Minister Crean's new paradigm

In a major address to the National Press Club this week, The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development, Local Government and the Arts, Simon Crean, said that local empowerment was the key to regional development and he challenged local communities and regions to develop effective strategy plans rather than wish-lists.

"The role of local government will become ever more important in our new approach to regional Australia," he said and the fact that 'this important tier of government' was not recognised in the Constitution had to be rectified. "That's why the Government has committed to seek recognition of local government in the Constitution - something to which the Coalition has also agreed. But in pursuing constitutional change, experience reminds us of the critical need to build community support and consensus."

Minister Crean set out the 'new paradigm' for regional Australia with a strengthened Regional Development Australia network to complement the work of local government in the fifty-five regions within Australia. The Government has promised $9.9 billion to regional areas over the next decade. Of that, the $6 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund would be underwritten by the Government's planned minerals resource rent tax and include $573 million for projects identified by Regional Development Australia Committees. There will also be $800 million for a Priority Regional infrastructure Program to fund projects identified by local communities. There were three considerations that guided the Government's vision for regional Australia: ensuring that economic growth and sustainable development was the driving influence; operating within a federal structure with its recognition of only two tiers of government but noting that there were three levels of government for service delivery; and understanding the importance of local engagement - to more effectively empower local communities. He said the economic and social benefits of broadband should not be underestimated. The National Broadband Network would enable Australians 'to overcome the tyranny of distance.'

Minister Crean said his goal was to entrench regionalism within the framework of government - to champion regionalism in a way that it can't be unpicked by subsequent governments. A Ministerial Council on Regional Australia would include local government representation and be an important addition to the COAG framework. The principal role of the new Regional Australia and Regional Development Committee of Cabinet would be to ensure strategic direction on community priorities and coordination across portfolios. A House of Representatives Committee on Regional Australia will be established to inquire into the needs and resourcing of the regions and the impact of legislation on regional communities. He said the Government was also funding a Regional Development Policy Centre to provide an additional source of independent advice for both the Parliament and the wider community.

Two weeks to the National Local Roads and Transport Congress

It is now less than two weeks to the eleventh National Local Roads and Transport Congress at Bunbury, WA. The Congress over the two days 14-15 October will cover a wide range of transport issues of interest to local government. There is still time to register and join the more than 300 local government representatives attending the Congress.

Senator Scott Ludlam (pictured) from the Greens will be one of the speakers at the Congress. Given the key role of the Greens in the Senate their policies are of interest to councils in urban, regional, rural and remote areas of Australia.

The worst road and bridge competition has been an overwhelming success with almost 150 photos received. The photos are of some seriously bad roads and bridges caused by flooding. All photos displayed will be on display at the Congress in Bunbury. Photos for this competition will be received up to COB Wed 6 October by submitting them to andy.hrast@alga.asn.au

Registrations for the Congress can be made via the ALGA website.

Councils urged to get people moving

After recently receiving over $1 million funding from the Federal Government, Australian Diabetes Council has announced it will expand its Beat It Physical Activity and Lifestyle program nationally with a focus on Local Government Areas (LGA's).

Beat-It is a program where Australian Diabetes Council trains appropriately qualified exercise and health professionals to deliver an individualised group based physical activity and lifestyle education program.

The program involves 12 weeks of exercise classes, held twice a week and fortnightly lifestyle education sessions. Exercise classes include progressive resistance training and aerobic exercises and increase in intensity as participants increase their fitness. The program also focuses on goal setting and tools designed to assist with healthy lifestyle changes.

Beat-It has been successfully completed on the Southern Highlands and Far South Coast of NSW. In July the program received a National Program Grant from the Healthy Communities Grant Initiative.

