From the President

With NAIDOC week now over and the success of council-run projects and activities, it is timely to reflect on local government's broader involvement in Indigenous issues and the work still to be undertaken.

There has been a momentum that has built over the past couple of years and a great store of goodwill which we must continue to foster. The apology to the Stolen Generations by the Prime Minister and by Parliament was an important milestone and I was proud of the fact that local government had issued an apology at our National General Assembly over a decade ago in 1997.

In the early part of the 21^st century, local government's role in service delivery goes way beyond roads, rates and rubbish. It encompasses a raft of human services such as aged care, recreation services, environment services, health care, and child care and in some instances, housing. While indigenous housing, health and education are the responsibility of the Australian and state/territory governments, local government acknowledges its role as a catalyst for bringing together and building communities, and in some jurisdictions particularly in the Northern Territory, Queensland and WA, where community councils actually provide and run Indigenous-housing programs.

In 2001, the Housing Ministers' Conference adopted a statement of new directions for Indigenous housing, Building a Better Future: Indigenous Housing to 2010. This, among other things, recognises the clear relationship between housing, living standards and the health and well-being of Indigenous people.

The Grants Commission Report on Indigenous Funding concluded that the backlog for Indigenous housing was close to $4 billion. Solutions to Indigenous housing will involve a range of agencies. Additional measures are required to ensure that all relevant government agencies work more closely together to bring their combined resources and expertise to address this backlog. There is an acute need for additional housing. However, there is also an acute need for services and infrastructure that support new housing. This includes not only roads, stormwater drains, waste management but other community-related services including recreational facilities, community halls, libraries, and parks and playgrounds. ALGA is working hard to ensure these issues are at the forefront of the national agenda.

In ALGA's Budget submission for 2007-08, we are on record as saying that local government "is gravely concerned with the adequacy of Indigenous housing, particularly in remote and rural Australia. ALGA urges the Australian Government to consider the provision of an additional $100m per year for 4 years for the provision of municipal services to Indigenous communities."

We are also considering the possibility of extending our commitment to a local government reconciliation program. Last year, the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation approached councils to develop reconciliation action plans. The plans could be generated locally and cover off on any and all aspects of reconciliation, symbolic and 'practical'. Local government has plenty of examples of council reconciliation projects and we are recognised as leading in this field.

In my home state of Queensland, I am particularly proud that a best practice template for indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) has recently been released. It is the outcome of a project involving 16 local Queensland Councils and 3 native title claimant groups with the specific purpose of developing a "model" or "template" ILUA covering a range of issues that commonly arise in mediations between Queensland local governments and native title claimants.

COAG and the Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs have been undertaking some important work on 'Closing the Gap'. At the most recent COAG meeting which I attended, leaders agreed to sustained engagement and effort by all governments over the next decade and beyond to achieve the Closing the Gap targets for Indigenous people.

As a first step, COAG agreed in principle to a National Partnership with joint funding of around $547.2 million over six years to address the needs of Indigenous children in their early years.

The National Partnership is based on evidence that improvements in Indigenous child mortality require better access to antenatal care, teenage reproductive and sexual health services, child and maternal health services and integrated child and family services. Bilateral plans for implementing the reforms will be agreed between each jurisdiction and the Commonwealth for COAG's consideration in October 2008. COAG further agreed to consider in mid 2009 a progress report and advice about the contribution of COAG's broader reform agenda to overcoming Indigenous children's disadvantage. The Commonwealth will continue to explore with the States and Territories the role that conditions on benefit payments could play in increasing the take up by vulnerable families, including vulnerable Indigenous families, of early childhood, family support and child and maternal health services.

COAG agreed that the Working Group on Indigenous Reform (WGIR) should continue to develop reform proposals for improving community safety, remote service delivery and Indigenous economic development and active welfare for consideration in October 2008. In addition, COAG requested the WGIR, in conjunction with other Working Groups, to report to COAG in December 2008 on how COAG's broader reform agenda will deliver an integrated strategy on closing the gap for all Indigenous people.

