From the President

Now that the federal budget is out of the way, it is time to look ahead to two very important events for local government happening in late June.

Both events are essential to our representation and advocacy at the national level and to build on our recent successes in terms of community infrastructure funding, road funding and our path towards constitutional reform.

Many of you have already registered to attend this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) which will be held from 21 to 24 June in Canberra. We are expecting more than 700 delegates and if your council is not there, you run the risk of being left out of the unprecedented march by local government to opportunity and change at the federal level. This is shaping up to be the biggest and most important NGA ever, so please don't delay securing your council's place.

The NGA is also perfectly timed to precede the meeting convened by the Prime Minister of all Australian mayors (the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG)) on 25 June - the day after the NGA concludes.

The scheduling of the ACLG on the day following the NGA provides an ideal opportunity to ensure that ACLG discussions are informed by the debate and outcomes of local government's own NGA. We are strongly encouraging all mayors who are attending the ACLG to also attend the NGA, or at least attend the NGA on the final day (Wednesday), to benefit from the wider discussion we will have around priorities for the ACLG.

Councils from across Australia have submitted more than 140 motions for consideration at the NGA. We can expect to debate, develop and refine an authoritative national local government mandate at the NGA. If your council has not already registered to attend the NGA, it is important that it does so to ensure that your council is able play its part in influencing the national agenda for local government.

We have structured the 2009 NGA along similar lines to the successful 2008 Local Government Constitutional Summit. The Summit approach ensured that debate was more focused - which resulted in more structured and tangible outcomes. We will be aiming to repeat this approach at this year's NGA.

Motions for this year's NGA address three important themes - climate change, infrastructure and finance. Motions which are similar in content have been amalgamated into 'composite motions' to allow for more effective debate. There will be a focused panel discussion session on each of the three themes which will be facilitated by veteran ABC journalist George Negus and will include specialists in each area. This will give all delegates the opportunity to discuss related issues prior to entering formal debate on the motions.

The NGA will feature keynote addresses from a range of influential people, including senior politicians and industry experts. We will also present an update on progress since the 2008 Constitutional Summit on efforts underway to reform the Australian Constitution to include local government.

This is an exciting time for local government. With our developing relationship with the Australian Government and our growing role in national policy, it is crucial that all councils are represented at the biggest and most important policy event on the local government annual calendar.

For more information about the NGA and to register your attendance, please visit http://nga.alga.asn.au.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Bushfire rebuilding

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed further planning scheme amendments introduced by the Minister to support bushfire rebuilding efforts for property owners.

Cr Bill McArthur, MAV President said councils had worked closely with the MAV and Department of Planning and Community Development to identify and propose additional streamlining opportunities.

"Local government has proactively identified further exemptions to eliminate the need for a planning permit to support the Government's direction to facilitate rebuilding of structures destroyed or damaged by the recent bushfires, despite a number of planning controls in place.

"Following the Minister's planning scheme amendment in March to exempt temporary buildings and sites within a Wildfire Management Overlay from permit requirements, the MAV and fire-affected councils have identified additional ways to support rebuilding efforts.

"Introduced via an amendment to all planning schemes this week, the MAV is pleased the Minister has responded to councils' suggestions and further expanded exemptions from permit requirements.

"Councils will now be able to meet community expectations. It provides more certainty for fire-affected residents and enables councils to provide clear advice to property owners.

"To access the exemption, an owner will only need to have a simple site plan showing such matters as proposed building locations, access and any vegetation removal, stamped by the council without usual planning notice and referral processes applying.

"The State has responded to local government's concerns about being able to deliver on the Government's 'no permit' commitment for communities devastated by the bushfires.

"Without this amendment most affected properties would have needed to go through the normal planning permit process. Councils have been working 'double time' to make that as simple as possible, but this amendment provides welcome support.

"This week the Treasurer also confirmed that if councils waive planning and building permit fees for rebuilding of fire-affected dwellings and small business facilities, a reimbursement can be sought from the State Government.

"These changes allow most people to speed up their rebuilding timelines and offer more streamlined processes and certainty for councils," he said.

Amendment VC57 to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes introduced Clause 52.39 for 2009 bushfire replacement buildings on 14 May.