Under the Initiative, National Programs Grants were awarded to not for profit organisations who successfully delivered community based healthy lifestyle programs to establish these programs on a national level. Grants were also given to LGA's that have high levels of unemployment, socioeconomic disadvantage and large numbers of adults at risk of chronic disease, overweight and obesity to implement initiatives to combat these risk factors. Twelve LGA's across Australia received first round grants and Australian Diabetes Council is working with these communities to set up Beat-It programs in their area. Further grants opportunities will be available in coming months.

If you would like to be involved in the Beat-It program, contact Australian Diabetes Council on 1300 342 248 or bronwynp@australiandiabetescouncil.com. Australian Diabetes Council can provide more information and assist you in your application.

This has been a interesting week with the return of Parliament for the first time since the election. The wafer-thin Government majority was shown to be just that, with the Government losing an amendment vote on the floor and Simon Crean fighting for 'a pair' to deliver his first speech as Local Government Minister to the National Press Club on Wednesday.

Her Excellency the Governor-General alluded to local government recognition in the Constitution in her opening address to Parliament. Now that is a milestone and an indication of how much progress we have made! The Governor-General said: "Of great significance in this term will be proposals to amend the Constitution to recognise the First Australians and to acknowledge the role of local government in our democratic system."

In his speech, Minister Crean also mentioned constitutional change and the importance of broad community support to achieving a successful result. He went on to outline his strong belief in local empowerment to create effective regionalism. The framework he suggested should underpin this includes strengthened Regional Development Australia committees with local government representation. He challenged communities to chart their way forward and develop effective strategy plans rather than wish-lists. I will be meeting with Simon on Monday in Melbourne to discuss how councils and ALGA can work effectively with him to progress his local government and regional development agenda.

Cr Geoff Lake
ALGA President

Briefs

Regional round of health and hospitals fund

Applications for the Regional Priority Round of the Health and Hospitals Fund are now open.

This new round of funding will see regional hospitals around Australia receive critical upgrades of their infrastructure. The funding will also support the clinical training capacity of regional hospitals. The Prime Minister said the opening of applications honours an agreement reached between the Government and Independent members of Parliament.

Projects approved as part of this priority round could include improved acute care facilities, new local centres to better treat chronic diseases, and infrastructure catering to mental health and dental health. Expanding new facilities and patient services such as accommodation will mean patients won't have to travel as far to get the care they need.

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean said the regional priority round would improve the lives of Australians living in regional areas and boost regional communities. There is currently up to $1.8 billion in unallocated funds (excluding interest) in the Health and Hospitals Fund. The first round of the Health and Hospitals Fund has seen work has commenced on over 30 health infrastructure projects and planning now underway for further 22 projects. Applications can be made www.health.gov.au/tenders until 3 December 2010. For more information on the Health and Hospitals Fund, click here.

The 'Red Book' insights

Last week, the Australian Government Treasury released its incoming government brief - known as 'the red book' - under Australia's Freedom of Information laws. This is the first time that an incoming government brief has been released publicly by the Treasury, and it makes for pertinent reading.

The briefing outlines key opportunities and challenges for the ALP's second term in government, and takes a whole-of-economy view to argue that key reforms must continue to be pursued by the Australian Government during this term, particularly in respect of climate change, labour market reforms, population and certain market sectors.

Overall, Treasury notes that the Australian economy is performing strongly: it is approaching full employment and is in a strong position to respond to the challenges and opportunities of continued globalisation. However, Treasury notes that it is likely that there will be an extended period of heightened uncertainty given volatility in the global economy. It also notes that there will be challenges in the economy's increasing exposure to commodity prices, especially given that '....we have not managed previous commodity booms well.'

Other downside risks to the Australian economy according to Treasury include our reliance on short-term external debt, and the vulnerability of the economy that comes from highly indebted households and high dwelling prices.

In terms of fiscal strategy in this next term of Government, Treasury states that the immediate priority for the Australian Government should be to return the Budget to surplus in a timely manner and then, to help guard against other risks such as a faster-than-anticipated fall in the terms of trade, 'it will be necessary to take further steps to strengthen the structural position of the Budget.' However, Treasury notes that that delivery of the Australian Government's deficit exit strategy to return the Budget to surplus will be 'a key, but very difficult, priority'.

