MAV response #2
Regional mayors unhappy
Yarra response
Stonnington response
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Today's guest on Local Leaders with Chris Eddy is the CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe.
Mark has a background in finance and IT, with experience in the private sector before joining local government.
He lived and worked in various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Hong Kong, and the United States, before taking up his first local government tole in 2001.
Mark believes in embracing technology and sees the potential of AI for local government.
He sees the main challenges for Baw Baw Shire Council as managing rapid growth, meeting community expectations, and maintaining financial sustainability.
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On TGU from VLGA Connect this week: The Block pulls out of Hepburn Shire; a new statewide levy short stay accommodation mooted; a council to withdraw fines over a technicality; councils align on regional advocacy and funding programs; a GM’s sacking remains on hold; and do we feed the peacocks?
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Sitting down with Chris Eddy for today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Karen Foster, the mayor of Moyne Shire Council in southwest Victoria.
"There's nothing wrong with being a good and decent person and a kind person. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to listen to other perspectives. It may just shift your own a little bit."
Cr Foster is a first term councillor and first-time Mayor, and has been enjoying the role.
She has a background in journalism and PR, and has a passion for governance.
Karen is also passionate about supporting and mentoring women in business and leadership, and is interested in promoting respectful debate and leadership with kindness and love.
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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Rob Amos, the Mayor of Campaspe Shire Council.
"I love what I do. It's very, very busy, particularly this year with the floods recovery stuff. But I absolutely love it."
Cr Amos is in his first term as a councillor.
He talks about the challenges of learning and adapting to the role, while dealing with challenges such as floods and the ongoing recovery process. He believes that there needs to be more trust and flexibility in the funding and decision-making processes for local councils.
Cr Amos has a background in emergency management and is focussed on improving the shire's emergency management plan.
He is passionate about serving the community and making a positive impact as a councillor and mayor.
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As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by Roberta Ryan, professor of local government at the University of Newcastle.
Prof. Ryan was an expert witness during the Operation Sandon enquiry, and gives her perspective on proposed changes to the planning framework and recommendations to bring more independence to council's management of the CEO employment relationship.
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VLGA Connect, TGU - 8th September 2023
This week on TGU, a regional councillor ordered to apologise for social media activity; the narrative on councils’ role in housing shortages challenged; new research on perceptions of corruption; what keeps CEOs awake at night; and Julie Reid reports from Scotland on current local government issues and challenges.
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Joining Chris Eddy on today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Tammy Radford, mayor of Cardinia Shire, one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria.
"Push yourself. Just because you're feeling nervous and you're not sure about something, don't hide away from it, just push yourself."
The rapid population growth has led to a need for critical infrastructure improvements.
Cr Radford became a councillor through a community leadership program,
and is a strong advocate for gender equality in local government.
She believes that more needs to be done to address bullying and improve mental health support for councillors.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Today's Local Leaders guest is Kerryn Ellis, CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, which was under administration for over two years before returning to elected representation in October 2021.
Kerryn tells Chris Eddy about the transition from administration to elected representation that required extensive induction and transition processes for the new councillor group.
The organisation faced challenges during the transition, including staff experiencing inappropriate behavior and tension in the community.
Kerryn highly valued the trusted advisors and a supportive network that helped her to navigate the challenges and lead the organisation through the transition.
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On this week’s episode of TGU with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic, catch up on recent sector developments, including: a councillor pleads guilty to misuse of position and is spared conviction; Hume City Council withdraws an appeal against a VCAT ruling on councillor conduct; Moonee Valley councillors caught up in an IBAC investigation; sunlight wins in a precedent setting VCAT decision; and a council withdraws its membership of a peak local government professional body.
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Joining Chris Eddy on today's episode of Local Leaders is Lucy Roffey, the CEO of Central Goldfields Shire Council.
"Local government gives you so much experience in such a broad range of things."
Lucy Roffey has a unique background, having worked in the film industry and running a luxury day spa in Canada before transitioning to local government.
Lucy emphasises the importance of supporting the mayor and councillors as the face of the council.
Her legacy goal is to ensure the Central Goldfields community has access go first class facilities, as well as improved rail services.
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Today's guest on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series is Bernie O'Sullivan, CEO of Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
"I'm loving the local government sector. I've done a full circle... back to where I was ultimately going to be. It's a very privileged position to have."
Bernie has a background in agriculture, public service, and local government, and is focused on planning for sustainable growth and managing housing affordability and diversity in the region.
He believes in the importance of community input and decision-making in local government.
He discusses current challenges including recruitment in a competitive market, the financial sustainability of local government and increasing community expectations.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid catch up on local government news, including a Supreme Court decision with relevance for arbiters’ outcomes; the case against Yarra Ranges Shire dismissed; a council’s call for respectful behaviour towards staff; a GM sacked and reinstated within 24 hours; and a potential legal challenge as a council drops the prayer.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Today on Local Leaders, our guest is Cr Rosie Annear, the Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire Council.
"There is nothing that you can't come back from, you've just got to ride out the hard times."
Cr Annear has a background in hospitality and teaching.
Rosie decided to run for council because she wanted to make a difference and represent the diverse community of Mount Alexander Shire.
She is passionate about demystifying council and making it more accessible to the community.
Her priorities as a councillor include affordable housing and improving access to childcare and kindergartens.
Cr Annear hopes to inspire more young people and women to get involved in local government, and believes that anyone can make a difference and encourages others to have a go.
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Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leader series is Marcia Timmers-Leitch, the Mayor of Knox City Council.
Cr Timmers-Leitch tells Chris Eddy about her reasons for getting involved in local government, and talks about current challenges and projects, including her council's consideration of its future in delivering kindergarten services.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Join Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic for a wrap up of the week’s local government happenings on TGU from VLGA Connect.
On the menu this week, trees disappearing from the suburbs under cover of darkness; a plan to silence local objections towards housing projects; Councils consider their position on kindergarten delivery; the high cost of supporting a community campaign; a call to stamp out abuse of local laws officers; and much more from around the local government sector on TGU.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Joining us on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series today is Cr Angelica Panopoulos, Mayor of Merri-Bek City Council.
"I love being on council. It is such a great, great experience."
Cr Panopoulos is the youngest ever mayor of Merri-bek City Council (formerly Moreland).
She became involved in local government through her activism for refugee rights.
Angelica talks about the challenges of standing for council during a COVID election and how she had to adapt her campaign strategies.
She is passionate about tree planting and urban cooling to combat the loss of trees in her municipality.
Angelica believes that local government should address both immediate and long-term needs.
Local Leaders features mayors and CEOs from VLGA member councils across Victoria.
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Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Annette Death, the Mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire Council in central Victoria.
"How do we manage to keep women involved in these roles beyond that, beyond their first term? And then how do we diversify that even more?"
Cr Death is a first-term councillor and has found the experience to be rewarding and challenging.
Annette decided to run for local government to raise awareness of strategic land use planning issues in her area.
She was surprised to be elected and has had to balance her role as mayor with her full-time job and family responsibilities. Annette has received support and mentoring from other first-term mayors and is part of a network of women in local government.
She is focused on community engagement and wants to ensure that the community's voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Annette is passionate about addressing the housing crisis and finding a balance between population growth and preserving the rural character of the Macedon Ranges.
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This week, the TGU panel discusses the latest developments in the TechnoPark issue in Hobsons Bay; a court win for Merri-bek; an ‘absurd’ bidding war in Port Phillip; countback results; a NSW MP under pressure to give up his councillor position; a panel divided on pet remains in cemeteries; and lots more of the week’s local government news.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt speak with IBAC Deputy Commissioner to get the IBAC perspective on the process of forming its 34 recommendations.
David responds to the reaction following the release of the report, and talks about likely next steps.
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"We need to tell our story to our ratepayers."
The Mayor of Glen Eira, Cr Jim Magee, is passionate about the state of the local government sector and the challenges it faces.
Cr Magee has had discussions with mayors from across Victoria and interstate, and they all face similar problems in their municipalities.
He believes that councils need more support from state and federal governments, as they are facing increasing costs and limited resources.
Cr Magee argues that councils are often blamed for issues that are beyond their control, such as planning decisions and cost shifting from higher levels of government.
He believes that councils need to communicate their challenges and the impact of government decisions to ratepayers, so they understand the need for rate increases and additional funding.
Cr Magee is part of the current Mayoral Advisory Panel and hopes to address the issue of financial sustainability in local government. He is committed to his role as mayor and plans to continue serving as long as his residents believe he has something to offer.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Joining us on VLGA Connect is the CEO of Recycling Victoria, Tony Circelli.
In his first year in the role, Tony tells us about his background and the current priorities for his organisation - including the rollout of the new container deposit scheme and how RV is working with councils on recycling initiatives and the circular economy.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
The TGU panel is back to dissect the week’s local government news, including councils blindsided and sidelined by state government interventions; Yarra Ranges Shire Council in the Supreme Court; another Greater Geelong councillor resigns; the Queensland CEO terminated after less than three months in the job; and the French mayor who wants local dogs to have a passport and submit to DNA testing!
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
"Collaboration in local government is where good outcomes are going to come from when it's done right."
Cr Isabelle Tolhurst is the mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe.
She has faced challenges in her role, including dealing with community issues and calls for intervention. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is a motion of no confidence in the council, which raised concerns about project delays and cost blowouts.
Cr Tolhurst believes that it is important for the council to engage with the community and listen to their feedback and concerns. She is committed to ensuring the financial viability and sustainability of the council, as well as implementing the council's climate emergency response plan.
The Borough of Queenscliffe is the smallest council in Victoria and faces challenges due to its size and limited resources.
Tolhurst is proud of the borough's independence and unique identity, and believes that collaboration with neighbouring councils is important for service delivery.
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A special edition of VLGA Connect unpacking the IBAC Operation Sandon report, and what the 34 recommendations could mean for the way councils function in future in Victoria.
On the panel for this discussion is Kathryn Arndt, CEO of the VLGA; Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers; and Steve Cooper, governance consultant from Civic Mind.
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VLGA Connect - TGU, 28th July 2023
The panel gives a first-look response to the findings of Operation Sandon. Plus a long running court case dropped; an arbiter suspends a councillor for misconduct; gender neutral bathrooms in Surf Coast; a third councillor resignation at Strathbogie Shire; and more local government news of the week on TGU.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect Local Leaders - with Pauline Gordon, the CEO of Campaspe Shire Council
"Working together and collaborating to deliver good outcomes for the community."
Pauline Gordon is the CEO of Campaspe Shire Council in Northern Victoria.
She has been in the role since late last year and started during the flood crisis.
More than 50% of the staff at Campaspe Shire Council were directly impacted by the floods.
Pauline's focus is on engaging with the community and delivering good outcomes.
She wants to promote Campaspe as an amazing tourism destination and support economic growth.
Pauline believes in a people-centered model of work and creating a safe and valued workplace.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with the values of the organization.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid, reaction from councils to the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria; a last minute bid to delay the Operation Sandon report; a council bans fossil fuel advertising while another wants a ban on commercial kangaroo shooting; a twist in outcome of the extraordinary election at Strathbogie; and practising our best Hong Kong Stare to discourage smokers!
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Next up on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series is Cr Tina Samardzija, the Mayor of Monash City Council.
"This is your local community and you're a part of it."
Tina Samardzija is the Mayor of the City of Monash in Victoria, Australia.
She was elected as a councillor in 2020 and became Deputy Mayor before being elected as Mayor.
Tina's main motivation for joining local government was to have a say in the local facilities and services that young families rely on.
She is particularly interested in improving maternal health services and providing more information and support for mothers.
Tina's background is in law and economics, and she previously worked in state and federal government.
She sees the role of local government as being more directly connected to the community than state and federal government.
The City of Monash is a populous and diverse area, with a growing population and a focus on sustainable growth and transport infrastructure.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week, the TGU panel looks into an emotive planning issue in Hobsons Bay; highlighting another cost shift to local government; councillor departures continue; a gain for Noosa is a loss for Victoria; intelligent sensing switched on in Baw Baw; a council forcing workers back to the office 5 days per week; and more UK councils on brink of bankruptcy.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect Local Leaders Series
Rebecca McKenzie, CEO Glen Eira City Council
"The local government sector is addictive."
Rebecca McKenzie has been the CEO of Glen Eira City Council since 2016.
McKenzie has a background in HR and is one of the few CEOs in Victoria with that background.
She has been the chair of Zoos Victoria for the past two years and finds it a valuable addition to her portfolio career.
Glen Eira City Council has been recognised as having highly engaged and aligned staff, which is important for recruitment and retention.
McKenzie acknowledges the financial challenges facing councils, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and calls for a reevaluation of the local government financial model.
McKenzie is a strong advocate for gender equity in the sector and acknowledges the progress that has been made, but believes there is still work to be done.
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect - TGU, 7th July 2023
This week on TGU, the imminent release of the Operation Sandon report; “testing the market” through Council CEO appointment processes; disaster recovery funding arrangements prompt an angry response; how councils are dealing with meeting disruptions; an innovative work week trial stopped in its tracks; and the Mexican mayoral tradition that probably won’t catch on here!
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If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
TGU, 30th June 2023, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
On the TGU menu this week, the appointment of Greater Geelong’s new CEO; countback results at Greater Geelong and Queenscliffe councils; a no-confidence motion and call for a municipal monitor at Queenscliffe Borough Council unsuccessful; an arbiter finds a Golden Plains councillor committed misconduct for using derogatory and disrespectful language towards the CEO; and the Auditor-General to enquire into financial management at five selected Victorian councils.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the week’s local government news in your weekly dose of TGU, including the appointment of the new Stonnington CEO; renewed calls for better governance training for incoming councillors; more Councils reviewing services such as kindergarten and home care; and a councillor banned from standing at the next election.
