Meetings on constitutional reform

On Thursday, ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake met with a group of influential MPs and Senators on the issue of constitutional reform to include local government in the Constitution.

Cr Lake attended meetings at Parliament House with Senator Trish Crossin, Chair, Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs; Jon Sullivan MP, Deputy Chair, Caucus General and Administrative Policy Committee; and Melissa Parke MP, Chair, Caucus General and Administrative Policy Committee.

ALGA has made a submission to the current House of Representatives Inquiry into Referendum Legislation supporting changes to ensure referendum machinery does not hinder constitutional change. Cr Lake said that in the middle of next year local government would seek the views of the Government about a timeframe for its commitment to constitutional change and a process to identify possible referendum questions. "In the wake of the uncertainty around the recent High Court decision on Pape, constitutional reform has become even more important as an opportunity to clarify financial arrangements between the Commonwealth and local government," he said.

Emergency Management Ministers' Council meets in Perth

The Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management met in Perth last Friday to consider Australia's preparedness for natural disasters and to agree measures to improve the resilience of communities. The meeting was attended by ALGA Board Member Cr Bob Abbott (pictured).

The Council considered progress on some practical measures to improve disaster response including a national telephony-based emergency warning system and ways to enhance surge capacity for Triple Zero emergency number services in times of disaster events.

Significantly for local government the Council also considered a climate change adaptation plan to ensure emergency management planning takes account of climate change issues. The Council acknowledged the role local governments will play, in partnership with state governments, in ensuring that land use planning takes account of climate change issues. There was also discussion on the need to strengthen natural disaster risk assessment and agreement to a set of draft risk assessment guidelines which when finalised will assist state agencies and local governments. The communique is available here.

Regional arts roundtable highlights role of local government

A national roundtable on regional arts attended by ALGA has underlined the importance not only of regional arts but also the role of local government. The roundtable was convened by Regional Arts Australia on Monday 22 November in Canberra and participants from major arts bodies, government and broadcasting considered the outcome of a process of national consultation and how to take forward through partnerships the five goals for regional arts identified by the process:

• Building a Strong Sense of Purpose and Identity
• Developing Inclusive and Resilient Communities
• Engaging with Young People in Creating Regional Futures
• Health and Wellbeing; and
• Environmental Sustainability.

The roundtable was attended by the Federal Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, who spoke about the importance of regional arts and also acknowledged the importance of local government in implementing future actions to realise the goals identified.

Regional Arts Australia will be developing a response to the issues raised in the roundtable - which included the need for greater engagement of youth, the need to recongise links with health outcomes in regional Australia and the need to ensure that promotion of regional arts was a part of broader regional development policy.

With the fate of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme still before the Senate, it is timely to reflect on the importance of addressing climate change. ALGA supports an emissions trading scheme and we are hopeful the legislation will be passed.

ALGA recognises climate change as one of the most profound economic and social challenges of our time. We accept that the evidence of significant and long term climate change is compelling. As a consequence we believe action - both by way of mitigation and adaption must be taken.

I will be attending as a member of the Australian Government's official delegation, the Conference of Parties (COP) in Copenhagen from December 7-18. ALGA's inclusion there sends a strong signal that local government is committed to play its role in addressing climate change and that the Australian Government sees a role for local government. It also demonstrates the growing partnership between local government and the Australian Government.

Next week I will be attending my first meeting of the new Coasts and Climate Change Council to be chaired by Professor Tim Flannery which was announced by Minister Penny Wong on two weeks ago.

ALGA has been a member of the COAG Climate Change and Water Working group which was set up to look at a range of issues including water reform, renewable energy targets and climate change adaptation. A report on the latter will be provided to the next COAG meeting on 7 December in Brisbane.

ALGA is also coordinating a paper for the Local Government and Planning Ministers' Council which will identify the practical issues facing local government in dealing with climate change and to inform development of a national framework and tools for use by local government.

ALGA has also been part of the selection panel for the Climate Change Adaptation Pathways program which has provided over $2.8 million to assist councils undertake climate change risk assessment projects.

As a federated organisation ALGA works very closely with its state and territory association members who have developed a range of guides and tools to raise awareness and help councils understand some of the issues including the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

For local government that means that we need to be able to manage our business - i.e. the provision of infrastructure and services appropriately taking climate change into account, and at the same time work with our communities to assist them to plan and adapt to changes that are brought about by changing climate. Of course, we are also advocates for our communities and many councils have been at the frontline of the climate change push long before the federal parliament started to debate the issue.

The effects of climate change will have many direct and indirect implications for local government including in the areas of planning, transport, social planning, health, housing, emergency management, waste management and economic development. The recent report Climate Change Risks to Australia's Coasts - released by Climate Change Minister Penny Wong showed that up to $63 billion of existing residential properties are potentially at risk of inundation from a 1.1 metre sea-level rise, with a lower and upper estimate of risk identified for between 157,000 and 247,600 individual properties. Close to 90 councils will be affected by sea level rises.