Among the policy settings that Treasury believes will require adjustment are those that will increase the working age population (Treasury considers that this is key to ameliorating the economic impacts of an ageing population), those that will deliver tax reforms particularly the reform of state taxes (Treasury argues that taxes should move away from domestic investment towards other less mobile bases like land and consumption), addressing market failures in housing, water pricing, trading and infrastructure, and a focus on 'investing in the right kinds of infrastructure and using existing infrastructure more efficiently' to handle population growth. Importantly, Treasury states that 'strong population growth is not necessarily unsustainable' so long as the right plans and policies are in place. It says the Australian Government's population strategy is an important initiative.

However, when it comes to housing and housing affordability, Treasury advises that there are numerous market distortions and inefficiencies which have contributed to a decline over the last decade in affordability of both rent and purchase price, and that 'these problems cannot be addressed other than by correcting various market failures (planning, development and infrastructure provision) and regulatory failures (tax, transfers and governance). Obviously ALGA will be monitoring developments in this area closely.

In relation to climate change, Treasury says that 'it is in Australia's national interest to rely overwhelmingly on market-based mechanisms - in respect of both mitigation and adaptation' and that 'the sooner an emissions trading scheme can be implemented, the better'.

Treasury commends the National Health and Hospitals Network reforms (although it says significant implementation risks attach to them) and the reforms made in the Government's first term to federal financial relations, particularly the progress made in clarifying roles and responsibilities, and accountabilities between the Commonwealth and the States (local government is not mentioned as outstanding). That said, Treasury believes further action is required to consolidate these reforms and ensure they facilitate improved government service delivery.

Treasury also notes that some will win and some will lose as the economy evolves further. It warns that whilst the most effective and credible policy responses will be those that allow structural adjustment while protecting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, 'this will not be an easy balancing act'. It also advises the Australian Government that responding to these pressures by policy interventions to advantage particular activities, sectors or groups of individuals 'will simply come at the expense of other activities, sectors or individuals and will reduce overall wellbeing', added to which it industry assistance should be '...focused on dealing with market failures and not propping up inefficient industries.'

Treasury also takes the opportunity in the red book brief to provide its views on the National Broadband Network implementation. Overall, it appears to agree that the NBN has potential to deliver a more competitive and efficient telecommunications sector, and enable new and enhanced ways of delivering business and government services and facilitating communication. However, it also emphasises that the implementation of the NBN carries 'significant risks, including financial risks for the public balance sheet...' and 'therefore warrants very careful consideration.'

A copy of the red book and its attachments is available here.

The Australian Transport Council

Transport Ministers from the Commonwealth, States and Territories, met in Melbourne on Friday 24 September as the Australian Transport Council (ATC) to consider a range of national transport initiatives.

ALGA is an observer on ATC and was represented by Cr Sam Alessi.

Ministers considered a draft National Road Safety Strategy for 2011 to 2020 and agreed it would be released for public consultation shortly. Consultation will be held to allow members of the public and industry to have input into the strategy before it is considered again by the Ministers for adoption. The Strategy is expected to be finalised for ATC approval before it is launched in 2011.

Ministers endorsed the Australian National Cycling Strategy for 2011 to 2016. The short term goal is to double the number of people cycling over the next five years. Ministers strongly supported the Strategy's overarching vision to change attitudes to cycling and increase the numbers of cyclists in Australia.

The Strategy aims to improve safety for all cyclists and promote cycling as an active measure to improve the health and well-being of all Australians. The Strategy provides a framework that will ensure that resources will be used more effectively by minimising duplication of initiatives. Ministers noted the Commonwealth Government's commitment to cycling, jobs growth and building community infrastructure through its $40 million National Bike Path Projects economic stimulus package. This contribution is considered an important component in progressing and realising the National Cycling Strategy's goal. The Strategy is available here.