TGU is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
TGU, 16th June 2023
Tony Raunic and Julie Reid join Chris Eddy to discuss this week’s local government news, including:
King’s Birthday honorees from around the sector;
National Local Government Award winners announced;
Councillors subject to a lobbying complaint;
Councils face tough challenges with housing and homelessness;
A council’s High Court challenge fails
Two SA councillors removed from office.
TGU is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, the team discusses the big local government stories of the week, including:
A panel of administrators appointed to Moira Shire Council;
IBAC to review its practices after a coroner’s report into the death of a former mayor;
Is the release of the Operation Sandon report imminent?
Knox City Council reviewing its involvement in kindergartens;
Another Drag Storytime event moves online due to security concerns;
Councillors reject their annual pay rise, and much more.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Hear a roundtable discussion with the Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Shane Sali; Mayor of Campaspe Shire, Rob Amos; and CEO of Mildura Rural City Council, Martin Hawson - discussing the impact of last year's floods on community and infrastructure, and the lasting effects that are still being dealt with six months on.
From a VLGA Connect Live Panel session, held 12th May 2023.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy is joined by Tony Raunic and Julie Reid to discuss the week’s main local government stories, including a new CEO announced for the MAV; a Greater Geelong councillor resigns triggering the 43rd countback or byelection for the current Council term; severing a sister city relationship with Russia; the passing of a long term councillor and former mayor; and more council related news from around the country.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Next up in the VLGA Connect Local Leaders, meet the Mayor of the City of Darebin, Cr Julie Williams.
Cr Williams has been on council since 2012, and is in her first term as mayor of the city.
In an open and times raw conversation, Julie talks about what drove her to become a councillor more than 10 years ago, and the legacy that she is working towards in her mayoral term.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, TGU 26th May
Tony Raunic and Julie Reid join Chris Eddy on the TGU panel this week, with sector reaction to the Victorian state budget; a Merri-bek planning matter called in by the Minister; more councils move away from January 26 activities; plus residents’ love letters to trees.
Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Victoria's Auditor General, Andrew Greaves, returns to VLGA Connect to discuss the insights from the last full year of local government financial statements.
How is a shortage of skilled audit and finance professionals impacting audit timelines? And why has there been an increase in errors in found in statements this past year?
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, TGU - 19th May 2023
The weekly wrap of local government news with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic.
Topics this week include the appointment of a second monitor to Strathbogie Shire Council; a verbal stoush over libraries in Greater Geelong; Mayors gather to plan a response to the increasing number of disruptions to council meetings; the latest senior executive appointments and more. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Brent McAlister is our latest guest on the VLGA Connect Local Leaders series.
Brent recently took up the role of CEO at Northern Grampians Shire after a stellar local government career across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand.
He talks to Chris Eddy about his local government background, and the challenges and opportunities for the sector and for his new role at Northern Grampians.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Joining Chris Eddy on the TGU panel this week are Julie Reid and Tony Raunic, discussing the week's local government happenings... and a bit more.
Includes another final report from a municipal monitor; public toilet controversy and a creek renaming; a late motion calling for action on Council meeting disruptors; and much more.
Support the showTo learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 340
Infrastructure Victoria has released the results of an 18-month research project, looking at how and why people are making housing choices; and revealing what could be don to shift demand in new greenfield suburbs to established suburbs, closer to existing infrastruture.
IV CEO Jonathan Spear talks to Chris Eddy about the report's findings and the range of proposed policy options offered for government consideration.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, episode 339
TGU is back with a rundown of the current local government issues, including the increase in disruptions to Council meetings and events; the Darebin Municipal Monitor report released; Geelong CEO recruitment restarts; a rural mayor under fire for duck hunting support and much more.
Links:
Darebin Municipal Monitor's report: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/196681/Attachment-A1-Darebin-Municipal-Monitor-Report-and-attachments.pdf
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 338
In the first of an ongoing series profiling Local Leaders, Chris Eddy is joined by the mayor of Nillumbik Shire Council, Ben Ramcharan.
At 27, and a first term councillor, Ben is one of the youngest mayors in Victoria. He talks about what drove him to become involved in local government; what he aims to achieve while in the mayoral role; and his plans for the future.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 338
Joining Chris Eddy on the program at Simon Harrex from the VLGA, and Jo Noesgaard from SGS Planning and Economics, to discuss a series of briefing papers designed to help local governments address the community and personal impacts from record gambling losses.
Access the series of briefing here for free, after registering for an account: https://lgiu.org/?s=gambling
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
It's an all-new episode of TGU from VLGA Connect, with lots for the team to discuss this week.
Including: an ominous call for administrators at Greater Geelong; the Victorian Mayor considering a landmark defamation case; Councils impacted as a major construction company goes into voluntary administration; and Councillors nationwide join forces on electric vehicle advocacy.
Plus the team's Picks of the Week and much more.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 336 - In Conversation with Ken Weldin
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined in conversation by Ken Weldin, the Joint Head of Audit and Assurance at PKF Melbourne.
The topic is risk and governance, and how groups of intelligent people can sometimes make bad decisions.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Episode 335: This week, Tony Raunic joins Chris Eddy to discuss the local government happenings of the week, headed by a follow up review of governance issues at West Wimmera Shire Council; the release of the final Municipal Monitor's report at Horsham Rural City Council; conflict of interest concerns arising from a government contract process; a councillor denied a study tour over business class fares; sector reforms proceed in Western Australia; the mayor that quit in the middle of a Council meeting; and much more. TGU is a VLGA Connect program, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
Cyber related crisis management for organisations has never been more important, and councils are no exception. Allan Briggs from Crisis Shield joins Chris Eddy today on VLGA Connect to talk about how private and public sector entities are investing in strengthening their IT systems, but run the risk of not being prepared to respond effectively in the event of a crisis.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, TGU - 24th March 2023
Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the week's big local government news stories on TGU, including a call for stronger anti-discrimination laws following last weekend's concerning displays of racism and intolerance; Strathbogie's exit from the state school crossing supervisor program; does robust political debate include the right to offend? And much more in this week's episode.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 332
VEC Deputy Commissioner Dana Fleming joins Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect to explain the process of electoral representation reviews.
39 Victorian Councils are due to undergo a review before the next Council elections. Dana explains the legislative requirements and the steps involved in reaching a final decision on the electoral structure to apply at each of those councils.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on an all-new TGU, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid join Chris Eddy to discuss the week’s local government happenings, including:
- A call to exit Yarrawonga from Moira Shire
- Yarra’s waste charge and Merri-bek animal registration fines in the news
- The Know Your Council website is….gone!
- A former CEO’s lost unfair dismissal case has a sequel
- Tony takes us to the movies, and Julie has a live music recommendation
All on the TGU menu this week from VLGA Connect!
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on In Conversation, Chris Eddy speaks with David Wolf Deputy Commissioner of IBAC on 'corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying'.
David talks us through on some surveys and reports that have been recently published by IBAC such as: Corruption risks associated with donations and lobbying and IBAC's Victorian perceptions of corruption 2022.
Click here to read more on this special reports:
http://bitly.ws/BCkk
http://bitly.ws/BCkH
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic and Julie Reid the big talking point is the dismissal of Moira Shire Council following the release of a a Commission of Inquiry report. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- Political staffers issuing council related press releases
- More questionable councillor social media behaviour
- A legal threat to the use of Christian prayers at council meetings.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic and Julie Reid with councillor behaviour in the spotlight.. again and on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- We hear about some current cases and a call from the sector for tougher penalties.
- Plus a new guide for councillors to understand heritage issues
- nepotism and cronyism in recruitment at Tasmanian councils
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
On our first episode of In Conversation of 2023 , Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt speak with Medha Majumdar on the report she wrote - 'The Missing Women of Australian Politics'.
Medha Majumdar was the Julia Gillard Next Generation Intern 2020-21 with EMILY’s List Australia, and author of The Missing Women of Australian Politics: How violence against women creates barriers to female representation. She is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University, and Fox International Fellow at Yale University. Medha is a recipient of the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Julie Reid on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- A new analysis from VAGO on councils' annual reports, with an increase in the number of errors found
- Final submissions made to VCAT in the alleged voter fraud case for the 2020 Moreland Council elections
- A last minute reprieve for South Australian councillors who lost office for failing to submit campaign donation returns
- A potential test case at a Sydney Council over alleged councillor behaviour contributing to a psychologically unsafe workplace
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- A former mayor find to have engaged in serious misconduct and suspended for two months
- A tick of approval for governance improvements at Yarriambiack Shire
- A housing success story from a southwest Victorian council
- Concerns raised about recruitment practices at Greater Geelong council and much more.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic and Julie Reid on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- A large number of councillors set to lose office in South Australia for failing to submit gift returns.
- Monitors appointed at a Greater Geelong
- Council prayers and acknowledgements of country making news
- The Inspectorate releases figures on a busy 21/22 financial year
- The merits or otherwise of limiting mayoral terms.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- A councillor takes a fight against a court decision to the Supreme Court
- A council meeting closed and police called after unruly public outbursts
- Concerns over the timeline for representation reviews
- Social media posts lead to a councillor’s suspension
- A mayor rejects having an “inefficient” acknowledgement of country at council meetings
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
The municipal monitor at South Gippsland Shire Council has released the final report, after the transition from administration back to elected representatives.
The Council's CEO Kerryn Ellis speaks with Chris Eddy about the report's finding and observations, and the transferable learnings for the broader local government sector.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic and Julie Reid on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- The pending appointment of monitors to the City of Greater Geelong
- Council media policies make news
- An arbiter finding of misconduct reactivates discussion about acceptable robust political debate
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect Episode 320
Special Edition: Mayor of Hume City Council, Joseph Haweil - Responding to a poll that claims most Victorians want to see local councils abolished
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic and Julie Reid on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- A poll that claims most Victorians want to see local councils abolished.
- Rate caps jump to 3.5% to account for higher inflation.
- Countbacks for Yarra City Council, City of Stonnington and Colac Otway Shire
- The review of councils' compliance with the Local Government Act 2020.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic, Steve Cooper and Julie Reid comes together to discuss the week's big local government stories, and for a retrospective look at the highs and lows of the year.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
Corangamite CEO appointment: https://www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Council/News-and-Media/Latest-News/CEO-Andrew-Mason-to-depart-Corangamite-Shire
Glenelg CEO appointment: https://www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/News-and-Media-Releases/Statement-from-the-Mayor-CEO-Recruitment
Councillor votes while driving car over Zoom: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-2836839/Video-Councillor-votes-town-hall-Zoom-meeting-wheel-car.html
Fire sale mistakes: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/fire-sale-mistakes-made-four-050000302.html
Istanbul Mayor gets jail time: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/14/turkish-court-sentences-istanbul-mayor-to-jail-time
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 317 - In Conversation with Cr Jim Magee
Cr Jim Magee is the Mayor of Glen Eira and has called for a major shake-up of the local government sector in Victoria - including a look at cost shifting, the services provided by councils, and the decisions taken by the State Government that impact on the sector.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
This week on TGU, Chris Eddy speaks with Tony Raunic on all things Local Government. Among the highlights they discuss are:
- We have countback results from two councils
- The new state cabinet set with no change for the local government portfolio
- Glen Eira mayor Jim Magee joins us to call for a major shake up of the sector
- One council’s Christmas Tree goes viral.
This episode of TGU was brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 315 - Governance Update
This week, Chris Eddy is joined by guest co-host Julie Reid, a former Council CEO and Executive Director at LGV, to unpack the local government news of the week.
Topics include councillors elected to State Parliament (note there have been updates since the recording of this episode); approaching the finish line of mayoral election season in Victoria; an innovative Council partnership to improve community reporting of issues; a NSW Council to be subject of a parliamentary inquiry on integrity; and much more from another busy week in local government.
The VLGA Connect Governance Update is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here.
If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999
VLGA Connect, Episode 314
This week on the Governance Update from VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by special guest co-host Tony Raunic to discuss the latest local government happenings, including: councils in court; more mayoral election results; a local government stalwart retires; and what we can learn from happenings in other states.
All that and more with thanks to our sponsors, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
Moira Shire Council in court
New Cr Conduct Framework in South Australia
An Advisor appointed to Scenic Rim Regional Council
Opposition to the introduction of Strong Mayor powers in Canada
Councillor Moira Berry, Chair of Peri Urban Councils Victoria, joins Steve Cooper on today's Election Special episode.
Moira talks about advocacy program of Peri Urban Councils Victoria in the run-up to the State Election; in particular its advocacy program around Placemaking, Job Creation, Tourism, Digital Connectivity and Transport Connectivity.
Find out more at https://periurban.com.au/
Councillor Andrea Metcalf, Chair of Regional Cities Victoria, joins Steve Cooper on today's Election Special episode.
Andrea talks about advocacy program of Regional Cities Victoria in the run-up to the 2024 State Election; particularly the four pillars of the advocacy program - Economic Growth, Connectivity, Liveability and Sustainability.
Find out more at https://www.regionalcitiesvictoria.com.au
Councillor Mary-Ann Brown, Chair of Rural Councils Victoria, joins Steve Cooper on today's Election Special episode.
Mary-Ann talks about advocacy program of Rural Councils Victoria in the run-up to the 2024 State Election; the financial and social economics of rural communities; the importance of funding roads and other infrastructure; and the very specific characteristics of rural municipalities that underpin this advocacy program.
Find out more at https://ruralcouncilsvictoria.org.au/
VLGA Connect, Episode 310 - Governance Update
Up for discussion this week, the outcome of an internal arbitration process at Darebin City Council; drawing a line between robust political debate and misconduct; a monitor’s term comes to an end; why we won’t use "grandfathering" any more; mayoral election results and much more.