While some adjustments may be able to be handled in an orderly manner over and extended period of time, there will be a need for significant investment to protect and maintain public infrastructure.

Councils will need support. Support from scientists, engineers, the finance and insurance sector, each other and other levels of government. Collaboration has never been so important. ALGA's Board has discussed the need for an adaptation fund for infrastructure work in high-risk areas and a capacity-building program. These will be key inclusions in ALGA's Budget submission for 2010-11 which is currently being drafted.

Local government is at the cutting edge where the impacts of climate change will be first felt. Local government wants to play its role in addressing climate change and I commend those councils already engaged in doing the work that will prepare their council and community for the challenges ahead.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Briefs

Interim bushfire report

The Australian Government has welcomed the release of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's second interim report on priorities for building in bushfire prone areas.

The Attorney General Robert McClelland and Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the Australian Government supported the Commission's recommendations on the three priorities identified in the report: regulation of bushfire bunkers; revision of some aspects of the Australian Standard for the construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas; and revision of the Standards Australia Handbook on building in bushfire prone areas.

"The Australian Government supports the development of a national standard for the construction of personal bushfire bunkers as a matter of urgency," the Ministers said. "While bunkers are not the entire solution to bushfire survival, when built and used appropriately they can be used as a last resort for people faced with an impending bushfire front."

The Commission recommends that Standards Australia revise its companion handbook to AS-3959. The revised handbook will provide valuable guidance to building practitioners about complementary measures including maintenance and planning. The report is available here.

Energy efficient buildings

Environment Minister Peter Garrett has announced a new national scheme to improve the energy efficiency of office buildings. Starting in the second half of 2010, building owners will need to provide up-to-date energy efficiency information when they sell or lease office space covering more than 2,000 square metres.

Building owners who may be affected are encouraged to get started now and familiarise themselves with the National Australian Built Environment Rating System as a building's first rating can take time.

Owners who don't comply will risk a fine or prosecution. Australian, state and territory government energy ministers recently approved the parameters of the new disclosure scheme for office building energy efficiency, with Commonwealth legislation now being developed to give effect to the scheme in the second half of 2010. Councils which own large office buildings are likely to be affected by this regulation. The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts will be co-hosting seminars around Australia with the Property Council of Australia in the coming months. More information about the Australian Government's initiatives to improve the efficiency of buildings is available here. For press release please click here.

Airport capacity study for Sydney

The Federal and New South Wales Governments have agreed to conduct a joint study to assess options, identify potential sites and evaluate investment strategies for delivering additional airport capacity for Sydney.

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese said the study's final terms of reference would be outlined in the National Aviation Policy White Paper, which would be released shortly.

"This joint study will look at ways of providing integrated transport solutions for the existing airport as well as additional airport capacity," he said. "It will also consider the future of the Badgerys Creek site given the Government has ruled it out as an option for a second airport. This will focus on how the site can provide a stimulus for jobs and economic development for western Sydney."

Hawkesbury City Council mayor Bart Bassett was quoted in 'The Australian Financial Review' this week as saying the community opposed any move to allow Richmond RAAF base to take commercial aircraft, even temporarily. He said the councils and residents feared the temporary commercial use would soon result in it becoming Sydney's second airport.

Renewable energy showcase

South Australia is a leader in Australia in wind generation and has the potential to expand and become the renewable energy hub for Australia, the President of the Local Government Association of South Australia said today. "However there are significant barriers to achieving this goal because of the low capacity of transmission lines in various regions of the State," Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said. "This needs to be addressed if we are to become a national hub for renewable energy. This is a matter that we will be raising with the State Government and the Opposition in the lead up to the State Election in March 2010." South Australian Local Government renewable energy initiatives were showcased at a forum this week at Unley.

National disability awards

The 2009 National Disability Awards were announced this week at Parliament House. Michael Taggart won the Local Government category. Michael was instrumental in the integration of assistive PC screen reader technology at the Salisbury City Council, leading the development of the City of Salisbury's first Disability Action Plan 1999-2003. The plan, under Michael's direction, has led to increased accessibility of new facilities, retro-fitting of inaccessible buildings, footpaths and playgrounds, and has provided library and community centre computers with large font and voice output technology. Michael also contributed to the development of the Salisbury City Council's first 'footpath trading policy' to improve access in retail precincts. The policy was implemented in 2008/09 and has led to footpaths in retail precincts being kept clear for 1.8 metres from shopfronts. Michael was the project leader for the development of a local government disability discrimination awareness training package 2000-2003, across the five largest city councils in South Australia.

Survey on violence against women

In conjunction with the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, has released the National Community Attitudes towards Violence against Women Survey 2009.