Ministers received progress reports on the work undertaken to ensure that the new national transport regulators are up and running by 2013. Ministers agreed on a preferred approach for legislative, governance and administrative frameworks for the single national system of maritime safety regulation. Ministers welcomed the progress that has been made in developing the underpinning financial arrangements.

Ministers welcomed the Commonwealth Government's commitment to introduce mandatory CO2 emissions standards for light vehicles from 2015, with negotiations with industry and key stakeholders to get underway in the coming months. Ministers acknowledged this is a key transport initiative in the wider effort to meet the challenge of climate change.

The full ATC Communique can be found here.

Divorce, overseas travel and Kiwis

One in four young adults experienced parental separation or divorce when they were a child, overseas travel by Australians has grown more than 150% over the last 20 years, and more than half a million New Zealand-born people now live in Australia, according to the latest report on Australian Social Trends released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).Further information is available in the September edition of Australian Social Trends, 2010 (cat.no. 4102.0), available for free download here.

Climate change committee

The Prime Minister and Climate Change Minister Greg Combet have announced the establishment of the new Multi-Party Climate Change Committee to investigate options for implementing a carbon price and to help build consensus on how Australia will tackle climate change. Minister Combet also announced he would establish two roundtables for the business community and the non-government sectors. These roundtables will play an important role providing advice to the Government on the issues surrounding climate change, informing the positions the Government takes to the Climate Change Committee. Roundtable discussions will focus on the introduction of a carbon price into the economy, particularly the need to give businesses certainty to invest in low-pollution technologies, and may also cover a range of other climate change measures.

Cycle tourism conference

The Southern Flinders Ranges region will host the 2010 Australian Cycle Tourism Conference on 3-5 November and delegates will get to see why the Southern Flinders Ranges is so famous for its cycling experiences. The conference will discuss topics such as cycling events, trail building, trail maintenance, cycle enthusiast groups, insurance and liability issues, extreme cycling sports and how private enterprise can capitalise on the opportunities presented by cycle trail development. To register for the conference, contact Stephen Schwer on 0428 890 340 or by e-mailing sschwer@sfrdb.com.au.

2010 Employment and Inclusion awards

A number of local councils have nominated for the 2010 Diversity@Work Employment and Inclusion Awards, to be held on Thursday 14 October, at Peninsular Docklands. This event promises to promote the true essence of Australia's multicultural and diverse population with some of the nations' best artists and musicians, including a special keynote presentation from Mao's Last Dancer - Li Cunxin. Visit the Diversity@Work Employment & Inclusion Awards website for more information.

Health inequalities

This Catholic Health Australia (CHA) - NATSEM Report on Health Inequalities "Wealth Determines Health" - conclusively finds that the health of working aged Australians is affected by socio-economic status. Household income, level of education, household employment, housing tenure and social connectedness all matter when it comes to health. The report with its recommendations is available here.

Immigration head honoured

The Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Andrew Metcalfe was named Federal Government Leader of the Year during a ceremony at Government House in Canberra last night.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce handed the 50-year-old a $40,000 cheque, which he can spend on a sabbatical or to improve his department's practices.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants hosts the annual prize to recognise public servants who play leading roles in policy development and strategic planning. The institute's chief executive, Graham Meyer, acknowledged the high profile of Mr Metcalfe's portfolio, which was central to the recent federal election campaign.

Among the most controversial issues raised during the often heated campaign were asylum-seekers and sustainable population size in Australia.

Population growth eases

Today's Australian Bureau of Statistics demographics release shows population growth in the year to March 31 eased to 1.8 per cent, down from the peak rate the coalition preferred to throw around of 2.2 per cent in the year to March, 2009. Net migration plunged 37 per cent from 98,100 in the 2009 March quarter to 61,800 in the latest period.