Links:
Racial history of the grandfather clause
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/10/21/239081586/the-racial-history-of-the-grandfather-clause
Challenge to Adelaide Lord Mayor election result
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-16/adelaide-lord-mayoral-candidate-to-appeal-election-result/101662550
Sudden death of Balranald Shire General Manager
https://balranald.nsw.gov.au/community-announceme/jeff-sowiak-general-manager/
This week on the Governance Update, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss the local government news of the week, including Councils under the pump trying to keep on top of long grass; a mayor ambushed on live television; the Moira Commission of Inquiry appointed; news on councillor resignations and mayoral elections; councils making challenging decisions, and much more.
The Governance Update is brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links to stories of interest:
4 out of 5 cities around the world face significant climate hazards this yearhttps://www.ecowatch.com/climate-hazards-world-cities.htmlStatement by the SA ICAC Commissioner
https://www.icac.sa.gov.au/public-statement/Investigation-Review
Royal Life Saving Australia report on state of aquatic facility infrastructure
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/news-and-updates/news/new-report-shows-up-to-40-of-australian-pools-may-need-substantial-upgrade-or-replacement-by-2030
VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 308
Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper are back together for the weekly Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Included in this week's discussion: a Commission of Inquiry into Moira Shire Council; concerns over unallocated growth area funding; controversy over the handling of a petition to fly the rainbow flag at Gannawarra Shire; a council election candidate faces court; catching up on CEO appointment news; and first results coming in from the 2022/23 Victorian mayoral election season.
Links to stories of interest:
Cr Anthony Tran – except from Q and A
Commission of Inquiry - Moira Shire Council
Outer suburbs infrastructure funding (ABC)
Gannawarra Shire petition for Rainbow Flag (ABC)
Maroondah Council candidate in court
Enforcement action threatened over political campaign activity (The Age)
Know Your Council updated for 2022
List of Vic Council CEO appointments
List of Mayoral Election results
REPRESENT: A handbook for culturally diverse Victorians considering running for local government
A new Budget week VLGA Governance Update with thanks to Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Steve Cooper talks with special guest Jo Noesgaard, Senior Associate at SGS Economics and Planning, Jo is a planner with a drive to shape communities that are accessible and equitable for all. Jo has recently joined SGS Economics and Planning after a successful career in Victorian Local Government. She brings a deep knowledge of social planning, infrastructure planning, community health and wellbeing, service planning, housing policy, and has qualifications in public health and urban planning.
Jo and Steve look at some key elements of the Federal Budget for local government; including infrastructure, housing, gender equality and emergency management.
Jo offers up some important messages for councils that go beyond the headlines.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-noesgaard-24206243/
https://www.sgsep.com.au/people/jo-no...
https://budget.gov.au/
A new rather different Governance Update with Steve Cooper and special guest Sarah Rey, Founding Partner at Justitia Lawyers.
Sarah is an employment lawyer providing advice on risk, governance and compliance with extensive experience in investigations into misconduct and bullying, including within local government.
This week there is just one topic, but it’s a big one. Steve talks with Sarah about workplace investigations – the common dynamics; breaking down the steps; legal privilege and confidentiality; some recurring mis-steps; essential ingredients and life after the investigation’s conclusion.
Links:
https://justitia.com.au/our-team/sarah-rey/
A new Governance Update with Stephen Cooper and special guest Allison Watt. The team take a look behind the governance news of this very wet week including: venue announcements for the Commonwealth Games; prayers and diversity statements; ongoing legal manoeuvres relating to a CEO termination; an IBAC report goes to Parliament; movement on electoral representation reviews; some important events; and much more.
Links:
https://www.vic.gov.au/victoria-2026-commonwealth-games-sports-program
https://golin.com/2021/03/31/stop-using-female-when-you-mean-woman/
https://rationalist.com.au/momentum-for-change-builds-as-two-victorian-councils-act-on-prayer-issue/
https://thefifthestate.com.au/urbanism/planning/how-public-art-can-revitalise-urban-spaces/
https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/sacked-council-ceo-could-not-afford-to-keep-paying-legal-team-for-appeal-20221005-p5bnde.html
https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/publications-and-resources/article/corruption-risks-associated-with-donations-and-lobbying
https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/electoral-representation-advisory-panels-eraps
https://www.vlga.org.au/%2Fcivicrm%2Fevent%2Finfo%3Fid%3D440%26reset%3D1
On an all-new Governance Update Steve Cooper visits the offices of our sponsor, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, and talks with Managing Partner Tony Raunic.
Tony and Steve unpack the governance news of the week including:
Governance mis-steps at the Essendon Football Club; a new High Court Judge and some wisdom from RBG; some topical legal goings-on; the proposed Air BNB waste charge in Tasmania; a costly defamation finding against a councillor; and more.
Links:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-29/jayne-jagot-announced-new-high-court-judge/101485134
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-26/airbnb-waste-levy-hike-by-dorset-council-prompts-fury-from-owner/101469580
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/councillor-to-pay-developer-205-000-for-comments-on-community-facebook-page-20221004-p5bn20.html
On an all-new Governance Update with Stephen Cooper and special guest Allison Watt, a look behind the governance news of the week, including:
CEO side hustles, a super-quick road name change in Geelong, Merri-bek City Council is now official, a Tasmanian Council makes an interesting call on Air BnB waste charges, conduct issues referred to Council meetings at Gannawarra and Wyndham, an addendum on Governance Rules, the ABC report that ‘Developer slams council’; some upcoming events, and more.
Links
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-26/airbnb-waste-levy-hike-by-dorset-council-prompts-fury-from-owner/101469580
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-24/garner-smith-referred-to-council-conduct-authority/101470460
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/wyndham-deputy-mayor-embroiled-in-staff-bullying-allegations-20220926-p5bl3n.html
https://www.abc.net.au/new s/2022-09-29/bega-valley-mayor-slams-developer-after-incompetence-claim/101483148
On an all-new Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, a look behind the governance news of the week, including: a big advocacy win for councils in Melbourne's west; new MAV rules endorsed; award wins for Casey, Greater Bendigo and Darebin; senior executive news and more.
The Governance Update from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect, Episode 301:
The era of deliberative engagement in local government is here, and the team at Mosaic Lab has literally written the book on it.
They live and breathe deliberative engagement - or as co-founder Keith says, "We really dork out on this stuff!" On this episode of VLGA Connect, Chris speaks with Keith and Nicole from Mosaic Lab about their new Big Book of Deliberative Engagement, and discuss how they've developed a body of experience and insights from which all engagement practitioners can learn and benefit.
VLGA Connect, State Election Series - Episode 300
As part of the VLGA's State Election Series, the Victorian Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne took questions from an audience of mayors and councillors from around the state, on a wide range of questions. Topics discussed included planning issues, affordable housing provision, councillor behaviour, infrastructure challenges, local government relations with state and federal government, and lots more.
VLGA Connect, Governance Update - Episode 299
On this week's program, Chris and Steve discuss noteworthy local government happenings, including the official renaming of Moreland City Council; unauthorised use of Monash City Council's logo; a confession from a Whitehorse ratepayer; Councillors using FOI to access Council documents; and much more from a big week if local government news.
VLGA Connect, episode 298
On a special edition of VLGA Connect, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by the new Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, to talk about her approach to the role.
The Minister provides more detail on how the new government will engage with local governments around Australia, a review of funding arrangements for the sector and more topical issues of interest.
On this week's Governance Update from VLGA Connect, Chris and Steve talk about the impacts (or non-impacts) on Councils arising from the passing of Queen Elizabeth II; councillor social media behaviour making news again; good news for federal/local government relations; councillor election and CEO appointment news; and a potential Council merger to go to a vote in South Australia.
Plus much more on the weekly Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
On a delayed Governance Update this week, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the week's local government news, including a ground breaking collaboration between 4 councils and Barwon Water; councils considering important service delivery decisions; Melbourne considering its 26th January options; a rural council's dangerous dog decision upheld by VCAT; and lots more in this week's episode, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect: State Election Series 2022, Live Panel event
Conducted Friday 26th August, with Shadow Minister for Local Government and Housing, Richard Riordan, and Shadow Minister for Planning, Ryan Smith.
Questions were put to the panellists about the State Opposition's intended approach to a wide range of issues of relevance to the local government sector, including culture, planning reforms, housing affordability, local government service delivery and more.
VLGA Connect, Episode 293 - Governance Update
This week, we track down Steve Cooper in Darwin to get his thoughts on the events of the week, including happenings in Canberra; a governance rules kerfuffle at Yarra; new alliances formed; senior executive news; a council demerger going ahead, and lots more news from around the local government sector.
VLGA Connect, Episode 292:
The Premier's Sustainability Awards finalists have been announced for this year. On this episode of VLGA Connect, we focus on two of the nominated Council projects that are demonstrating leadership and innovation in the local government sector.
Scott Bryant outlines the City of Greater Bendigo's holistic approach to the circular economy; and then Claire Matthews from Greater Geelong tells us about the council's bin inspection program that has evolved considerably over 7 years to produce significant results.
Ep: 291: VLGA Connect Governance Update
Our weekly dissection of governance news with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper, including a call for your input on political behaviour that does not quite constitute a conduct breach but we just don't like it!
Topics include the intersection of public art and Council policy; a councillor conduct panel result; leading the way on shared parental leave; constitutional recognition for local government back on the agenda; a controversial councillor suspended; and much much more. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
Episode 290: VLGA Connect Governance Update:
This week, we celebrate Steve's new career as a photographer; revisiting the vexed issues of 'leaves of absence' and councillor conduct; electoral representation reviews; a study of the impacts of councillor remuneration; controversial council decisions; resignations and appointments, and much more! Brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
On this week's program, talking culturally diverse representation at the local government level; feedback from last week's conduct discussion; looking for clarity on councillor obligations when running for another level of government; appointing an internal referee for councillor disagreements - a coming trend?; the quaint practice of weighing the mayor; a CEO appointment and acknowledging the passing of a highly respected local government leader. Sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect, Episode 288 - Governance Update
On this week's program, we unpack and dissect the Stonnington conduct outcomes; insights from the latest Global Executive Panel; Councils in the news over Australia Day, a golf course, Governance Rules, mayoral robes, sudden CEO departures, and much more! Stay with us to the end for late breaking news!
For the Stonnington reports, see the agenda for the Council Meeting of 25/7/22 here: https://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/About/About-Council/Council-meetings/Minutes-and-agendas; or view the Council discussion here: http://webcast.stonnington.vic.gov.au/archive/video22-0725.php
VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 287
The weekly Governance Update is here, where Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the week's notable local government stories.
More on the origins of Victorian council names; Darebin goes external to appoint a Councillor Conduct Officer; the controversial Rex Theatre sale decision at Hepburn Shire; a pending Supreme Court matter that may have broader implications; when is it appropriate to backdate a document? And much more in this week's episode, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect, Episode 286 - Governance Update, 15th July 2022
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers: we follow up on attempts to have a definitive list of Victorian councils with Indigenous names; an erratum from Steve on his true crime knowledge; controversial council and council officer missteps in the news; a Koala and a public question time dilemma; Wingecarribee Council sacked; and much more news from around the local government sector.
VLGA Connect, Episode 284
Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect today is Greg Hannan from Powercor, discussing a new report that looks at how communities and councils can plan for and implement neighbourhood battery projects. The report looks at the various uses for batteries, the key factors to consider in their location, design and planning, as well as the commercial considerations for not only their cost but also how they may potentially create revenue for communities.
VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 264 - 8th July 2022
On this week's Governance Update menu: a change of Prime Minister imminent in the UK; Steve's Wimbledon memories; Moreland a step closer to becoming Merri-bek; at least one addition to the municipal monitor list coming soon; major reforms on the way for local government in Western Australia; a backflip on a backflip in Queensland; plus a CEO resignation and a countback result. All part of the news to be unpacked on the Government Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, a local MP has called for a municipal monitor to be appointed to Horsham Rural City Council; farewell to Shaun Leane as Local Government Minister and we welcome Melissa Horne to the portfolio; a clear favourite for Moreland's new name emerges; three Vic Council CEO appointment developments this week; and much more in our weekly discussion of local government news, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect, Episode 282:
On VLGA Connect today, Chris Eddy speaks with Sarah Toohey, the CEO of the Community Housing Industry Association of Victoria about a new suite of tools designed to help councils deliver more social and affordable housing. It's a much watch for councillors, senior executives, planning practitioners and other council officers!
Find out more here: https://chiavic.com.au/community-housing/affordable-housing-agreements/
VLGA Connect: Governance Update, 24th June 2022
Episode 281
Today on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
It's National Take Your Dog to Work Day! Apart from canine interruptus, we talk about the newly released Municipal Monitor's report in relation to Yarra City Council;
A councillor donating her allowance accrued during a leave of absence;
Councillors standing for Liberal Party preselection to the upper house;
The culture review insights report in the news;
Councils grappling with balance in relation to public participation at council meetings;
CEO appointment news and Steve's view on how CEO salaries are reported in the media;
and much, much more.
Here are some links for further reading:
Yarra monitor report: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/municipal-monitor-tenure-extended-yarra-city-council; https://t.co/xbeXa6Gm91
Despi O'Connor to donate allowance: https://www.mpnews.com.au/2022/06/20/oconnor-to-donate-council-election-pay/
Liberal Party upper house preselection: https://twitter.com/sumeyyailanbey/status/1539387781889216512?s=20
ABC reports on culture review insights report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA06p38EgQ4
Chestermere Council under investigation: https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/not-right-chestermere-council-under-fire-for-lack-of-transparency
City of Swan meeting procedure changes: https://echonewspaper.com.au/talk-time-cut-at-swan/?fbclid=IwAR3vm8umeJ0lS0SVVmoNMpBX2VloqWBqrV4pEc0JuEt8-kcJf_R4tEQc8pg
A CEO appointed and then unappointed: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/onkaparinga-council-ceo-alastair-dawson-who-blasted-grace-tame/news-story/ecd14b0069c7e757daec91f900f8aeb0
City of Casey CEO reappointed for 5 years: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/news/council-reappoints-casey-ceo-glenn-patterson
Jerome Weimar, CEO Comm Games OC https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/weimar-lead-victoria-2026-organising-committee
Southern Mallee CEO and Council part ways:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-23/southern-mallee-council-ceo-jason-taylor-leaves/101176302
London councillor escapes sanction for breaking lockdown rules - was not acting in an official capacity!