This week ALGA attended the Ministerial Council on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in Perth and, among other issues, discussions centred on Indigenous governance and arrangements for a national Indigenous representative body. With the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), it is timely that the Australian Government reviews all national strategies for the delivery of improved Indigenous services including housing and associated infrastructures.

Cr Paul Bell AM
ALGA President

National guidelines for nursing homes

In response to recent gastro-outbreaks in nursing homes, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot, has announced a response plan. The plan involves a review of the accreditation standards on infection control; development of a gastro awareness and prevention education kit; and development of new national guidelines specifically on norovirus - a common and highly infectious cause of gastroenteritis in nursing homes. This new plan will build on the new Food Safety Standard which will come into effect on 5 October 2008. This new standard mandates a requirement for organisations, including nursing homes to deliver food services to vulnerable populations to implement a food safety plan. State and Territory governments have legislation in place regarding infectious disease and are responsible for investigating them. Nursing homes must meet the State and Territories requirements. The Department will begin discussions with key stakeholders about these changes and other aspects of reviewing the Standards at the Ageing Consultative Committee on August 7.

ATO says super change fairer for employers

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has provided further advice to ALGA on superannuation.

The ATO states that previously, employers (including government employers) who paid late super guarantee contributions to a fund could elect to offset these contributions, providing the payments were made within one month of the super guarantee charge due date.

If the payment was made more than one month late, employers were also liable to pay the super guarantee charge, effectively paying the same amount twice.

The changes, which take effect from 24 June 2008, will generally give relief to employers from this double payment situation. Contributions can then be offset against the super guarantee charge even if paid more than one month late.

The super guarantee charge and any late contributions used to offset the charge continue to be non-tax deductible. Penalties and interest will still apply to employers who don't pay super contributions for their employees on time.

For more information visit Superannuation guarantee late payment offset or phone 13 10 20.

Emergency Management course in Victoria - only 5 places left, no cost

Emergency Management Australia is running a course titled Emergency Management for Local Government commencing Wednesday 6th August at 0830 at the Mt Macedon Institute, 601 Mt Macedon Rd Mt Macedon, Victoria and concluding Friday 8th August at 1600. Course participants are engaged in class based work from 0830 through to about 1700-1730 each day they are here and will have to complete assessments if they wish to receive the competency for this course.

The course provides opportunities for participants to hear from very experienced Council based presenters such as Greg Scroope who discusses regional partnerships. We also address such topics as risk, recovery and the role of local government in Emergency Management.

This is a professional development course designed to provide local government leaders, other local government employees, and elected council officials with a basic understanding of emergency management issues in a local government context.

When an emergency or disaster occurs in Australia, it will always affect a local community. The emergency services are tasked with dealing with the immediate effects of the event and the initial stages of recovery. However, it is local government that is responsible for the ongoing care and rebuilding of the community. In addition to supporting recovery from emergencies, local government has an important role in planning and preparing for emergencies, and in undertaking activities to mitigate their effects.

This course provides a logical and comfortable beginning for people responsible for emergency management in local government to identify the specific competencies they require for their job role. It is part of the overall learning strategy - and is one of the optional pre-requisites - for EMA's Emergency Risk Management courses.

There are places for 5 participants. Please advise directly to sharon.bradley@ema.gov.au and EMA will be in contact with you to make further arrangements. The costs for travel, accommodation, food and the course will be covered.

Freight emissions up 100% by 2020

New figures reveal carbon emissions from the freight transport sector in Australia are set to increase 100 per cent by 2020.

The figures prepared for the Federal Government reveal the growth in pollution from freight vehicles exceeds that produced by transport used for personal travel.

The sector measures emissions from trucks, trains, aviation, shipping and commercial vehicles. The figures reveal air freight is the most emissions intensive, and rail produces the least amount of greenhouse gases.

Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre says it is clear the freight sector needs to put in place a carbon reduction plan.

The CSIRO should focus on researching new transport and fuel technologies rather than issuing reports about economic policy options, the Chairman of the Australian Trucking Association, Trevor Martyn, said.

The Federal Government says the CSIRO report: Fuel for thought - The future of transport fuels: challenges and opportunities, represents an important contribution to Australia's energy and climate change debate.

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, said the Government was encouraged by the CSIRO modelling which confirmed gas-to-liquids technology - producing ultra-clean diesel and jet fuel - was likely to be a key to Australia's long-term fuel security.

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research said the Government was taking concrete action to address the issues identified in the report - initiatives like the Green Car Innovation Fund and new Retooling for Climate Change program for manufacturers. The report is available here.

Indigenous leaders share top NAIDOC Awards honour

Dr Chicka Dixon, Joseph Elu AO and Archie Roach were jointly awarded the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Ball last Saturday. This is the first year the lifetime achievement award has been shared and is a reflection of the remarkable contribution made by all three Indigenous Australians to the nation.

Template Indigenous Land Use Agreement

A template Queensland local government indigenous land use agreement (ILUA) has recently been released. It is the outcome of a project involving 16 local Queensland Councils and 3 native title claimant groups with the specific purpose of developing a "model" or "template" ILUA covering a range of issues that commonly arise in mediations between Queensland local governments and native title claimants.

The project was the subject of a case study in the most recent Native Title Report released by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Justice Commissioner. It is Chp. 11 of the report

The template gives parties using it the flexibility to address issues and aspirations that are specific to them and is recommended as a tool to assist mediated outcomes between local government and native title claimants. The publication includes a commentary which provides a brief history of the template's development and also a clause-by-clause summary of the template ILUA.

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September 10-11 Dockside, Sydney

The 3rd annual Local Government Sustainable Development Conference is designed to assist local government managers and practitioners to identify, plan and implement best practice sustainable development solutions in a wide range of areas, including reducing the carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation and planning, community engagement in environmental initiatives, and sustainable planning and urban design.

The two-day conference, to be held on September 10-11 at Dockside in Sydney, will also feature award-winning and leading-edge best practice case studies in sustainable development, including addressing challenges of sustainability, and providing advice for how local governments can achieve their sustainable development goals in a cost-effective manner. The conference is sponsored by Environs, the Local Government Environment Network, which is Australia's oldest local government environment organisation. The President of Environs, Evan Thomas, will chair the conference.

Over 30 experts in sustainability will speak at the conference, including:

• The Hon Penny Wong, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water (Invited)
• Steve Costello, Assistant Secretary, Urban Water Security Branch, Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
• Cr Paul Pisasale, Mayor of Ipswich Council
• Cr Tim Heenan, Mayor, Shire of Yarra Ranges
• David Keenan, Director, City Sustainability, Hume City Council
• Paul Woods, General Manager, Kogarah Shire Council
• Henry Wong, General Manager, Manly Council
• Ian Blair, Senior Consultant, Prima Consulting
• Dr Michael Ambrose, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems
• Colin Dimitroff, Principal, Corporate Sustainable Solutions, URS Asia Pacific
• Mike Ritchie, General Manager, Marketing and Communications, SITA; NSW President, Waste Management Association of Australia

The conference will also feature the Environs Australia 'Local Government Sustainability Leadership Awards' ceremony. There are nine nine awards to recognise achievement in progressing sustainability at the local level. The awards will be judged by an independent panel from universities and local government authorities and will seek to reward sustainability innovation and achievement in Australia. The awards are structured at two levels 'Gold and Silver', and against two themes 'Council and Partnerships' as well as providing opportunities for smaller LGAs to be judged against their peers.

The 2008 conference is being supported by environmental leaders including FieldForce, Sita Environmental, KISS irrigation Systems, Earth Utility, CO Zero, Cardno, Landcom and Toyota Fleet Management.