Trolley folly

Queensland urban councils have agreed on a bid to force supermarkets to provide coin-operated trolleys.

Brisbane City Council alone has stockpiled about 4,000 truant shopping trolleys in depots across Brisbane.

A recent survey of 2,570 brand-name trolleys recovered by councils found Coles was the worst offender (1,183), followed by Woolworths (822) and IGA (109).

The Urban Local Government Association has approved a plan to ask the state parliament pass laws or encourage local councils to adopt local laws to require a deposit system such as that used at Aldi supermarkets, which charge a $2 refundable deposit.

The association's conference in Bundaberg this week also vowed to take action on junk-mail litter.

Ipswich delegate Paul Tully told the conference it was extremely rare to see an Aldi trolley outside the store.

He said Coles' and Woolworths' practice of corporate responsibility for reducing the visual pollution of abandoned shopping trolleys around Australia was "next to zero".

Despite the fact that they can be reclaimed from councils for $117 - less than their replacement cost - none of the large supermarket chains has done so.

Mr Tully said the matter would now be referred to the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) in the hope councils will adopt a uniform approach.

Mr Tully said Ipswich council was also looking at ways to limit damage to cars from runaway trolleys in shopping centre carparks, such as requiring trolleys to have brakes. (Source: AAP)

Public libraries summit

The date for the Australian Libraries and Information Association (ALIA) Public Libraries Summit has been confirmed for 19 July at the National Library, Canberra.

The title of the Summit is Setting a National Agenda and it will be opened by Senator Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

The Summit will look at how Australia's 1,500 public libraries, at the heart of their local communities, already contribute to a wide variety of government agendas, including social inclusion, building stronger communities, lifelong learning, literacy, digital citizenship, multi-culturalism and the environment. The goal of the Summit is to seek input and advice about how public libraries could do even more for their communities, and to begin to put together a national policy framework.

Around 70 participants will be invited to attend including a cross-section of local government representatives from around Australia. Email expressions of interest in attending to Marion Nicolson, Project Officer, ALIA Public Libraries Summit - marion.nicolson@alia.org.au by 29 May.

Find out more about the ALIA Public Libraries Summit including some great things public libraries are doing already here.

Northern Australia

A comprehensive compilation of northern Australian infrastructure and resources statistics, The Northern Australia - Statistical Compendium - was launched in Kununurra this week by the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Northern Australia, Gary Gray.

The compendium was prepared by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) and provides factual information to improve understanding of the economic and social development in Northern Australia.

The Compendium emphasises basic information and data and a limited commentary on broad trends. The key characteristics of Northern Australia highlighted include:

• Relatively small population size
• Massive economic importance to the Australian economy
• Three major employers: mining, government and agriculture
• The economy is based on commodity production
• Economic adaptations to distance include: fly-in, fly-out and drive-in, drive-out workers, distance education, flying doctors and greater use of aviation.

The compendium is available online, as a CD and in print. The Northern Australia - Statistical Compendium and the background data is available to download at www.bitre.gov.au.

Tas rules out forced mergers

Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett has ruled out forcing any of Tasmania's 29 local councils to merge. Mr Bartlett told State Parliament he recognised the challenges being faced by the Tasmanian tier of local government.

The Auditor general Mike Blake released a report on Tuesday showing that nearly half of all Tasmanian councils were operating unsustainably.

The report found that 12 councils, including Glenorchy and Hobart City Councils, had spent more than they earned for three years in a row, a position Mr Blake said could not continue in the medium to long term. Mr Bartlett said it was not the policy of the Government to force council mergers.

Instead the Premier said he would continue to provide incentives and encouragement to councils considering their long term future.

Mr Bartlett also disputed claims by some councils that his government's decision to take responsibly for water and sewerage services and infrastructure assets out of councils' hands was a de facto way of forcing more mergers. Two councils on Tasmania's East Coast, the Break O'Day and the Glamorgan-Spring Bay councils, this morning requested the Local Government Board investigate a voluntary merger between the two councils.