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-61892733
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper, discussion topics include:
Reaction to the State Government's threatened freeze out of Geelong Council;
VLGA Board election results are in;
Making the case for a new day of observance;
Councils in the news over alleged conflicts of interest, inappropriate conduct and corrosive council work environments.
The Governance Update from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
VLGA Board Election results: https://www.vlga.org.au/news/results-2022-vlga-board-elections
Mornington Peninsula reappoints CEO: https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News-Media-Publications/News-Media/Council-reappoints-Shire-CEO-John-Baker
Randwick Mayor rejects complaint to ICAC: Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker rejects complaint made to ICAC over $10m surf club refurbishment | Daily Telegraph
Surf Coast developers sue government: Surf Coast: Developers sue Daniel Andrews government over planning ‘bias’ (theage.com.au)
Adelaide Councillor resigns over corrosive culture: 'There is no civility': Prominent city councillor resigns - CityMag
English County Councils inflation funding call: https://www.localgov.co.uk/Counties-in-inflation-funding-call/54360
VLGA Connect, Episode 279:
This week, speculation about the identity of PRGuy hits the Governance Update. Plus, preparing your Governance Rules for new rules on remote meetings; new financial hardship legislation announced; Mayors step down and CEOs appointed; an EB is landed; Council culture and councillor behaviour exposed, and much more. Brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
1. https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/federal-court-orders-twitter-to-release-information-on-controversial-prguy17-account-20220607-p5arpo.html
2. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6937724500289417216/
3. https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/giving-ratepayers-fair-go
4. https://communitydirectors.com.au/training/women-lead5. IBAC chief calls for reform to stop logjam in courts
6. Cr O'Keeffe resigns position as Mayor - Greater Shepparton City Council
7. Resignation of Mayor Stephanie Asher - City of Greater Geelong
8. 'Lack of confidence' in city's ability to deliver key projects: state
9. https://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/News-Media/Moyne-Shire-Council-appoints-new-CEO
10. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/darebin-city-council_we-welcome-the-news-that-our-acting-ceo-rachel-activity-6939805024461930497-TIEk
11. https://elpasomatters.org/2022/05/23/ci ty-manager-tommy-gonzalezs-contract-has-grown-more-lucrative-over-time-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
12. Council to proceed with sale of East Paddock to Victorian Government
13. Moreland City Council strike: Industrial action causes rubbish bin collection delay | Herald Sun
14. $10 to save controversial banana statue's skin? Not a-peeling, says council
15. https://www.abc.net.au/perth/programs/mornings/local-government-party-politics-register/13914100
16.
VLGA Connect, Episode 278:
It's the morning after the night before.... Chris and Steve reflect on the LGPro Conference Awards night and dinner, including multiple award wins for Gannawarra Shire; feedback to share from recent episodes; a contentious land sale proposal attracting attention at Macedon Ranges; new local government ministers at the federal level; a shortage of professional staff having an impact across the sector; the WA Local Government Minister comes out strongly about a decision of Perth City Council; senior executive news, and lots more. Brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
VLGA Connect, Episode 277
Hume City Council's Health Champions program has been awarded at the Welcoming Cities Awards, announced at the recent symposium in Canberra.
In this episode, we find out more about the program, the challenges it sought to overcome, and its ultimate successes from Julie Andrews and Liz Shield.
On the weekly Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, Chris and Steve reflect on the federal election campaign from a local government perspective; lots of CEO level developments around the state; councils in the news over school gates and golf courses, and much more to discuss.
Governance Update: VLGA Connect Episode 275
This week on the Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers:
68 of 79 councils recognise IDAHOBIT Day;
The culture project Insights Report is out;
One council begins a process to hand back stolen lands, while another moves ahead with a renaming process;
Federal election campaign outcomes and more work to be done to ensure local government gets its fair share;
A couple of interesting developments at Council meetings this week;
and much more in the weekly dissection of council happenings with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper.
Links:
Darebin council plan to give Melbourne 'stolen land' to traditional Aboriginal owners | Herald Sun
Renaming Moreland
How swimming pool project promises from the last federal election could plunge local councils into debt - ABC News
Councils secure billions for our communities - Australian Local Government Association
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-carey-mla-3223b617b_transparency-of-council-meetings-council-activity-6932930366458474496-hCjU
https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/news/cumberland-city-council-launches-anti-violence-campaign-its-not-ok-abuse-council-staff
VLGA Connect, Governance Update - Episode 273
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, auditor generals in two states find room for improvement in Council fraud and audit processes; a loss in the Supreme Court for Hume City Council; election signage issues abound; Council meeting times in the news; an alleged murderer elected to a town board; and a special guest appearance from Andrew Gunter, Special Counsel at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
Vic Auditor General Report - local government grants
QLD Auditor General Report - Local Government 2021
West Wimmera Update to Flag Flying Policy
Hume - Supreme Court decision
Council potentially infringes third party campaign rights
SA Council - dispute over council meeting times
Pressure on Port Hedland Mayor to resign
Board members should 'channel their inner ferret'
Alleged murderer elected to town board
A solution in search of a problem...
VLGA Connect, Episode 272:
On today's episode, Chris Eddy is joined by Shannon Smyth and Dian Lipiarski from Sustainability Victoria, to talk about the Recycled First Local Government Program, and how is connecting councils with resources and information to buy recycled product and participate in the circular economy.
VLGA Connect, Episode 271:
This week on the Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the week's local government happenings, including a former mayor's federal election campaign on hold; local government well represented in the latest Top 50 Public Sector Women honourees; election signage continues to be an issue for councils; council employees called on to provide their views on corruption on public sector; another edition of 'Councillors Behaving Badly' and Council CEO announcements. Special Guest: Dr Kerryn Adams, IBAC
VLGA Connect, Episode 270:
Kathryn Arndt and Steve Cooper of the VLGA join Chris Eddy in the annual budget analysis special from VLGA Connect. They share insights into how local government fared in the 2022 Victorian State Budget, and some of the reaction from around the sector.
VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 269:
This week on the Governance Update, a COVID-affected Steve wants to refine some of his comments from last week; plus monitors, tenuous links abound, we revisit the West Wimmera controversy; and discussion on councils and councillors in the news.
Links:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-26/edenhope-rsl-shows-support-to-gay-and-trans-community/101016606
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-26/mayor-of-canada-bay-accused-of-taking-bribes-from-developers/101016324
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-27/tas-councillor-darren-fairbrother-guilty-of-flashing-prosecutor/101017884
VLGA Connect, Episode 268:
On today's episode, Chris Eddy is joined by Victoria's LGBTIQ+ Communities Commissioner, Todd Fernando. Learn about his background and how he came into the role; his bout of imposter syndrome; challenges and disappointments; and what lies ahead for Australia's first openly queer and Aboriginal Commissioner.
VLGA Connect, Episode 267: Governance Update, 22nd April 2022
On this week's Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, a rural council's decision not to fly the Rainbow Flag sparks debate and alarm; a successful Mayoral Easter charity event; modern slavery act obligations on NSW Councils come into effect; differing council approaches to election signage regulation in the spotlight; and a tribute on the passing of a long time friend of local government.
Links -
ABC Radio: interview with West Wimmera Mayor, Cr Bruce Meyer:
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/wimmera/programs/breakfast/breakfast/13841938
Integrity and Oversight Committee Report:
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/committees/IOC/Inquiry_into_the_Education_and_Prevention_Functions_of_Victorias_Integrity_Agencies/Report/IOC_59-04_Education_and_Prevention_Functions_Victorian_Integrity_Agencies_2.pdf
Brisbane Advertising Devices Local Law 2021:
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05/advertising_devices_local_law_2021.docx
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021-09/advertising_devices_design_and_assessment_rule.docx
VLGA Connect, episode 266:
Emily Maguire, the CEO of Respect Victoria, joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt on today's episode to talk about the role of her organisation, how it engages with local government, and about the opportunities for more connection and involvement through such initiatives as the 16 Days of Activism.
VLGA Connect, Episode 265:
Professor Liam Smith is a leading authority on behaviour change. On today's VLGA Connect, he speaks with Chris Eddy about how an understanding of human behaviour and how to influence it can be helpful for councils in getting the outcomes they're looking for.
VLGA Connect Governance Update, episode 264:
This week we unpack the announcement of municipal monitors to be appointed to three more Victorian Councils; the sector reaction to the Commonwealth Games coming to regional Victoria in 2026; and more news from around the sector on our weekly Governance Update.
VLGA Connect Episode 262:
On today's program, Chris Eddy speaks with Dr Tim Johnson about Treenet, an independent non-profit organisation working with organisations including councils to improve the urban forest.
We talk about the origins of the organisation, how it assists councils and communities to appreciate the values of the urban forest, and some of the current issues of relevance to the sector.
VLGA Connect Governance Update, 8th April 2022:
On the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper this week, we unpack the Latrobe Councillor Code of Conduct Panel process and outcomes; plus news from around the sector including a new LGV Executive Director appointment; a guest appearance from Moira Shire Mayor Cr Libro Mustica talking about cross border cooperation; an ex Victorian CEO heading to a Queensland council; a NSW mayor subject of an ICAC enquiry; and the shoe is on the other foot over a questionable art 'installation'.
Links:
Latrobe Councillor Conduct matter:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-06/staff-quits-regional-council-over-safety-concerns/100967984
Margot Stork appointment:
https://northburnett.qld.gov.au/margot-stork-appointed-as-chief-executive-officer-of-north-burnett-regional-council/
Canada Bay mayor ICAC:
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/corruption-watchdog-launches-inquiry-into-canada-bay-mayor-20220406-p5abek.html
WA Local Government minister statement:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-carey-mla-3223b617b_esafety-commissioner-activity-6917309492263096320-jvCQ
'Shark in house' protected landmark:
https://reason.com/2022/03/30/brickbat-candygram/
VLGA Connect Special Edition, Episode 260:
Insights from Professor Carolyn Hendricks, former MP and communications consultant Bill Forwood, and Associate Professor Andrea Carson, who participated in the FastTrack 2022 panel discussing what trust in leadership looks like.
VLGA Connect Episode 259:
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a conversation with Victoria's Shadow Minister for Local Government, Richard Riordan. Topics include the local government rating system, the cultural review of the sector, the perception of councils at other levels of government, and the value or otherwise of council alliances.
VLGA Connect Governance Update, Episode 258:
On the program this week:
- Why is the Local Government Minister so impressed with Gippsland councils?
- Victoria Police back to basics initiative to include more engagement with councils
- Is the distribution of political freebies a local laws issue for councils?
- The report from the independent review of workplace equality at Ambulance Victoria is out
- The Mayor who reportedly has a ratepayer funded spiritual adviser
- The due date for Gender Equality plans has come and gone
- The benefits vs risks of regional council alliances
- Executive and councillor movements
- Vale Deb Ganderton
Links:
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/new-victoria-police-initiative-connect-community
https://rationalist.com.au/gold-coast-mayors-new-spiritual-adviser-supports-fundamentalist-ideology/
Federal Budget boost for Victorian infrastructure | Prime Minister of Australia
Freight terminal spending 'short-changes' Victoria, state government says
Council on the search for its next CEO
Council's GM not seeking re-appointment
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News-Media-Publications/News-Media/Peri-Regional-status-one-of-six-Council-advocacy-priorities
VLGA FastTrack 2022 Special Edition:
Professor Anna Armstrong and LGV Executive Director Julie Reid reflect on the process to review the culture of the local government sector in Victoria.
VLGA Connect, Episode 256:
On a special episode recorded at FastTrack 2022, some Victorian Mayors share their insights into what they've learned during time as councillors that would have been useful to know when they were starting out.
With thanks to:
Cr Kim O'Keeffe, Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council
Cr Jasmine Nguyen, Mayor, Brimbank City Council
Cr Chrissy Weller, Mayor, Campaspe Shire Council
Cr Jennifer Anderson, Mayor, Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Cr Libby Stapleton, Mayor, Surf Coast Shire Council
Cr Tim Drylie, Mayor, Hepburn Shire Council
Cr Frances Eyre, Mayor, Nillumbik Shire Council
Cr Steve Staikos, Mayor, Kingston City Council
VLGA Connect, Episode 255: On the Governance Update this week, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Andrew Gunter from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the Supreme Court judgment in the political signage case of Badger vs Bayside City Council. The outcome is relevant for all councils in Victoria.
Plus news on councillor movements, with a Deputy Mayor and a Mayor resigning their positions this week, and a countback and a by-election result confirmed.
And a look at some interesting council related developments from interstate.
Links:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/23/independent-zoe-daniel-wins-court-battle-over-election-campaign-signs
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-22/mildura-deputy-mayor-resigns-citing-bullies-/100930262
https://www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/cr-ziegeler-steps-down-mayor
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/liberal-led-council-threatens-not-to-collect-bins-with-anti-morrison-stickers-20220322-p5a6tr.html
https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/news-and-resources/media-releases/2022/dubbo-regional-council-to-consider-new-senior-staff-structure
VLGA Connect, Episode 254: This week on the Governance Update, analysing the new Victorian councillor allowance regime; a further countback needed to fill Moreland vacancy; lessons from a tragic boarding house fire; a Tasmanian councillor in court and a damning cultural review into another Tasmanian council; Central Coast Council sacked and new elections required for three NSW Councils.