The conference agenda is available here or contact Denise McQueen on (03) 8534 5021 or denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

For further information about the Local Government Sustainability Leadership Awards, go to www.environs.org.au

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National Indigenous Ministers meet

The Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (MCATSIA) met on Tuesday in Perth. The Council is chaired by the Western Australian Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Michelle Roberts. The Commonwealth Government, State and Territory ministers for Indigenous Affairs and ALGA Vice President Bill Mitchell met to discuss the national Indigenous reforms led by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

Ministers discussed important challenges across the Indigenous Affairs portfolio, including demographic data on Indigenous issues, Indigenous governance, arrangements for a national Indigenous representative body and enhancing emergency management in remote Indigenous communities.

Ministers agreed that Indigenous Early Childhood Development is an urgent area for action. Evidence shows that Indigenous children across the country suffer higher rates of preventable illness and death, lower birth weights and lower rates of school readiness, enrolment and participation. Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child protection system, and many are exposed to significant levels of family and community violence. The combination of poorer outcomes in health and education and exposure to trauma places Indigenous children in an unacceptably vulnerable position compared to non-Indigenous children. Ministers welcomed COAG's agreement in principle to a National Partnership on Indigenous Early Childhood Development with joint funding of $547.2 million. Governments are now developing plans to implement the measures.

MCATSIA notes that the population distribution of Aboriginal people nationally indicates that some three-quarters live in urban and regional centres. Ministers noted the need for a strong focus on urban and regional areas if the COAG targets on lifetime expectancy, infant mortality, education and employment are to be achieved. MCATSIA will work closely with the COAG Working Group on Indigenous Reform in this regard. Ministers acknowledged that the Commonwealth Government is committed to establishing an Indigenous representative body. The Commonwealth Government will announce a consultation process, including grass roots consultations with Indigenous people in every state and territory, a call for public submissions and a roundtable of Indigenous representatives to discuss options.

Climate change partnership with local government in Tasmania

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett has released the Tasmanian Framework for Action on Climate Change.

Releasing the state-wide strategy, the Premier said while Tasmania had limited capacity to affect climate change at a global level it was important Tasmania showed leadership in addressing what is a serious challenge for the future.

The Tasmanian Framework for Action on Climate Change commits the Government to setting interim and sector-based emissions reduction targets by the end of 2009.

Mr Bartlett said the targets would be informed by a major new analysis of the Tasmanian economy that would identify emissions reduction opportunities across industry sectors.

The Premier announced a number of other Government initiatives under the Framework for Action.

They include:

• A trial program of free energy audits and insulation for low income households in three test areas across the State.
• Working closely with councils through a proposed new Partnership Agreement with Local Government on climate change.
• Integration of climate change considerations into the State's new Regional Planning Initiatives.
• Expansion of the nation-leading Climate Futures for Tasmania Project to include an examination of the likely impact of climate change on the State's infrastructure.
• Commissioning research on innovation in agriculture to help one of our key sectors seize new opportunities in a carbon-constrained world.
• A Government review into public transport that includes looking at the potential for hybrid, hydrogen and CNG-powered buses.
• Introduction of Climate Change Impact Statements for relevant Cabinet papers so that climate change can be better integrated into the decisions of Government.

The Framework for Action is available at www.climatechange.tas.gov.au

Local Government - the Caped Crusader

A presentation by Peter Homel from the Australian Institute of Criminology this week emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership in reducing crime, and highlighted the leadership role of local government in the social partnership model of crime prevention and reduction.

He listed the common features of good crime prevention:

• Collaborative multi-agency-based action (whole of govt/community)
• Problem oriented policing
• Built on the use of multiple interventions to address linked problems
• Evidence based
• Outcome focused (measures performance and effectiveness)
• Centrally developed and driven but locally delivered
• Built on partnership and shared outcomes
• Focused on principles of inclusiveness and participation

He said that following the recent review of the National Community Crime Prevention Program (NCCP), the likely future directions will include a clear national framework, promote an active and engaged community crime prevention agenda and strengthen national coordination and jurisdictional partnerships. Canada, for example, which is a leader in crime prevention, focuses on early intervention and community-based action.