The review will take several months, with the State Government set to recommend this year's local government elections for the two councils be postponed until after the Board has completed its review. (Source: 'The Mercury')

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Building Community Centred Economies Dialogue for Action - Conference

Wednesday 17 - Saturday 20 June, 2009
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane

You're invited to participate in creating new economic futures for local communities at this major international conference being hosted by the International Association of Community Development and CD Queensland.

This event will feature more than 100 presentations, workshops and panel discussions on:

• local food systems
• community and social enterprises
• social investment
• strong and ethical local businesses
• local energy production and planning
• fair trade opportunities
• community gardens
• corporate-community engagement
• microfinance institutions
• local currencies and exchange systems
• community banks and local credit unions
• federations and consortia of non-profit organisations leveraging the common good.

The conference is targeted at social planners, community development workers, local government representatives, indigenous and environmental groups and community members or groups working for sustainability in their local communities.

For further information or to register visit: www.CDconference.com.au

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Third Australian Small Bridges Conference 2009

A conference focusing on Small, Medium and Local Bridges

July 7-8, Powerhouse Museum, Darling Harbour

Australia has over 30,000 small to medium-sized bridges on our road network alone, with thousands more for pedestrian, stock and rail use, and many are near the end of their structural life and need urgent attention.

Following on from the highly successful Small Bridges Conferences in 2005 & 2007, the Australian Small Bridges Conference 2009, at the Powerhouse Museum at Darling Harbour, has been designed to alert bridge and road engineers, managers, councilors, suppliers and contractors to significant new developments and requirements for small to medium span bridges. The conference program has been designed to provide delegates with the latest information and insights in dealing with the maintenance, refurbishment, design or construction of small to medium bridges. The speaking program is diverse with managing timber bridges and pedestrian bridges being particular features.

Topics include:

• TIMBER BRIDGE INSPECTION
• TIMBER BRIDGE RESTORATION
• BRIDGE INVESTIGATION & EVALUATION
• PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
• ELEVATED BOARDWALKS
• VIEWING PLATFORMS
• AESTHETICS OF BRIDGES
• BRIDGE INNOVATIONS
• SPECIAL PRESENTATION: A Career in Bridges
• STEEL BRIDGES
• MODULAR BRIDGES
• BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
• BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
• REPAIR & STRENGTHENING
• RAILWAY BRIDGES
• CASE STUDIES

Conference convenor, Scott Matthews, BEng said that experienced international bridge experts will present their research to the conference. Local government case studies will include Gold Coast City , Melbourne City Council, Corangamite Shire, Brisbane City Council, together with projects in National Parks, Rail Reserves and for State Road Authorities.

To review the full speaker list at the conference and to register please visit www.halledit.com.au/bridges09 or tel Denise McQueen on 03 8534 5021 or
Email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

Council's early win in Lehman battle

Wingecarribee Shire Council has had a win in its bid to recover $4 million from Lehman Brothers over investments that crashed in value as a result of the US subprime crisis.

A Federal Court yesterday ruled that the council should have access to various insurance policies held by Lehman Brothers, which is now in administration. The ruling could have wide implications for companies seeking damages for failed investments. Lehman Brothers is considering an appeal against the decision.

New departmental chief

Mr Mike Mrdak has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The position became vacant following the recent announcement by Mr Mike Taylor AO of his retirement. Mr Mrdak, who will carry with him to his new position responsibility for the role of Commonwealth Co-ordinator General, will take up his appointment as Secretary on 29 June.

Mr Mrdak has extensive experience across the portfolio, including in policy development in the areas of aviation, road and rail transport, infrastructure investment and delivery and local government.

Swine flu and world economy

The global spread of swine flu may have notable effects on the world economy, a senior IMF official says, warning that the financial crisis is far from over.

John Lipsky, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, says the risks posted by the new type of flu are "hard to predict" but it could have "notable economic effects."

Swine flu infections across the globe in 41 countries have soared above 11,000. 85 people have died from the virus - nearly all of them in the Americas and Mexico, with one in Canada and Costa Rica. 10 cases have been confirmed in Australia.

E-Security Awareness Week

The National E-Security Awareness Week will be held from 5 to 12 June 2009. The main focus of the Week is to assist Australian home and small business internet users understand e-security risks and to outline the practical steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information.