Births comfortably outnumbered net migration over the year - 303,500 babies versus 241,400 migrants - but the ABS counts deaths against births without reference to the departed's place of birth to come up with a "natural" increase of 161,700, maintaining a 40/60 ratio for population growth.

By the ABS' reckoning, Australia's population stood at 22,272,000 on March 31, up 403,100 on a year earlier. The bureau's population clock this afternoon is ticking above 22,472,000 - on its way to 22.5 million next month.

Parkes to Broken Hill upgrade

One million new concrete sleepers which will be used to rebuild and restore the line from Broken Hill to Parkes.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said the $253 million resleepering project is the most extensive upgrade of the 691 kilometre line between Broken Hill and Parkes since it was completed in 1927.

Australian Rail Track Corporation CEO David Marchant said the upgrade of the line between Broken Hill and Parkes will improve the overall efficiency of the interstate network. "Concrete sleepers have a significant advantage over timber sleepers, particularly considering Australia's rugged topography. They will greatly improve the track's capacity and reduced transit times," said Mr Marchant. "Their use will also reduce the need for temporary speed restrictions in the summer months. Whereas wooden sleepers tend to buckle on extremely hot days, concrete sleepers hold the rail firmly in place."

The cost of an ageing population

The Australian Local Government Ageing Awareness Action Plan 2004-2008 which was a project between ALGA and the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, demonstrated that councils in Australia are aware of the needs of an older Australian population and are attuned to the challenges and opportunities that come with our changing demographic profile.

In the UK recently, the Audit Commission released a finance improvement tool to help councils in the UK respond to the financial impact of an ageing population. This follows the challenges identified in the earlier Audit Commission study report 'Under Pressure: Tackling the Financial Challenge for Councils of an Ageing Population'. The report is available here.

That report found that most councils don't know enough about the costs of their ageing population, or the savings from preventive and collaborative action with other bodies, to take important decisions. It also found that UK councils face the challenge of an ageing population as public spending reduces.

The Finance Improvement Tool is available from the Audit Commission's partnership website, the Improvement Network.

The UK Audit Commission is an independent watchdog which works across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services and seeks to drive economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.

It audits the ?200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies. However, the UK Government has recently announced that it plans to abolish the Audit Commission."

Local Government Survey

Government Skills Australia (GSA) is conducting a survey of the Local Government Training Package users. The information will assist in determining project priorities together with the identification of key areas for resource development.

Please take a few moments to complete the Local Government Training Package Priority Survey. Your feedback is important in establishing the future direction of the Local Government Training Package and we appreciate your time.

The survey can be accessed here.

Coastal protection changes

The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW have conditionally welcomed changes to the Coastal Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, but say a more proactive and long-term strategy is needed to deal with coastal erosion.

President of the Local Government Association of NSW, Cr Genia McCaffery, said that while the Associations are pleased that significant changes have been made, the Bill still has some worrying components.

"While pleased that the State Government granted a longer consultation time for councils to discuss and address issues, the Associations say there needs to be a stronger focus on long-term solutions in dealing with coastal erosion."

"The LGSA would like the State Government to commit to providing comprehensive information and data to assist councils all along the NSW Coast to confidently plan for the future, particularly in relation to sea level rise," said Cr McCaffery.

"The current emergency works provisions are reactive as landowners will, for the most part, wait until erosion is happening," she said.

"Given that there are only 200 properties involved in the short to medium term, councils believe it would be better to work proactively with those landowners to develop longer term strategies, such as protective works or planned retreat."

During July, the Associations held workshops at seven locations along the coast to discuss and address concerns regarding the Bill - including Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Sydney, Shellharbour and Moruya. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) also participated in this consultation.

Regional partnership agreement

The Australian and New South Wales Governments and the 14 local Aboriginal land councils in the NSW Aboriginal Land Council's Northern Region Forum made a long-term commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal people across the New England region.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Deputy Chairperson, Tom Briggs, met in Armidale to start the process of developing a Regional Partnership Agreement.