Local councils, particularly in NSW, have provided models for community engagement by working with police, community leaders and at-risk groups. Further information www.aic.gov.au

Deliver speeches that hit the mark

ALGA has been sent a copy of a new book - 'The Speech Makers Bible.' The book by Kevin Balshaw, who has worked as a professional speech-writer both in the government and corporate world, illustrates how to write a high-level speech for public delivery, and to write polished speeches for everyday occasions and deliver them with confidence. It is a practical, step-by-step guide laced with helpful and inspirational examples and case studies. ALGA's recommendation: we liked the intellectual and practical approach. Certainly gets those creative juices flowing!! A special offer for local government at $29.95 reduced from $35. It can be ordered at www.q2write.com

Councils to propose child care sites

The Federal Office of Early Childhood Education and Child Care (OECECC) is asking interested parties to propose potential sites for Early Learning and Care Centres within areas of child care need. ALGA has been asked to advise councils who may be interested in nominating a potential site for one of the centres.

The OECECC website includes important information about the 260 Additional Early Learning Care Centres in two documents: 'Fact Sheet' and 'Questions and Answers.' The OECECC website also includes a registration form for use if nominating a site. Proposals can be submitted via email to 260centres@deewr.gov.au. Proposals should be submitted by 31 July 2008.

Entries flood in for 2008 Local Government Awards

Entries for the prestigious 2008 Annual National Awards for Local Government have closed and judging is underway to find Australia's most innovative councils.

114 entries have been received from 71 councils around Australia, with all States and Territories represented.

Each year, the National Awards identify councils that have shown innovation and best practice in their chosen categories. They help encourage councils to learn from the achievements of others and put in place similar initiatives in their own local communities.

Award-winning councils may have developed innovative projects to combat climate change, improve access and services in regional communities, develop community health and well-being or increase participation for young people and women.

Category Awards are sponsored by various government departments according to their priorities. An announcement of the 2008 category and commendation winners is expected to be posted on the awards website during the week of 18 August 2008.

For more information about the National Awards program, visit the website or phone 1800 065 113.

NatStats08 Conference, 19 - 21 November

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will host the inaugural NatStats Conference 08 from 19 - 21 November 2008 at the Crown Promenade Hotel, Melbourne. An array of high profile policy and decision makers will be speaking at the conference including:

• Professor Glyn Davis, Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne and co-convenor of the 2020 Summit;
• Dr Ken Henry, Secretary Treasury;
• Greg Bourne, CEO, World Wildlife Fund Australia; and
• Enrico Giovannini, Chief Statistician, OECD.

If you would like more information about the conference program please call Mark Lound on 02 6252 6325 or email him at inquiries@nss.gov.au.

Early Bird Registration for NatStats08 is now open - for more information please visit the NatStats08 website.

South-East Qld water consumption the lowest ever

Residents of south-east Queensland have broken records with their lowest ever consumption of water in the drought-parched state.

The Queensland Water Commission said this week's consumption was 112 litres per person in local council areas where 140 litres is the target usage each day under level six watering restrictions.

The previous lowest consumption figure was 115 litres per person in the first week of January this year at the height of the summer wet season, Queensland Water Commission (QWC) chair Elizabeth Nosworthy said.

Under Target 140, residents of south-east Queensland are encouraged to take showers of four minutes duration or less and if they water their gardens, they are required to use a watering can or bucket for three hours only on alternate days, with no watering on Mondays.

Govt targeted over drought assistance

Australian of the Year Lee Kernaghan has taken a swipe at the Federal Government's drought assistance for farmers, prompting Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to hint at changes to the Government's policy.