The Department and over twenty industry and community groups as well as State and Territory governments are working closely together to promote the Week at over 50 events, to be held in metropolitan, regional and rural areas across Australia.

You and your family can stay smart online by following these five simple steps:

1. Get a better, stronger password and change it at least twice a year
2. Get security software, and update and patch it regularly
3. Stop and think before you click on links or attachments from unknown sources
4. Information is valuable. Be careful about what you give away about yourself and others online.
5. Log on to www.staysmartonline.gov.au for further information and to sign up for the email alert service

A night at the museum

Post-industrial Newcastle may be a work in progress but for the 400 delegates attending the Museums Australia national conference, the city has left a lasting positive impression.

Environment, Heritage and Arts minister Peter Garrett told the conference museums played an important role in regional communities.

"I think it's very important for areas like Newcastle to have institutions like the regional museum [not only] to be a storehouse for the history of the region but also to provide the opportunity for visitors to share the stories and history," Mr Garrett said.

Newcastle Regional Museum curator and conference organiser Julie Baird said yesterday many national and international delegates had inquired about the city's evolving landscape.

Watching out for superannuation scams

Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, has warned Australian workers to exercise extra care in protecting their superannuation account statements and personal details, in response to NSW Police Force information that a Sydney-based fraud syndicate is using stolen identities to steal from victims' superannuation accounts.

According to NSW Police Force Strike Force Gamut, syndicate members have allegedly stolen superannuation statements and used other counterfeit identity documents to operate self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). The offenders then opened bank accounts linked to the fraudulent SMSF and arrange for cash to be 'rolled over' from legitimate funds into the fraudulent accounts.

Senator Sherry said Australian workers should seek to protect their superannuation statements and account details from identity fraud by shredding any personal financial information they want to dispose of.

"People should also be cautious about what personal financial information they provide over the phone and to whom they provide it. People should also make a habit of checking their paper-based and online super fund statements to ensure there are no unauthorised transactions," Minister Sherry said.

If superannuation fund members have any concerns about the security of their account they should contact either their fund or APRA on 1300 13 1060 or the ATO in relation to SMSFs on 13 10 20. If a member has information about a suspected crime, they can also contact the NSW Police Force Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

New search engine

How long would it take an auctioneer to speak 6000 words? What was the weather in Beijing on the day Kevin Rudd was born? How many Americans are named Andrew?

Google and Wikipedia flounder with such questions, but a new search engine called Wolfram|Alpha has the tech world abuzz with the promise of more than linking to countless web pages or canvassing a broad topic.

Named after its creator, the British physicist and mathematician Stephen Wolfram, the free site went public at the weekend. What separates it from everything else is an ability to interpret complex questions in everyday language and answer those questions by consulting disparate pieces of information.

A Sydney technology author and futurist, Mark Pesce, is among those who have been awaiting the debut. "It could take the way we think of the internet in a new direction," he said. For example, while Google can identify the nearest place for pizza, Wolfram|Alpha is designed to tell you where to get the best pizza, Mr Pesce said.

It may be some time before www.wolframalpha.com tackles culinary debates, but the example reflects its ability to interpret data from unrelated sources. For the record, Wolfram|Alpha's answers to the questions posed are: 24 minutes; 21 degrees and clear skies; and 1.06 million.

Disaster management

Registrations are now open for the Inaugural LGAQ Disaster Management Conference 'Building Community Resilience through Collaboration' which will be held in Emerald from 10-12 June 2009. Go to www.lgaq.asn.au for draft conference program, travel, accommodation and registration details.

This conference will provide important information and opportunities to share your disaster management experiences with other Mayors, Councillors, CEOs and council officers. Given the significant recent events and the increasing exposure of Queensland communities to a range of hazards - this is one conference your council can't afford to miss

This conference is open to all Queensland councils - Chairs and Executive Officers of Local Disaster Management Groups please consider nominating or sending a delegate. The conference is also welcoming nominations from councils in other jurisdictions, state government and Australian government agencies as well as other interested NGOs and private sector representatives.

Local Government HR Conference

Early bird registration for the National Local Government Human Resource Conference from 18 - 20 November 2009 at Sebel Albert Park will open on 25 May 2009.