Links:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-15/tas-flashing-councillor-genitals-boat-harbour-g-string/100910982
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-15/airbnb-tax-proposed-to-address-rental-housing-shortage/100910080
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-18/clarence-city-council-review-into-toxic-workplace-culture/100917930
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-17/central-coast-council-public-inquiry-report/100916724
https://insidelocalgovernment.com.au/results-thrown-out-in-three-nsw-council-elections/
VLGA Connect, Ep 253:
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy to discuss last week's International Women's Day event, and to talk through the key points of the VLGA's submission to the review of culture in the Victorian local government sector.
VLGA Connect, Episode 252: Today on the program, Chris Eddy is joined by Aleem Ali, the CEO of Welcoming Australia, and Sebastian Geers, Manager of Welcoming Cities Project to talk about their organisation supports local governments to advance communities where everyone can belong, and to participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.
Find out more at welcomingcities.org.au
VLGA Connect, Episode 251:
On the Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the latest on Bayside political signage dispute in the Supreme Court; Yarra removes controversial elements from its proposed Code of Conduct and announces its new CEO; councillor allowances announced with a new category for Deputy Mayors; countback results, developing future women councillors and more.
More on councillor allowances here
VLGA Connect, episode 250:
Today's guest on VLGA Connect is Leanne Williams, President of Public Libraries Victoria, speaking with Chris Eddy about the recently launched Libraries Health and Wellbeing Strategic Framework 2024 - targeting the impact areas of social connection, physical health and mental wellbeing to drive health and wellbeing improvements in Victorian communities.
A new initiative out of Deakin University is working to promote healthy eating, and to help people find retailers that provide a healthy food environment.
The project, known as Nourish Network, sees engagement with local government as a key to its success.
Our guest on this episode of VLGA Connect is Anna Peeters, a Professor of Epidemiology and Equity in Public Health at Deakin University, and the Director of Nourish Network.
For more information, visit nourishnetwork.org
VLGA Connect, episode 248: Governance Update.
Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the governance news of the week, including a dispute over the display of political signage in Bayside City Council; the collapse of a property reform package and a social housing rates exemption along with it; a new councillor for Yarra Ranges; and legal action over the removal of a heritage property in Stonnington.
Story links:
Independent Zoe Daniel points to Josh Frydenberg campaign signs to appeal against council ruling | Australian politics | The Guardian
Government abandons property reform package
New councillor for Yarra Ranges
Stonnington takes legal action over heritage property removal
Emotional scenes as iVote court challenge hears results of 39 council elections now in doubt - ABC News
VLGA Connect, Episode 247 - Chris Eddy speaks with Cr Jim Memetic, Chair of the Local Government Mayoral Taskforce Supporting People Seeking Asylum. The taskforce has launched the 'Back Your Neighbour' campaign in the lead up to a federal election, highlighting the treatment of people seeking asylum who are living in the community. More information at www.backyourneighbour.com.au
In this episode, the VLGA's Inclusion and Diversity Lead, Deborah Wu, outlines a new project in conjunction with Welcoming Cities to tell the stories of Victorian councillors from diverse cultural backgrounds. 'Stories for Success' will celebrate their achievements and encourage further participation by culturally diverse people in local government.
This week on the Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to discuss the implications for councils from the new Decriminalisation of Sex Work Act; plus, a countback to proceed despite ongoing legal proceedings; real estate agents warned over ballot pack irregularities; a council trialling public councillor briefings; and lots more news of the week from local government.
Links:
Decriminalisation of sex work explained
Moreland countback to proceed
Real estate agents warned over ballot packs
Kiama trials public councillor briefings
Lismore council returning land to traditional owners despite opposition | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian
Northern Grampians handback of Sisters Rocks
NSW council elections hang in the balance as court hears iVote failure caused by 'defect or irregularity' - ABC News
Rats In The Ranks (1996)
Moyne CEO Bill Millard stepping down
Today on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by Chris Buckingham, the newly appointed CEO of the Latrobe Valley Authority. Chris talks about the work of the authority in fostering the economic transition of the Latrobe Valley, and how he is bringing his local government and tourism background to the role.
Today on VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks with Kieran McMahon, the manager of a new charity initiative that aims to reduce the number of used bikes going to landfill, while supporting the work of Brainwave Australia.
This week on the #VLGAConnect Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, discussion topics include conflict of interest, grey corruption and a huge software scandal in the UK. Plus, a councillor and a CEO resign, mayors in support of asylum seekers, and get set for a ‘regional’ Commonwealth Games. All that and more, brought to you by the VLGA and sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Links:
Mick Fuller NSW Police Punters Club
Grey corruption cuts living standards
UK Post Office computer scandal
Goulburn Mulwaree General Manager resigns
This week on the Governance Update, two councillor resignations this week for very different reasons; cricket is back in the news; revisiting the culture review; lessons for councils from recent legal cases; indemnity provisions for decisions made in good faith; and more news from around the sector.
Links to stories referenced:
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/councillor-resigns-following-electoral-fraud-charges-20220210-p59v9l.html
https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/news/councillor-banks-resignation
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2022/02/04/let-an-ethical-gps-guide-your-way-navigating-finance-ethics/?sh=7b22cb0c4714
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-10/wodonga-mechanics-company-fined-over-fatal-truck-crash/100816392
https://www.vgso.vic.gov.au/ohs-looking-2022
https://www.nsw.gov.au/customer-service/media-releases/camden-council-fined-750000-after-mens-shed-member-fatality
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/new-laws-may-protect-chief-health-officer-from-being-sued/news-story/62c245b51f5e32015bffed1acfedfeac
https://www.iap2.org/news/594193/International-Core-Values-Awards-2021-celebrate-Excellence-in-Public-Participation.htm
From 26 October 2021: On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Peter Kartsidimas, Director Networks and Planning at Infrastructure Victoria. We learn more about the development of IV's 30 Year Strategy, and its recommendations in relation to growth area infrastructure, urban infill and developing regional areas.
From 27 September 2021: On VLGA Connect, IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to look at the IBAC report into perceptions of corruption and integrity by people who work in local government. We discuss the key findings and observations, and the implications for Councillors and council organisations.
This week on the Governance Update, with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, the latest news from around the sector, including culture review update; the 'party gate' report is out; councils band together to fight graffiti; advocacy asks in an election year; by-election updates; e-scooter trial learnings; and much more.
Links:
Sue Gray Report
Councils partner to fight graffiti
Wyndham schools shortage
Former Council CEO pleads guilty to corruption charges
Commission of Inquiry into the CCC a critical next step – LGAQ
From 22 September 2021: Yoo-rrook Justice Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to discuss the important truth-telling work of the commission, and how local government might expect to be involved and assist.
From 3rd August 2021: Our guest on VLGA Connect is Kate Symons, Chair of the Essential Services Commission, to talk about the commission's role in relation to local government; how it oversees the rate capping framework in Victoria; and the recently released outcomes report which provides information on the current financial sustainability of Victoria's councils
Join Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper for another episode of the Governance Update. This week, defining culture; an integrity body head succumbs to pressure and steps down; local government Australia Day honours; the danger of being ambushed by a cake!
From 26 July 2021: The new CEO of Victoria's Environment Protection Authority visits VLGA Connect to introduce himself, and talk about the new legislative environment in which the EPA is working with its stakeholders, including local government.
From 22 July 2021: Our guest in the VLGA Connect studio today is Terry Moran, AC, chair of the Centre for Policy Development, discussing confidence in our democratic institutions, local government's place in our democracy, and 'the lack of faith' at a federal level in the capacity of local government.
On the VLGA Connect Governance Update, this week:
Leadership lessons from tennis and Gettysburg, (but not tennis at an address in Gettysburg); media ethics questions around mayors who work in radio; misconduct findings against councillors in Queensland; local government enforcement issues and challenges; appointment news; hat of the week and more.
From 19 July 2021: Victoria's Local Jobs First Commission works to promote employment of apprentices, cadets and trainees on government projects, and oversees compliance of local content and job commitments in contractual arrangements for project delivery. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Acting Local Jobs First Commissioner Greg Wilson about his role, and how the commission could potentially assist local government with resources and advice.
From 30 June 2021: Joining Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect virtual studio today is Shane Lucas, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, to talk about the work of the foundation with local government, the VLGA, responding to the recent VAGO audit of its operations, and contributing to the Royal Commission regarding Crown Casino.
This week on the Governance Update:
Tennis lessons; omicron impacting Council services; when is a garden party a work function? And other news and views from around the local government sector.
From 19 June 2021: A special edition with all three current Chair Administrators in Victoria, Julie Eisenbise, Lydia Wilson and Noelene Duff, discussing the role of an administrator; the task of restoring community confidence after governance failings have led to Council dismissals; and how the role differs (or doesn't) to that of an elected Mayor/Councillor.
From 26th May, 2021: On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Sherryn Prinzi, Chair of the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Advisory Group - an alliance of local governments and other agencies, working to empower children as active and engaged citizens.
The weekly Governance Update is back for 2022, with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discussing local government news and events of the past few weeks, including: a delayed determination on councillor allowances; the Victorian rate cap for next financial year announced; a councillor resignation and countback for Alpine Shire; the cultural review a hot topic of discussion; cricket gets a mention (go figure); the hat of the week and so much more!
Story links:
https://www.vic.gov.au/allowances-mayors-deputy-mayors-and-councillors
https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/community/news/alpine-shire-welcome-new-councillor
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victorian-council-rate-cap-set-next-financial-year
https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-innovation-and-performance/council-rates-and-charges
https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/media-centre/council-rate-cap-2022-23-set-175-cent
https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/news-and-events/news/latest-news/lg-reform-behavioural-standards-for-council-members-public-consultation
https://www.lga.sa.gov.au/news-and-events/news/latest-news/remuneration-tribunal-will-commence-review-of-council-ceo-salaries
https://www.tallyroom.com.au/44550
From May 2021 - VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a discussion with the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, about her new report looking at how Councils administer financial hardship policies. She highlights good and poor examples leading to a series of recommendations to improve the way the
From May 2021 - On VLGA Connect, we are in conversation with Anna Cronin, Victoria's Commissioner for Better Regulation, and Chair of the expert panel conducting a wide ranging review of the state's building system. Anna outlines the scope of the review, the process to be undertaken, timing and
From May 2021 - On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Angus Clelland, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, about the unprecedented investment from federal and state governments in mental health services; and the importance of ensuring local councils are participants in the solution.
From April 2021 - Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt are joined by Ken Smith, Dean and CEO of the Australia New Zealand School of Government for a wide-ranging discussion about our system of government, and the opportunity to reimagine the way governments serve their constituents.
The Best of VLGA Connect Summer Series takes us back to March 2021, when Chris Eddy spoke with the CEO of the Victorian Planning Authority, Stuart Moseley.
Next up in our Best Of series, we revisit an interview with Victoria's Auditor-General Andrew Greaves, and Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Kristen Hilton, discussing the results of a VAGO survey of local government's handling of sexual harassment matters.
On our final Governance Update for 2021, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper wrap up the week's governance news, including name change processes; a new IBAC report on misuse of information; a report into the cost of rate capping in Victoria, plus news on the NSW rate peg for the coming year; CEO appointments and countback results and more
In the first episode of the VLGA's Local Government Culture Review series, Minister Shaun Leane talks with Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy about the reasons for conducting a review, and a new discussion paper setting out issues for the sector's response.
Welcome to the first in our Summer Series Best Of collection - looking back at some of the most watched and most talked about episodes from the 2021 season of VLGA Connect. This episode comes from the VLGA Annual General Meeting, when Chris Eddy spoke with Peggy O'Neal AO about governance, culture and leadership.
The VLGA Connect Summer Series kicks off with the weekly Governance Update. On the menu this week, Councillors running for state or federal office - what are obligations and considerations? Some councillor resignations and CEO movements to note; the ESC annual compliance report is out; and the dismissal of an interstate council raises the topic of compliance with financial management principles. All of this much more with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper, brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
MAV Guidelines for Candidate Councillors:
https://www.mav.asn.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/28844/Candidature-of-councillors-in-state-or-federal-elections-2021-MAV-Guidelines.pdf
Join us in the VLGA Connect studio for this week's Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper. This week's topics include a municipal monitor for Yarra City Council; VCAT given the green light to determine a matter brought by the Chief Municipal Inspector in relation to a Yarra councillor; another Victorian CEO leaving the sector; the Jenkins Report and implications for dealing with misconduct; questions about why a key local government advocacy group has an all-male board; and much more under the spotlight in another bumper episode brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
This week on the Governance Update, a council contemplates a name change; CEOs arriving and departing; a councillor code of conduct issue attracts attention; the wash up from Victoria's mayoral elections; cricket lessons, and more!
This week, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss mayoral election results; VLGA AGM insights; council by elections and count backs; fraud awareness; improving the management of conflicts of interest; CEO movements; and abandoned vehicles. It's all happening on the VLGA Connect Governance Update.
Lots of local government news to unpack this week on the VLGA Connect Governance Update, with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper. Notable outcomes from mayoral elections across Victoria; results from the South Gippsland Shire elections; a pending countback expected at Yarra Ranges Shire; observations from IBAC's Operations Watts hearings; the Victorian and Tasmanian sectors under review along with Victoria's Planning and Environment Act; plus lots more in a bumper edition of the program, brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
In this episode, governance issues spring from the sports pages; Lucy Dalton from LGV provides an update on LGA2020 implementation and other topical sector issues; it's mayoral election season in Victoria; conflict of interest lessons from ICAC and South Australia; and the councillor calling out abuse of elected representatives and council staff.
This week, as a plethora of Council Plans are adopted, we look at some topical governance stories, including the resignation of Swan Hill's unvaccinated CEO; insights from IBAC's Operation Turon report; local councils top the list of complained about agencies in the Victorian Ombudsman's annual report; the Local Government Inspectorate finds councillor compliance with personal interest returns leaves much to be desired; plus NSW Councils in the news regarding failure to achieve quorum, and alleged bullying behaviour.