Understanding community attitudes is important for shaping and influencing future initiatives to prevent violence against women. The survey establishes a benchmark against which changes in attitudes can be closely monitored over time.

Homelessness research funding

Applications for funding are now open for the National Homelessness Research Partnership Agreements and the National Homelessness Research Projects.

The National Homelessness Research Partnership Agreements are designed to provide large-scale, high-quality research through substantial multi-year funding agreements with a small number of research organisations. An annual program of research will be developed collaboratively with the successful applicants, based on the priorities identified in the National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013.

The National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013 delivers the Government's commitment to improve the evidence base for delivering sustainable solutions to homelessness and a better understanding of the impact of homelessness on individuals and families. Applications close 2pm AEDT 13 January 2010.

Full details:

• National Homelessness Research Agenda 2009-2013
• Homelessness Research funding

Digital deadline looms

Communications Minister Senator Stephen Conroy said the digital television switch would be flicked in Brisbane and Perth on June 30, 2013, with Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to follow on December 3 that year. The Sunraysia region will be the first region to go fully digital on June 30 2010 but the final dates for other regional areas have not been confirmed. 44% of Australians have not yet made the switch to digital TV and there is concern that a mooted satellite service for blackspots areas could by dominated by NSW content, including generic news bulletins. Talks with regional broadcasters who favour booster towers are continuing.

Mildura and the Sunraysia region now have a locally-based officer to help get ready for digital TV.

"Digital TV switchover is on the way and the new liaison officer will play an important role ensuring people have the information they need to get ready," the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said.

"The newly appointed Digital Switchover Liaison Officer, Kellie Boyce, will be working with community groups and using local networks to help her carry out her important role. She is based at the Mildura Rural City Council and will travel throughout the region.

Digital Switchover Liaison Officers will be appointed in other regions as switchover approaches. Ms Boyce can be contacted through the Digital Ready Information Line: 1800 20 10 13.

Parking policies are for community benefit, councils say

Claims that councils simply issue parking fines as a revenue-raising measure are unfounded, says the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW.

"Councils issue parking fines to manage traffic and parking, ensure local roads remain safe for communities and encourage public transport usage," says President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery.

"Parking meters, for example are necessary to ensure there are enough spaces for shoppers and visitors, especially in tourist-driven areas such as Bondi Beach or Darling Harbour.

"Infringement notices aren't issued to make money - they're intended as deterrents and have to be high enough to discourage illegal parking.

"If people obey the laws and park legally, they won't get a fine - it's that simple."

Cycling safety awareness

A team of 27 cyclists has set off from Parliament House to ride the 830 kilometres to Melbourne, along the way raising money and awareness for a new road safety campaign being spearheaded by the Amy Gillett Foundation.

The six day ride marks the start of the Amy Gillett Foundation's 'A Metre Matters' campaign which aims to reduce accidents between motorists and cyclists by promoting shared respect amongst all road users.

There are about 1.9 million recreational cyclists in Australia, with more bikes than cars sold in each of the last six year.

You can follow the ride by going to: http://canberratomelbourne.tumblr.com/.

Riders for at least part of the journey include Foundation board members Simon Gillett, Duncan Murray, Stephen Hodge and Matt Pringle; a range of business and community leaders; well known cyclists including Matt White, Dave McKenzie and Matt Tilley; cycling great Phil Anderson; and three Amy Gillett Scholarship recipients.

Bigger not necessarily better, councils say

NSW councils are already focusing on ways to modernise their sector, and reject any overly simplistic assertions that "bigger is automatically better" when it comes to local government areas.

President of the Local Government Association Cr Genia McCaffery acknowledges claims made by the Sydney Business Chamber that some economies of scale that could be achieved, but believes that this would not automatically fix the under-resourcing of NSW councils.

President of the Shires Association Cr Bruce Miller says NSW councils are already investigating ways to modernise the local government sector.

"There are many options to consider - electoral, structural, functional, industrial and organisational," he said.

"And if some councils are eventually amalgamated, there are a host of things to consider. Rural and regional councils for example, have a smaller population but a larger geographic area to maintain. Residents might have to travel more than 100km simply to attend a council meeting to have their say on local issues."

"We want to work with the State Government to ensure the best possible changes are made with the best outcomes for our local communities."

Rural Australia more vulnerable to GFC

Rural Australians are more likely to be negatively impacted by the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) than those in urban areas, according to a new report which is available here.

Research Australia's report on the economy and health: Australian Financial Crisis - Implications for Health and Research reveals that with generally lower incomes and lower levels of education, rural Australia is more vulnerable to the impact of the global downturn. Higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use and of obesity also contribute to the relationship between the GFC and rural health. Research and analysis discussed in the report suggests that the socio-economic effects of the GFC may increase the susceptibility of rural Australians to preventable illnesses.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for unemployment also show that overall rural and regional unemployment is slightly higher than for major urban areas. The negative impacts on health in rural communities may be increased as concentrated unemployment is felt alongside further deterioration in access to health and social services.