Kernaghan, who was born in rural Victoria, says the off-farm income rules should be relaxed and farmers need more government support. "You can send all the counsellors out there, but let's treat the root cause of this," he said. "Get the policy right and you won't have to throw all those counsellors out into the bush. You won't have the depression. People need hope, they need a fighting chance, that's all people want. They don't want handouts, they just want a fighting chance."

Mr Rudd says he agrees with Kernaghan's comments, but he did not make a mention of raising the threshold for off-farm income.

But he has hinted at changes to the Government's drought policy.

"Drought is now not one in 20 years. It is one in two years," he said.

"At this level of intensity... we have got to look at on-farm support and also the overall financial assistance package to farmers."

Currently farmers who earn up to $20,000 from off-farm activities can still qualify for exceptional circumstances drought relief.

Meanwhile, less than one in ten farmers who applied for a $150,000 federal government grant, to allow them to walk away from their unviable properties, have been approved for payment. The grant, which was doubled by the former Howard government shortly before last year's federal election, attracted 411 applications. Just 32 farmers have received the cash, according to a report in Fairfax newspapers this week. A further 186 applications have been rejected while 100 more claims hinge on the sale of the farm land. Centrelink is still processing the remaining 93 claims. The small number of payouts means that at June 27, only $4.4 million had been paid.

Road Deaths trending down

There was a total of 122 road deaths in June 2008. This is an 6.9 per cent decrease from the June 2007 figure. There have been 704 road deaths in 2008 to the end of June which is a 12.5 per cent decrease from the same 6 month period in 2007.

For further information about data, contact:

Road Safety Research and Statistics
Road Safety Branch
GPO Box 594,
Canberra, ACT 2601
Email: roadsafety@infrastructure.gov.au Internet: www.atsb.gov.au

Industry Code of Practice to make internet a safer place for children

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has welcomed the release of the Content Services Code, a new industry code of practice for providers of online and mobile phone content. The new code was approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority on 10 July 2008.

"This is the first industry code under the new Schedule 7 of the Broadcasting Services Act, which commenced in January 2008," Senator Conroy said.

The legislation establishes a framework for the regulation of new content services, such as content delivered through Internet streaming and 3G services to mobile phones.

The scheme provides a means for addressing complaints about certain types of content, and also provides protection to children from exposure to unsuitable content across a range of delivery platforms. The code sets out requirements for content providers in relation to the classification of content and also best practice guidance on how to comply with the new laws. More information click here.

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INNOVATION IN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT SUMMIT

Wednesday August 6 and Thursday, August 7
Dockside Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney

 

This important conference will feature presentations and case studies about the latest technologies and innovations being used by local governments to improve their planning and development assessment processes. A particular focus will be an expert update on the Federal Government's $30 million rollout of electronic development assessments (eDAs).

In light of the increasing emphasis being placed by federal and state governments on the need for councils to improve the efficiency of development assessment, as well as local governments needing to overcome the shortage of qualified planning staff, this national summit will arm planners, senior council managers, and councillors with the latest advice and best practice planning benchmarks to address these issues.

Top level speakers will include:-

• Tanya Plibersek, the Federal Housing Minister
• Robyn Barrow, the Chair of the eDA National Steering Committee
• Peter Allen, the Chair of the Development Assessment Forum
• Di Jay, the CEO, Planning Institute of Australia
• Chris Johnson, Executive Director, Special Projects, NSW Dept of Planning

Case studies from leading councils will focus on:-

• Optimising development assessment performance through new technology and better processes.
• Achieving a best practice workplace environment within a council planning unit.
• Delivering best practice urban design outcomes through innovative planning.
• Achieving sustainable urban development through innovative strategic planning.
• Innovative planning mechanisms for encouraging sustainable development

The summit will provide attendees with detailed information about the current and future direction of government development assessment polices and technological innovation.

For further information about the summit, visit www.halledit.com.au/conferences or phone (03) 8534 5000 or email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au