Link:
Swan Hill CEO resigns
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-27/unvaccinated-swan-hill-council-ceo-resigns/100571710
Kentucky marriage clerk jailed
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-34145941
Fair Work Deputy President sanctioned
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-28/fair-work-commission-deputy-president-barred-hearing-vaccine/100574762
IBAC operation Turon
https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/publications-and-resources/article/operation-turon-special-report-october-2021
Ombudsman releases annual report
https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/our-impact/news/record-demand-for-victorian-ombudsmans-help/
LGI personal interest returns review
https://www.lgi.vic.gov.au/personal-interests-returns-encouraging-disclosure-and-increasing-transparency
Ku-Ring-gai Council issues
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/unacceptable-government-poised-to-intervene-in-chaotic-north-shore-council-20211027-p593nl.html
Bega Valley Shire bullying
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-28/bullying-called-out-at-bega-valley-shire-council/13607092
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Peter Kartsidimas, Director Networks and Planning at Infrastructure Victoria. We learn more about the development of IV's 30 Year Strategy, and its recommendations in relation to growth area infrastructure, urban infill and developing regional areas.
This week on the Governance Update, we arrive at the intersection of IBAC, ICAC, VCAT, the OIA and local government. It's a big congested here this week, so please bear with us as we navigate through the traffic and attempt to make sense of it all!
A special edition of VLGA Connect, in conversation with Rose O'Leary and Angela Savage in the lead up to Gambling Harm Awareness Week. We celebrate the Libraries After Dark program and how it is supporting communities with few recreation alternatives to local pokies venues.
On VLGA Connect today, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Keiran Brophy from Play Australia about 1000 Play Streets - a national movement to reconnect socially isolated communities and to encourage more play for all on our quiet residential streets.
The concept has been piloted in four states with six local governments, leading to a free toolkit for local governments with advice on how to support temporary street closures for community play streets.
More information at https://www.playaustralia.org.au/1000-play-streets
On this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the local government news of the week, including: the Victorian Ombudsman's report into Kingston City Council planning processes; a parliamentary inquiry releases its report about the closure of a food company and the role of government officials; the opposition move to stop local councils imposing new fees on small business not supported by the government; and the Tasmanian auditor general makes recommendations about general manager recruitment processes in that state.
This week, mandated vaccinations for local government workers is the hot topic, with announcements from two Councils and more expected to follow. Richard Scougall from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers joins Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper to discuss the implications and legal ramifications of these mandates. Plus we look at a unique legal case out of NSW where confidentiality and law enforcement procedures collide.
This week on the Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper explore some of the latest issues to surface in the local government sector, including a growing number of defamation cases and complaints arising from social media usage.
Steve makes a link between this week's Australian Story on ABC and local government culture; plus the impact on culture when CEO behaviour doesn't meet required standards, and the costs of deferring council elections in New South Wales.
The Governance Update from VLGA Connect is sponsored by the team at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers - www. hunthunt.com.au
Links:
Australian Story: https://www.abc.net.au/austory/the-accomplice/13555466
Shire of Ravensthorpe CEO serious misconduct:
https://www.ccc.wa.gov.au/media/news-archives/abuse-trust-local-government-under-spotlight-again
Mildura defamation case settles:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-27/mildura-defamation-case-concludes/100494630
Central Coast public inquiry stalls:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-28/central-coast-council-public-inquiry-adjourned/100496766
NSW election deferral costs:
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/cost-of-nsw-s-long-delayed-council-elections-balloons-to-146m-20210921-p58tf8.html
Infrastructure Australia recently released its 15 year plan, calling for a new wave of infrastructure reform to drive COVID-19 recovery around the nation. How was the plan developed, and what does it mean for local governments across the country?
In this episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt speak with the CEO of Infrastructure Australia, Romilly Madew, to find out what's in the plan and how local government can partner in its implementation and influence future priority setting.
From the VLGA Connect Newsroom this week, updates on sector happenings with CEO Kathryn Arndt.
Plus we're joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones and Madeline Di Pietrantonio from Homes Victoria to discuss local government's role in the Big Housing Build, and the $80 million to address a critical housing shortage in regional Victoria.
On VLGA Connect, IBAC Deputy Commissioner David Wolf joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to look at the IBAC report into perceptions of corruption and integrity by people who work in local government. We discuss the key findings and observations, and the implications for Councillors and council organisations.
Link:
https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/publications-and-resources/article/corruption-and-integrity-perceptions-of-victorian-public-sector-employees
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper - the Tasmanian Government pursuing structural reform of the local government sector; a general manager and mayor bring defamation action against an individual over social media material; nuggets from the latest IBAC newsletter; plus more news and views from around the sector. The Governance Update is brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
Yoo-rrook Justice Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter joins Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt to discuss the important truth-telling work of the commission, and how local government might expect to be involved and assist.
This week on the Governance Update, we're joined by Lucy Dalton from Local Government Victoria to talk about the cultural review and appointment of municipal monitors; plus a look at what a councillor or candidate should do about anonymous donations or gifts; and for some strange reason, Steve waxes lyrical about Kill Bill 2. I know, weird right?
This week on the VLGA Connect Newsroom, the results of the Strathbogie Shire countback; Maribyrnong Council's medicinal cannabis proposal; a new parliamentary committee report on social media usage; a new CEO for Kingston, and a new shadow LG minister in the Victorian Opposition. Plus more news in the spotlight from around the local government sector.
This week, municipal monitor news for two Councils in Victoria; mayoral machinations in NSW; a Tasmanian council's CEO appointment in the news for the wrong reasons; the importance of effective stakeholder engagement for local governments; and lots more with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper on the Governance Update, brought to you by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.
In the Newsroom this week, Kathryn Arndt highlight some of the latest stories of interest to the local government sector, including new low interest loans for Councils; growth funding and library project grants now open for applications; a new plan from Infrastructure Australia with a strong role for local councils; and upcoming events from the VLGA.
This week on the Governance Update, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss a range of issues of relevance to the local government sector, including:Conflicts of Interest disrupt Melbourne council meetings; the review of Brisbane's bird management policies after the tragic death of a baby; a public inquiry announced for a NSW council; and a crackdown on disfunction and in-fighting in WA councils.
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Leanne Williams, CEO of West Gippsland Regional Libraries and MYLI Community Library, discussing the transition from the former to the latter under the new legislative environment in Victoria.
Their innovative 24/7 library model is getting attention from around Australia and beyond, as is their pilot children's publishing project.
We hear from Leanne about an exciting vision for the libraries of the future.
This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss the latest issues impacting on the local government sector, including the new cultural review announced by the Local Government Minister; the potential impacts of planning reforms and the decriminalisation of sex work; the threat of cyber attacks on Council IT systems; CEO movements and more.
David Morris MLA, Shadow Minister for Local Government, joins Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy in conversation on VLGA Connect, to talk about issues impacting on the sector and his observations of the change in the sector in recent years.
On a 'Wear It Purple' edition of the Governance Update this week, we're joined by Richard Scougall, Special Counsel from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers to brief us on variations to the Victorian Local Government Award; the Victorian local government cultural review gets underway; the misconduct finding against some NSW councillors; recent court happenings of relevance to the sector, and much more.
Victoria's Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People, Justin Mohamed, is in conversation with Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect about the Commission's report and recommendations for the youth justice system; impacts of the pandemic on young people; and new child safe standards coming into effect next year with a focus on cultural safety for Aboriginal children and young people.
Join Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect Newsroom for a discussion of the latest topics of interest to the local government sector, including a look at upcoming panel discussions and interviews.
This week on the Governance Update, reflections on the global panel on community wealth building and the rise of the procurement specialist; viewer research on previous VCAT-Councillor behaviour decisions and the potential local government role in the national vaccine rollout; the Ombudsman to probe EPA decision-making; and more news from around the sector.
This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom with VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt: the ever increasing importance of local government's role in pandemic response; NSW government funding for local government job retention; the upcoming global panel on community wealth building; and new opportunities for corporate partnership with the VLGA and the latest professional development prospectus.
This week on the Governance Update, what can we learn from a social media kerfuffle in the cricket world? Steve Cooper has some ideas... plus we follow up on the action taken by the Inspectorate to seek an order from VCAT for a councillor to stand aside whilst legal proceedings are on foot.. and some of the latest people movements making news in the sector.
It's a milestone 200th episode of VLGA Connect. For 18 months, we've kept the local government sector informed and engaged on the key issues, introduced a range of public sector leaders, and provided forums for discussion and exploration on the sector's current and future challenges. In episode 200, Kathryn Arndt, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy reflect on how far we've come, and muse about what might be next for VLGA Connect and the sector.
It's our regular round up of news and issues of relevance to the local government sector, including the importance of accurate census data; vaccine incentive programs; the cost of potential rate exemptions for social housing; use of a new provision in the Local Government Act and lots more.
The VLGA Connect Governance Update is back, this week talking about councillor issues in the news, extended mayoral terms due to deferred elections in NSW, Queensland's conflict of interest framework, engaging on asset management plans and much more.
Links:
Inspectorate moves against Yarra Councillor to step asidehttps://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/watchdog-moves-against-councillor-as-questions-rise-over-first-greens-majority-council-20210728-p58dn4.html?btis
Cairns Mayor under investigation for alleged corrupt conducthttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-04/corruption-watchdog-investigates-cairns-mayor-bob-manning/100346472
Qld invest in Office of IndependentAssessor
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92801
Impact of election deferral on mayoral terms
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/mayors-could-be-elected-for-just-two-months-because-of-delayed-council-poll-20210802-p58f22.html
High performing public problem-solving and public service delivery
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353638135_Rising_to_Ostrom's_Challenge_An_invitation_to_walk_on_the_bright_side_of_politics_governance_and_public_service
Our guest on VLGA Connect is Kate Symons, Chair of the Essential Services Commission, to talk about the commission's role in relation to local government; how it oversees the rate capping framework in Victoria; and the recently released outcomes report which provides information on the current financial sustainability of Victoria's councils.
On VLGA Connect, we meet the newly confirmed CEO of Land Use Victoria, the agency responsible for so many important but often unseen functions for the Victorian community. LUV looks after land registration, surveying, place naming, maps and spacial data. We talk about how the agency works with local government, and the exciting new Digital Twin Victoria project.
Kathryn Arndt returns to the Newsroom for a discussion about the week's topical issues, including a new campaign to make Parliamentary sessions more inclusive; another deferral of council elections in New South Wales; barriers to female participation as Councillors in the news; and much more as we count down to 200 episodes of VLGA Connect.
The new CEO of Victoria's Environment Protection Authority visits VLGA Connect to introduce himself, and talk about the new legislative environment in which the EPA is working with its stakeholders, including local government.
In this Governance Update, calls for NSW Council elections to be postponed; the sector is awash with no-confidence motions; a doyen of governance retires; and the latest news on CEO appointments.
Links:
1. NSW Elections
-
Yarra no-confidence motion
-
Bathurst no-confidence motion
-
Darwin Turf Club report
5. New Knox CEO appointed
- Mildura CEO process halted
Our guest in the VLGA Connect studio today is Terry Moran, AC, chair of the Centre for Policy Development, discussing confidence in our democratic institutions, local government's place in our democracy, and 'the lack of faith' at a federal level in the capacity of local government.
Victoria's Local Jobs First Commission works to promote employment of apprentices, cadets and trainees on government projects, and oversees compliance of local content and job commitments in contractual arrangements for project delivery. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Acting Local Jobs First Commissioner Greg Wilson about his role, and how the commission could potentially assist local government with resources and advice.
On this week's Governance Update, we discuss the fine line between ensuring transparency of decision making while meeting confidentiality obligations in procurement decisions; the Melbourne council setting the record straight on an ongoing legal matter; and the unique museum that has won the right to keep its scatological signage despite heritage concerns.
The latest Governance Update comes to you from Pitcher Partners in Docklands, where the Leading the Agenda forum took place, exploring the roles and responsibilities of all involved in Council Audit and Risk Committees. Richard Wilson from Pitcher Partners shares observations from the discussion, and then Chris and Steve discuss some governance news from the past week.
On the Governance Update this week, we discuss the circumstances under which a Councillor might become legally disqualified to continue in the role; a spate of conduct issues under the spotlight in New South Wales; more councils move to abolish overdue library borrowing fines; and more of the week's local government news.
Joining Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect virtual studio today is Shane Lucas, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, to talk about the work of the foundation with local government, the VLGA, responding to the recent VAGO audit of its operations, and contributing to the Royal Commission regarding Crown Casino.
This week, we are joined by Victoria's Chief Municipal Inspector to discuss the findings and recommendations from the Inspectorate's just released 2020 elections report. Also discussed, Councils advocating on behalf of their communities and the latest senior appointments.
This week in the Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt reports on the outcome of the election for two positions on the VLGA Board; news coming out of Canberra where the annual National General Assembly of councils is under way; and Victorian councils dealing with a massive cleanup from recent storm damage.
A special edition with all three current Chair Administrators in Victoria, Julie Eisenbise, Lydia Wilson and Noelene Duff, discussing the role of an administrator; the task of restoring community confidence after governance failings have led to Council dismissals; and how the role differs (or doesn't) to that of an elected Mayor/Councillor.
On the Governance Update this week, we are joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision that has seen a CEO reinstated to his position. Plus discussion on the week's news, including the state's that are moving towards independent setting of Council CEO salaries.
This week in the Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, local government recognition in the Queen's Birthday honours list; councils respond to a major storm event; and a look ahead to coming events, including Leading the Agenda, a global panel discussion, and VLGA board elections closing soon.
On this week's Governance Update, so much local government news. A Supreme Court decision reinstates a sacked Council CEO; the Ombudsman reports on how a council officer duped a Council out of $1.6 million; and virtual Council meetings to possible become a permanent feature.