Research Australia CEO Rebecca James said while 10 years of severe drought had also had a large impact on rural and regional health, some industries and regions are feeling the dual impact of drought and falling commodity prices. "A key question raised was not simply whether the recession will further increase the health divide between urban rural and remote Australia, but whether it will eliminate the significant gains made in rural health over the past decade," Ms James said. Inquiries to Melina Schamroth on 0409 833 848

Minister Tanner addresses the National Press Club

This week, ALGA attended Finance and Deregulation Minister Lindsay Tanner's address to the National Press Club (NPC) in Canberra. It was the third address that Lindsay Tanner has given to the NPC since he became the Minister in December 2007. The Minister highlighted the fact that the timing for each of the three addresses has seen the Australian economy in different phases. When he first became Minister, the Australian economy was in a healthy state with a budget surplus well on track to reach $22 billion. By the time of his second address, the Australian economy had contracted and was feeling the effects of the global financial crisis. In his address this week, whilst he cautioned that there was still 'a long way to go', he noted that 'we can look to calmer times ahead.'

Whilst the Minister's speech was predominantly focused on the Future Fund and the important role it will play in helping to manage the Commonwealth's unfunded superannuation liabilities, and the high regard in which its chief, David Murray is held internationally and nationally, the Minister also provided some insights into the Budget strategy for 2010-11. Responding to journalists' questions, he said that a 'loosen the purse strings'- budget is simply not feasible. He noted that the critical challenge is getting the Budget back into surplus as soon as possible (currently, this is not projected to occur until 2015-16) and that the way in which the ageing population is handled will be instrumental in meeting this challenge.

Find a GP campaign

The Australian Medical Association (WA) has launched a national campaign to tackle the country's critical doctor shortage, offering a $3000 reward to anyone who nominates a suitably trained overseas GP willing to start work here.

"We want to find an extra 500 doctors willing to join our medical workforce - and we'll generously reward any Australian who helps us achieve that goal," said association President Prof Gary Geelhoed. "There are many communities in WA and throughout Australia in need of a doctor. We will import GPs to help meet that need." He said the association would not attempt to recruit doctors from third world countries where it would be devastating for many communities to lose their local GP. For more information and to refer an overseas GP visit: www.amawa.com.au/refergp.

Australia's welfare progress

Australia's population is ageing, family homelessness is growing and around 2.3 million Australians will have a high level of disability by 2030. These are the findings contained in a comprehensive report into the provisions of welfare services to Australians, launched last week by the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon Jenny Macklin MP. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report Australia's welfare 2009, was released during an AIHW Forum on 17 November. The Forum in Queanbeyan, NSW, brought together several national and international welfare experts.

The report's theme 'Whose needs? How well met' examines issues including the increasing rate of homelessness and disability, Indigenous disadvantage, aged care and childcare services and social inclusion policy. The ageing of the population and the increasing rate of disability are likely to increase demand for aged care services. Housing plays a major role in health and wellbeing, however, the report identifies that family homelessness is growing, with over a quarter of homeless people in Australia in 2006 being members of a family with children. In 2001, 17% of homeless were families with children.

Achieving progress in social inclusion requires change in how government policies and programs are designed, developed, coordinated and delivered, according to the report. It must occur across the major policy areas and be a whole-of-government approach - planning for sustainability, using locational approaches, developing tailored and linked services, and monitoring the policies to see whether they are effective. It requires a greater focus on the needs of disadvantaged groups and places, on prevention and early intervention and on the building of individual and community strength. Sector-specific programs of the past will need to change to linked services, which will have significant implications for data collection so that they can be used to underpin policy and evaluation.

The welfare of Indigenous Australians continues to differ markedly from non-Indigenous Australians. Apart from being less likely to meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards, Indigenous children are 6 times more likely to be in the child protection system and more than 3 times more likely to need assistance with core activities, due to disability, compared to non-Indigenous children of the same age. The Government's Closing the Gap initiatives will take some time to be measurable.

Keynote speaker at the Forum, Mick Dodson - co-chair of Reconciliation Australia, Director of the National Centre of Indigenous Studies at the ANU and Australian of the Year - asked delgates what a reconciled Australia should look like. He believes that a closed gap should never mean assimilation and 'closing the gap' must be about choices, not just treating indigenous people as a set of 'indicators. Imposing solutions, he says, did not work 100 years ago and will not work today. There must be an opportunity to have "the conversations that need to be held." His vision is that Closing the Gap should mean: working together; improving relationships; and achieving a shared sense of justice. The report can be accessed and downloaded here.