Early bird registration is $990 incl. GST and is valid until 31 August 2009.

The agenda will include keynote speeches, interactive workshops and panel discussions drawing on the knowledge of subject matter experts across a range of disciplines addressing the theme "HR Evolution - Responding to a Changing World".

To register, visit the website.

Topics include strategic planning; fair work and modern award; and organisational collaboration.

Contact Geoff Pawsey, 03 9667 5526, gpawsey@mav.asn.au

Family and domestic violence

The Australian Bureau of Statistics study 'Conceptual Framework for Family and Domestic Violence' is now available at www.abs.gov.au. The term Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) covers a wide range of abusive behaviours committed within intimate relationships such as those involving family members, children, partners, ex-partners, or caregivers. It can include many types of behaviour or threats, including: physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse and intimidation, economic and social deprivation, damage of personal property and abuse of power. Family and domestic violence occurs across all socioeconomic and cultural groups. However, FDV may become a more complex problem in population groups where it compounds existing social disadvantage and a lack of support.

457 visa program

Further changes to the 457 visa program have come into effect, with the removal of some occupations from the standard sponsorship arrangements.

The occupations affected by this change include occupations in the tourism, clerical and agricultural industries.

It is the second major reform to the 457 program to be implemented in recent weeks, following the increase in the English language requirement on April 14.

These changes were among a series of measures the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced on April 1. The latest change means employers wanting to recruit overseas workers in occupations listed under major groups five to seven on the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) can only do so by successfully negotiating a labour agreement with the Commonwealth. For more information, visit the News section of the DIAC website.

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BENCHMARKING BEST PRACTICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2009

Wednesday 8^th - Thursday 9^th July
Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney

Local government CEOs, General Managers and senior directors of Australia's most innovative councils will address the 2009 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government national conference.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural Best Practice conference, the conference will provide local government managers with detailed insights into innovative and successful management tools being used by Australia's leading councils to cut costs, increase organisational efficiency, and optimise the delivery of services to their communities. Topics will include staff productivity, organisation development, financial and asset management, and risk management.

Speakers at this year's conference will include:

• John Burgess, General Manager, Auburn Council
• Graeme Emonson, CEO, Knox City Council
• Geoff Lake, President, Australian Local Government Association
• Lyn Russell, General Manager, City of Wagga Wagga
• David Evans, General Manager, Maitland City Council
• Phil Rowland, CEO, Mount Alexander Shire
• Alexis Hunt, Coordinator People & Change, Gold Coast City Council
• Andrew MacLeod, Chief Internal Auditor, Brisbane City Council

In recognition of the role of the Best Practice Conference as a key national forum for discussions on local government innovation and best practice, this year's conference will be followed on July 10 by a meeting of the councils participating in the Local Government Business Excellence Network, which will also be held at the Novotel Brighton Beach.

The conference agenda is available at www.halledit.com.au/bestprac09/agenda.

For more details, phone Hallmark Conferences on (03) 8534 5000, email denise.mcqueen@halledit.com.au

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Administrative Law Practice and Procedure Seminars

Update your skills and knowledge and join the legal experts in Melbourne and Sydney to discuss Administrative Law Practice and Procedure.

Melbourne - Wednesday 27 May 2009

What is Administrative Decision? When and How is it Reviewable?
Fiona McKenzie, Barrister, Joan Rosanove Chambers; Author of 'Administrative Power and the Law'

Appeals from the VCAT
Jason Pizer, Barrister, Owen Dixon Chambers

Procedural Fairness Under Current Case Law and the Charter of Human Rights
Richard Wilson, Barrister, Clerk G

Click here to register

 

Sydney - Wednesday 3 June 2009

Jurisdictional Error and Invalidity Explained
Dr Christos Mantziaris, Barrister, Selborne Chambers

Grounds for Review of Administrative Decisions
Reg Graycar, Barrister & Professor of Law, St James Hall

Latest Development in FOI and Implications for Agencies Handling FOI Requests
Ashley Tsacalos, Partner, Deacons

Click here to register

For more materials and training in Australian administrative law please visit
http://www.adminlaw.com.au