In this week's Newsroom update with Kathryn Arndt we hear about the HART Awards winners for 2021, gearing up for a new Leading the Agenda session on audit and risk committees, meeting the new Chief Municipal Inspector for Victoria, and more news from around the local government sector.
On a special VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt, for an introductory conversation with Victoria's new Chief Municipal Inspector, Michael Stefanovic. We learn about his career highlights to date and his focus for the inspectorate in the weeks and months ahead.
"So You've Got a New CEO?" A special edition of the Governance Update, including news from around the sector, and our first ever Top 10 edition where we count down the top 10 factors for success when your Council has a new CEO.
Links:
NSW LG Minister Statement re: Dubbo Council
LGV Guidance on planning and reporting
This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt talks with Chris Eddy about the upcoming HART awards, happening online this Friday; a tool to help councils embed alcohol management measures in their Health and Wellbeing Plans; Intro to Gender Equity sessions in high demand; and lots more including upcoming sessions on audit committees and learning about the role of local government administrators.
Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy are back for another Governance Update, this week looking at events in Dubbo, Mt Isa, follow up from the Ombudsman's financial hardship report, and the latest sector movements.
On this special edition of Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy take you through the State and Federal Budget initiatives of most relevance to the local government sector.
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Sherryn Prinzi, Chair of the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Advisory Group - an alliance of local governments and other agencies, working to empower children as active and engaged citizens.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a discussion with the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, about her new report looking at how Councils administer financial hardship policies. She highlights good and poor examples leading to a series of recommendations to improve the way the sector handles cases of hardship.
For this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper take a look at the state budget from a local government perspective, and there's lots to see. The Victorian Ombudsman's report into Councils' hardship policies is also on the agenda, plus there's more to report on the senior executive front.
On VLGA Connect, we are in conversation with Anna Cronin, Victoria's Commissioner for Better Regulation, and Chair of the expert panel conducting a wide ranging review of the state's building system. Anna outlines the scope of the review, the process to be undertaken, timing and consultation activities to ensure local government has input into the resulting recommendations.
Join us in the VLGA Newsroom, where Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy unpack some of the week's big local government and public sector news stories, including federal and state budget news; a new Ombudsman report on councils' financial hardship policies; Victoria's new Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner announced; and the appointment of the historic Truth Telling Commission.
On the Governance Update this week, after a false start that our editor kindly left in, we dissect the Kingston probity review report, and share some news on recent senior appointment in the sector.
Link to Kingston Council release:
https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Media/Proactive-planning-review-findings-made-public
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Angus Clelland, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, about the unprecedented investment from federal and state governments in mental health services; and the importance of ensuring local councils are participants in the solution.
"Two Pups and a Little White Duck"
Join Kathryn Arndt in the VLGA Newsroom for discussion on current local government topics including a visionary plan for the Yarra River's northbank; new CEOs taking office and a count back coming up this week; the legacy of a VLGA champion; and an opportunity to learn about what makes a well designed public library.
The weekly governance update touches on the cultural review of local government in Victoria; how a conflict resolution specialist was no match for local council and its bus stop problem; a restoration of order in Tumby Bay; a new CEO for Murrindindi; and somehow a noise complaint leads to a recitation about English countryside cricket.
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Mark Coulton, the Federal Minister for Local Government, checking in on how the sector across the country has dealt with the challenges of COVID; the need to grow skills and capabilities to meet the unprecedented demand for workers in regional areas; and the opportunity to reform the Federal Assistance Grants system.
From the VLGA Newsroom this week, Kathryn Arndt provides perspective on the big local government stories of the week, including the newly announced cultural review of the Victorian local government sector; the new Gender Equality Advisory Committee which has met for the first time; Councils speaking out on poker machine losses; and the finalists announced for this year's HART Awards.
On this week's Governance Update, we're joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria for an update on the rollout of LGA2020, including new procurement policy requirements, annual budgets and Council Plans, plus work to align the sector with the requirements of the new Gender Equality Act.
Then Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss this week's governance happenings, with councillors suspended in South Australia, the result of an unfair dismissal case in Queensland, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan gets a mention or three.
On this Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper, councillor behaviour in the spotlight in South Australia, Queensland and England! Plus some current legal cases that bear mentioning, and we add to the list of things that we really should come back to....at some point.
The Victorian Auditor-General, Andrew Greaves, returns to VLGA Connect to talk about the findings and observations from recent audits, including now Councils are meeting their local roads obligations, the completed financial audits, and opportunities arising from the report on the activities of Service Victoria.
Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt are joined by Ken Smith, Dean and CEO of the Australia New Zealand School of Government for a wide-ranging discussion about our system of government, and the opportunity to reimagine the way governments serve their constituents.
Welcome back to the VLGA Newsroom, where this week Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss the role of the First People's Assembly and how local government needs to be involved; the Child Friendly Cities alliance; renewal time for VLGA membership; the new Gender Equality Act and more.
Chris Eddy speaks with Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, Co-Chair of Victoria's First People's Assembly, to explore the purpose and establishment of the Assembly, the work conducted to date, and how local government will play an important role in the development of localised treaties in the future.
On a special edition of VLGA Connect, we meet the new Executive Director of Local Government Victoria, Julie Reid. With 32 years in local government in Australia and the UK, and considerable senior executive experience, Julie tells us about her approach to the role and the challenges ahead for the sector.
This week's topics include Victoria's newest Councillor; fraud charges dropped against former Logan City councillors in Queensland; and Hume City Council decides to take legal action over a decision of the state's planning minister.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect Newsroom to talk about current local government issues, including a review of the building legislative and regulatory system in Victoria; the VLGA supported research project getting national attention; a Council Director becomes the first woman President of the Melbourne Football Club; and lots more.
Links:
1. Victorian Building System Review
2. Sydney Morning Herald article: Gendered Abuse and Harassment Rife in Local Councils
3. The Age article: New Melbourne Football Club President, Kate Roffey
This week, the Governance Update looks at the potentials and perils of social media in the context of codes of conduct and social media policies; 'Cancel Culture' - is it a thing in Australia? (Hint: Yes it is); and standby by a stellar list of finalists for this year's HART Awards!
It's your Easter edition of the Governance Update, with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper. This week's discussion list includes the resumption of Operation Esperance; the NSW Council safe from dismissal over asbestos management; we ponder a Council's power to act in relation to carriage horses in Melbourne's CBD; the parliamentary inquiry that finds a government funding program to be a 'pork barrel scheme.'
Chris Eddy speaks with Victoria's Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Dr Niki Vincent, on the day the new Gender Equality legislation comes into effect in Victoria.
We discuss what the legislation is aiming to change, the compliance requirements on Councils, and how Victoria is leading the way on the national stage with regard to gender equality action.
This week, a new Chief Municipal Inspector for Victoria; VAGO releases its report on road management in local government; a new public sector flexible working policy and much more.
It's the 150th episode of VLGA Connect! Join us in the Newsroom for a discussion about current issues, including the new research demonstrating the unacceptable behaviour that female councillors and candidates are subjected to; plus a new VAGO of Council's road management practices and news from around the sector.
On this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the latest Ombudsman report into Council parking fine reviews; the VEC's failure to vote process; a useful tool for Councils incorporating climate change into their Council Plans; the People Matters survey extended to councils; and Kingston appoints an Interim CEO.
Victorian Planning Authority CEO Stuart Moseley speaks with Chris Eddy about the program for the year ahead for his agency, and how the demand for land for homes and jobs is continuing to grow across Melbourne and key regional areas.
Recorded on the day of March4Justice, Kathryn Arndt speaks to the issues of gender equality as they relate to local government and looks ahead to future discussions on this topic and others on VLGA Connect and in our next live international forum.
This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, local government consultant Mark Davies drops by to unpack the recently released rating system review. We discuss the conflict issues, or lack thereof, in relation to a Council vote on an alleged misconduct matter and more.
This week in the Newsroom, we look back on a successful Fast Track Leadership day for Councillors; discuss the Federal Labor leader's election pledge to return local government to the National Cabinet; and look at the election of a new board and President for the Municipal Association of Victoria.
This week's Governance Update is different! We recorded our discussion at the VLGA FastTrack Leadership Day, with topics including the role of the Mayor; how to ensure the Code of Conduct is a useful tool; hot topics with the Local Government Minister and more.
This week in the Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, we got a bit excited and borrowed the new opening titles for the general VLGA Connect episodes. But they're too nice to share! We'll go back to our own Newsroom titles next week. Oh, and we talk about the news stories of the week from around local government too!
This week, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria for an update on LGA 2020 implementation; new guidance on personal interest returns; and a review of mandatory candidate training. We also discuss this week's LGPRo virtual conference, and a study that reveals the conflicted, harassed and insecure life of a council CEO.
On this week's Newsroom in the VLGA Connect Summer Series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss a selection of news stories from the world of local government and beyond. Including new reporting requirements for Councils; a fall in life expectancy as a result of COVID-19; electric vehicle charging stations rolling out in regional areas; and so much more.
This week, lots of local government news, interspersed with Paul Kelly bingo!? Has the Governance Update officially jumped the shark? You be the judge.
A special VLGA Connect, with Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy speaking with Associate Professor Tom Daly from the Melbourne School of Government about the impacts of COVID-19 on representative democracy. This wide-ranging conversation looks at how the pandemic has sharpened the focus on role of elected representatives, the debate about directly elected vs indirectly elected mayors, and the emergence of digital governance.
On this episode of VLGA Connect Newsroom, we highlight some of this week's stories from around local government, including a new Chair for Regional Cities Victoria; outdoor dining leads to reduced revenue for Councils; and communities about to be surveyed for their thoughts on how their local Council is performing.
Governance is back! Talking Codes of Conduct troubles, more CEO movements in the sector, model working documents for finance practitioners, and induction prompted conflict of interest quandaries. Join Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper for another mostly useful discussion now.
The VLGA Connect Summer Series lives on, with another edition of Newsroom where Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy highlight some handpicked local government-related news stories from the past week. On this episode, a new gender equality advisory committee; the Melbourne School of Government's policy briefs on governing through crises; promising signs of a return to busy-ness in Melbourne's CBD; and the passing of a long-serving local mayor.
On this week's Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, discussion points include: Ballarat City Council's Governance and Culture Review; the schedule of milestones due under the Local Government Act 2020; how do we define what it means to operate in a principles based environment; and the upcoming VLGA Fast Track Leadership day.
Victorian Auditor-General Andrew Greaves, and Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Kristen Hilton join us for an in-depth discussion about the findings of the VAGO audit of how sexual harassment matters are handled in the Victorian local government sector. The audit found that Councils do not provide workplaces that are free from sexual harassment. We discuss the recommendations, the implications for leadership in the sector, and how to raise the level of commitment to dealing with the issues.
On the weekly Governance Update, we're joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria to discuss upcoming deadlines under the Local Government Act 2020, including adoption of new Councillor Codes of Conduct and Community Engagement Policies; some new definitions in the Register of Interest forms; and setting policies to give effect to the financial management principles in the Act.
The VLGA Newsroom program is back for 2021, with Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy, and a more newsy format. This week, calls for local government to have a seat at the National Cabinet; a mayor calls for Councillors to have more operational powers; and the debate over going to the polls in the UK during COVID-19 lockdowns. Plus a big few weeks of VLGA events ahead. See the comments for story links, and to let us know your thoughts.
Infrastructure Victoria has released its draft 30 year strategy, and is looking for feedback prior to 26 February 2021. We speak with IV's Manager Strategy and Policy, Llewellyn Reynders, about how the strategy was developed, and what it means for local government.
Joining us on the VLGA Connect Summer Series is Martine Letts, CEO of the Committee for Melbourne, to talk about the 25th year of the emerging civic leaders' program Future Focus Group, and the visionary concept of an East Coast Megaregion to deliver a range of social and economic benefits.
The weekly Governance Update is back for 2021 as part of the VLGA Connect Summer Series. Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss recent significant appointments in the sector, and the program of LGA2020 implementation with key deadlines looming.
On our final Newsroom for 2020, we look back the origins of VLGA Connect and recall some of the conversations and topics that we explored with people from across the local government sector and beyond this year.
It's our first year-end review on the Governance Update. Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper look back on the highlights and lowlights of the year, including COVID-19, Council elections, and introduction of the new Local Government Act. We touch on where the integrity agencies were focused, and look at some of the learnings for the sector - all with an appropriately festive feel!
This week from the VLGA Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt updates us on current VLGA activities, including induction of new Councils; preparing for the annual FastTrack leadership program; new State Govt affordable housing processes; and getting ready for our live Global CEO Panel on 17 December.
As the governance year grinds towards a brief hiatus, we purport to diligently present the penultimate edition of VLGAConnect Governance Update for 2020.
Stephen Cooper shares some observations from his part physical/ part virtual induction road trip, with Councillors coming to grips with conflict of interest provisions, apprehended bias issues and standards of conduct that will underpin new Council Codes of Conduct.
Also, some key takeaways from this week's interviews with the Minister for Local Government and the IBAC Deputy Commissioner; and a mailbag contribution to our recent budget summary.
On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy speaks with David Wolf, IBAC Deputy Commissioner, about a new report on unauthorised access and disclosure of information in local government. We discuss the key findings and implications for Councillors and Council staff.
It's a special edition of VLGA Connect Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, where we're joined by Minister for Local Government, the Hon Shaun Leane MP to reflect on a year of challenges for local government; and to look ahead for what's in store in 2021.
Your regular dose of governance guidance is here, this week with the extra style and panache from Hannah Duncan-Jones of Local Government Victoria. We talk mayoral installations, legislation implementations, and sundry supplications regarding induction processes.
The extra edition of the VLGA Connect Governance Update that you didn't know you needed! Scrutinising the State Budget with an local government lens.
This week from the VLGA Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, we discuss the flurry of Mayoral appointments; preparing for Fast Track leadership development in 2021; anticipating a strong State budget for local government, and more from around the world of Councils in Victoria.
Surprise! The Governance Update has arrived early this week, with news and views from Operation Sandon, and a discussion about how a new Council might approach the policies and strategies that they have inherited from the previous Council.
On this week's Newsroom episode from VLGA Connect, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss the outcomes of the recent Council elections, particularly in relation to gender balance. All candidates are reminded of the need to lodge campaign donation returns. And we look ahead to a full slate of VLGA Connect discussions in the coming weeks.
On a new Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, we set new Councillors a reading and research list. We have the first Councillor resignation of the new term, and some interesting electoral outcomes worth noting.
This week on the Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, we chat about Victorian Council election outcomes, including a significant increase in the number of women councillors. Were these elections the nastiest yet? In the works, a potential live panel with global CEOs; and IBAC's Operation Sandon hearings return today.
This week on the Governance Update, we talk Council elections; alleged vote tampering; early trends emerging; IBAC Operation Sandon getting back under way; and a new IBAC paper on data handling.
On this week's VLGA Connect Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria for an update on Local Government Act implementation, including: new standards of conduct; online oath or affirmation of office; allowances for mayors and councillors, and more.
This week from the VLGA Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy talk about vote counting - one size does not fit all Councils; toxic behaviour on the campaign trail; the importance of appointing the right person for the job of Mayor, and more.
Your weekly governance update has arrived early this week, due to the public holiday on Friday. Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper chat at length about the end of Council terms; the start of vote counting; the lowdown on changes to procurement policies; the increase in election complaints; and a new, possibly regular segment, "Lessons from Interstate."
This week from the VLGA Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss the webinars they've been watching this week - on topics such as the US Presidential election and the circular economy. Plus the education role of our integrity agencies and managing the governance responsibilities for incoming Councils.
Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper return for their weekly observations on governance happenings around local government in Victoria, including: the ideal procurement skillset for Council officers; an upcoming live panel on the role of the Mayor; poor behaviour on the virtual campaign trail; and the joys of voting below the line (where available!).
Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy from the VLGA Newsroom to discuss this week's stories from around local government, including new advice for candidates using social media for their election campaigns; help to understand the roles of the different integrity agencies; and a look ahead to the
Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the week's governance happenings, including news from the Council election campaign trail; understanding Winky Pop; a new Ombudsman report into credit card usage at a regional Council; and the latest on LGA 2020 implementation.
This week, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper are joined on the Governance Update by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria, to discuss the Council election landscape, and progress with implementation of the Local Government Act 2020.
On this week's Newsroom with VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt, we indulge in some non-scientific analysis of the nominations for Council elections in Victoria, and look ahead to an important discussion about the role of the Mayor.
On this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the issue of identifying non-genuine Council candidates; clarifying responsibilities of various actors during the election campaign; and how to report potential breaches of safe campaigning guidelines.
Major General David McLachlan AO and Christian George are guests on VLGA Connect to discuss the government's program to encourage the employment of veterans in the public sector, as well as within local government in Victoria.
This week on the Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, a look at the Local Government Inspectorate's report into Councillor expenses and allowances; a cautionary word about ensuring privacy principles aren't breached in relation to publishing information online during COVID-19; and looking ahead to the important process of induction for incoming Councils.
This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss caretaker provisions, induction of incoming Councils and watching the candidate nominations come in for 2020 Council elections!
It's a milestone episode of VLGA Connect - episode 100! We look back on the range of interviews and discussions, and catch up on the week's news especially in relation to Victorian Council elections.
On this episode of VLGA Connect, we speak with Dr Gillian Sparkes, Victoria's Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability about the focus of her work, how it intersects with local government, and the growth of independent science reporting functions under her leadership.
This week from the weekly Governance Update, with Council elections looming we discuss candidate eligibility, the range of queries, enquiries and inquiries and where you should direct them, and observations from the draft Governance and Integrity Regulations.
Join us for the weekly Governance Update, when Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the latest governance news, including: new VEC information sessions for candidates; turning our minds to the election of a new group of Mayors in November; and a useful resource from IBAC on maintaining integrity in local government under current conditions.
This week in the Newsroom - what happened to last week's episode? A membership milestone. Six months of providing information to prospective candidates drawing to a close. And contributing to the roadmap out of the COVID-19 for local government.
Meet Victoria's new Public Sector Commissioner, Adam Fennessy, discussing the focus of his new role, how state and local government can work together effectively, and promoting integrity across the public sector.
This week on the VLGA Connect Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, we talk about the new draft standards of conduct to guide behaviour and inform Councillor Codes of Conduct; the looming 1st September deadline for elements of the new Local Government Act; and significant late-term decisions for some Councils.
Victoria's Cross Border Commissioner, Luke Wilson, talks to VLGA Connect about his role, and the current challenges dealing with cross-border restrictions and ensuring local government's voice is heard in the process.
This week from the VLGA Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt reflects on the decision to proceed with Council elections in October, the significant co-design work currently occurring to implement the Local Government Act, plus more.
Join Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper for a discussion about the week's top governance issues. This week, it's full steam ahead for Council elections in October; frequently asked questions from the candidate information sessions; and speculating on what the pending standards of conduct will mean for new Councillor Codes of Conduct post-election.
Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, drops in for a virtual chat on VLGA Connect about the learnings of the past six months from responding to a global pandemic, and the unique role of a capital city leader in the broader local government space.
Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper discuss the week's governance agenda, including elections and safe campaigning; Local Government Act implementation and pending changes for committee arrangements; and the role of councillors when appointed to other boards and committees.
Our second instalment in the Your Community Country & Council live forums featuring journalist Shahni Wellington.
Shahni Wellington is a proud Jerrinja woman and a multi-award nominated journalist specialising in politics, indigenous affairs and sport.
A great session on the media and social media - including Tik Tok!
Check in with Kathryn Arndt in the VLGA Newsroom for a look at the stories making news in world of local government advocacy this week.
On VLGA Connect we speak with the Victorian Government Minister for Equality, Mental Health and Creative Industries, the Hon. Martin Foley MP, about the development of a whole of government LGBTIQ Strategy; the recently announced investment in mental health initiatives; and the role of local government in supporting both of these important areas of focus.
This week from the newsroom on VLGA Connect, join Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy for a discussion on the ever-changing election environment for local government in Victoria, with speculation on how a deferral might occur; a recap of this week's live panel on election regulations; and a preview of what's ahead for VLGA Connect.
On the weekly Governance Update from #VLGAConnect, Stephen Cooper and I talk about the fast-moving environment in relation to upcoming Council elections; electoral material and authorisations; mandatory training and safe campaign guidelines, and more. Including ducks!
This week from the Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt updates us after important advocacy discussions with two State Ministers, including the Minister for Local Government - with news on covid-safe election campaigning, forthcoming standards of conduct regulations, and more topical VLGA Connect panel sessions and interviews to come.
On the show this week, Stephen Cooper and I discuss recent developments in the world of #governance, as well as observations on how Councils might approach the period between now and the official start of the 'election period', informally known as caretaker period.
Such questions as, should Councils have a policy that effectively extends the period in which they won't make significant decisions that bind the incoming Council? How should Notices of Motion be handled during this time?
Victoria's Emergency Management Commissioner, Andrew Crisp, speaks with Chris Eddy about the role of local government in navigating emergency management challenges, the importance of keeping perspective and taking time out for oneself.
This week on VLGA Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, mandatory training for Council candidates will be available soon; upcoming live forums in the YCCC program; empowering young people to take an active role in community life; plus reflections and looking ahead to top calibre guests on coming episodes of VLGA Connect.
This week on the #Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, another wide-ranging discussion including election related issues such as the appointment of election managers; ensuring you are qualified to stand as a candidate; and the important task for new Councils to adopt a Code of Conduct to guide behaviour and set the right tone at the top of Council organisations.
Victoria's first LGBTIQ Strategy will provide a roadmap to LGBTIQ equality for years to come. A discussion paper is out for consultation currently, to help inform the strategy. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Victoria's Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality, Ro Allen, about the need for a whole of government approach to meeting current challenges and opportunities, and how local government can be a meaningful participant in the process.
Victoria's new Local Government Minister, the Hon. Shaun Leane drops in for chat about the upcoming Council elections, conducting them safely in a COVID-19 environment, the importance of mandatory candidate training, and his plan for engaging with the sector post-elections.
Join Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy for the weekly VLGA Newsroom segment. This week, understanding the various training and information sessions on offer for prospective Council candidates; the VLGA's advocacy regarding safe campaign activities; and moving to a fee model for non-member access to VLGA Connect webinars.
On the Weekly Governance Update for 17 July 2020, Stephen Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss the high level of CEO turnover during this term of Council in Victoria; the importance of following a crisis communication plan during emergencies; and a reminder for Councillors and Committee Members to complete their required interest returns.
There's so much happening behind the scenes to prepare for local government elections. We get an insight in the work done to date and still to come from Deputy Electoral Commissioner Liz Williams, including being COVID-safe, and changes from new legislation. We also learn about the VEC VoterAlert system and the role of democracy ambassadors.
Our guest on this episode of VLGA Connect is Kristen Hilton, Victoria's Commissioner for Equal Opportunity and Human Rights, discussing the spotlight that COVID-19 has placed on human rights issues, and local government's role in ensuring proper consideration of rights and responsibilities in its decision making.
On a live panel edition of VLGA Connect, we are joined by Infrastructure Victoria Deputy CEO and COO Jonathan Spear, and Project Director Elissa McNamara, to outline their organisation's advice to government on opportunities for infrastructure investment and planning for recycling and resource recovery in Victoria.
This week in the Newsroom on VLGA Connect, CEO Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss recent events, including the release of regulations for the forthcoming elections; how the VLGA can add value with candidate information sessions; and the positive media performances by Mayors from across the state in relation to lockdowns and border issues.
On this week's Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, we talk election regulations, continuing calls to defer elections, co-design of deliberative engagement guidance, and a reminder to participate in the VAGO survey on the management of sexual harassment in local government.
Our guest on this episode of VLGA Connect is Dr Bridie O'Donnell, Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, reflecting on the work of the office over the past 2 years, the Change Our Game campaign, and impacts and opportunities arising from COVID-19.
Joining Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt on a special edition of VLGA Connect are local government CEOs Carol Jeffs (Cardinia Shire), Martin Cutter (Greater Geelong) and Sarah Philpott (Mildura), for a wide-ranging discussion on impacts from and responses to COVID-19, and aiming for a better normal.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy in the VLGA Newsroom to discuss the issues and events of the week from around the Victorian local government sector, including an update from her meeting with the new Local Government Minister.
On this week's Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, we muse about the implications of delaying this year's Council's elections; the imminently imminent election regulations; and opportunities to help design the implementation of elements of the new Local Government Act.
A recording of our live panel session, discussing deliberative engagement practices in local government with Kimbra White of MosaicLab, and Brett Hennig from the Sortition Foundation.
Professor Veena Sahajwalla from the University of New South Wales is my guest on today's VLGA Connect, providing her expert perspective on this week's federal government announcement of a new fund to improve waste management and recycling.
Stephen Cooper brings us the latest on implementation of the new Local Government Act 2020, including engagement processes, development of Councillor Induction Training and more.
Kathryn Arndt of the VLGA, A/Prof. Leah Ruppanner of the University of Melbourne, and A/Prof. Andrea Carson of La Trobe University outline an exciting new research project to investigate the chronic under representation of women in Australian politics, through a local government lens.
Each week, Stephen Cooper joins VLGA Connect to report on the issues occupying the minds of governance professionals across the local government sector. This week, it's conflict of interest, confidential information and new Governance Rules.
Our guest on episode 58 of VLGA Connect is the CEO of the Victorian EPA, Dr Cathy Wilkinson, talking about the impact of COVID-19 on the agency's operations, the delay in new enabling legislation, and the success of the OPLE program which embeds EPA officers in local Councils to work more closely on community issues.
5th June 2020 - our weekly wrap of VLGA news, recapping the week's interviews, and looking ahead to what's coming next on VLGA Connect.
On this week's Governance Update with Stephen Cooper, we discuss the status of the various engagement processes for the tranche of Local Government Act provisions coming into effect on 1st September.
Marcus Holmes joins VLGA Connect from Western Australia to talk about his work on Treaty related matters, his thoughts on the Victorian sector and its engagement with traditional owners, and the impact of COVID-19 on Aboriginal communities in Western Australia.
Welcome back to the VLGA Connect Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt. We cover the topical issues of the week from local government in Victoria and celebrate producing over 50 episodes to date of VLGA Connect.
Diana Egerton-Warburton OAM returns to VLGA Connect to outline a crowdsourcing project to gather non-medical grade personal protective equipment that can be used for training purposes, thereby freeing up medical grade equipment for which supplies are limited.
Stephen Cooper returns with a Governance Update, talking October Council elections, an Ombudsman report into recruitment and selection processes at a large regional Council, implementation of the new Local Government Act, and prospective Council candidate information
A special panel edition featuring Kate Torney from State Library Victoria, Chris Buckingham of Public Libraries Victoria, and Kathryn Arndt from VLGA discussing the innovation demonstrated by public libraries in response to COVID-19.
Dr Susan Rennie returns to VLGA Connect, to provide an update on the VLGA's program of gambling harm minimisation, with advice for Councils in responding to new applications for poker machines.
Stephen Cooper of Civic Mind returns to talk about the latest governance issues in local government in Victoria, including electoral structures, the newest sections of the Local Government Act to come into effect, and the take up of virtual Council meetings.
The Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Adem Somyurek joins VLGA Connect to discuss current sector issues, including the timing of Council elections, introduction of virtual Council meetings, and the performance of the sector in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victoria's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Liana Buchanan, speaks about the heightened risks for young people from increased online engagement, social isolation and changes to schooling methods during COVID-19.
On this episode of VLGA Connect, Michel Masson talks about the work of Infrastructure Victoria, preparing for a post-COVID-19 world, and the role of local government in helping shape the infrastructure agenda.