The Governments and land councils have agreed to develop a Regional Partnership Agreement where all parties will work together to achieve long-term, sustainable social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people in the region.

The Australian Government has 11 regional partnership agreements, including in the Murdi Paaki Region of NSW, Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island in the Northern Territory, Port Hedland in Western Australia and the Western Cape region of North Queensland.

Sourcing labour from non-traditional areas

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) has released a green paper to explore untapped labour pools, and invest in the recruitment and development of workers from non-traditional areas, specifically Indigenous Australians.

According to ACELG Chair, Margaret Reynolds who released the paper during a function as part of the ACELG's National Round-table on Rural and Remote Indigenous Local Government in Canberra, the local government sector is living on a demographic fault line and urgently needs to grow its workforce.

"As the economy recovers the sector will, once again, be engaged in a war for talent, particularly in regional and remote Australia," Ms Reynolds said. "The sector needs additional talent to alleviate skills shortages and the ageing workforce crisis.

"The proposed program is a response to an urgent need to increase the pool of available talent for local government."

The green paper was also developed in response to the Australian government's commitment to halving the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

One of the program's key objectives will be to advocate and promote the employment of Indigenous people by local government at a rate that reflects the local Indigenous population.

The program, which was prepared following consultation with a number of Indigenous leaders also encourages and promotes Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders to work together for mutual benefit.

The green paper will be broadly distributed to a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders to encourage and ensure full engagement and collaboration in the development of the final program.

Interested parties are invited to submit comments and responses by the 30 September deadline.

The Local Government Indigenous Employment Green Paper can be downloaded here.

Green star communities

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see both organisations work together on the development and delivery of the Green Star Communities rating tool.

According to the Acting Chief Executive Officer of PIA, Kirsty Kelly, the MoU is a clear signal that planners are committed to sustainable communities. More information here.

Hands off water and sewerage

The Local Government Association of Tasmania has blasted the State Government over its plans to take over local government owned water and sewerage corporations and related infrastructure.

"We did not support the State Government takeover of water and sewerage then and we don't support it now", Acting President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Mayor Deirdre Flint said.

"We worked with the State Government to try to get an outcome that was workable. There was a lot they didn't like about the process and a whole lot more that we didn't like, particularly the haste with which it was done."

"Seeking to renege on the arrangements negotiated because the State Government lost its majority does not seem to be a sensible or logical basis upon which to base a review of the reform process. We told the government that the people didn't understand. We told them that there would be confusion. We warned about the concerns there would be about price hikes and we also made it clear that there should be no takeover of assets by the State Government. "

The capping of prices by the State Government followed the initial recommendation by the State Government to increase prices by 10 percent each year for the first three years of operations.

"The State Government's track record with utility corporations does not stack up at the moment yet there seems to be a view that Tasmanians would be better served by having the State control another essential service. The increased pricing results from the regulated environment controlled by the Government. Costs and prices would not be reduced by simply changing ownership. Blaming the Legislative Council for an outcome that had previously been agreed to by the State Government is a total red herring."

ICLEI events

The World Mayors Summit on Climate will be held in Mexico City on 21 November 2010. During the event, mayors will be invited to sign the Global Cities Climate Covenant Pact. If you would like to participate or for more information please contact wmsc@sma.df.gob.mx

The UN Climate Change Conference will be held in Cancun, Mexico on 29 November-10 December 2010. ICLEI will seek to organise bilateral meetings with national governments to advocate for the recognition of the important role of local governments in the implementation of a future agreement. Those interested in joining the delegation contact ICLEI at climate-roadmap@iclei.org

A guide to closing the gender gap

Australian executives still don't believe there is an equal opportunity for women to be selected for leadership positions. Companies can take three measures to close the gap-and create a stronger talent pipeline - the need to show a real commitment, lowering the cultural barriers and a persistent approach to change management. 'Level the playing field: A call for action on gender parity in Australia' has been written by Jayne Hrdlicka, Dale Cottrell and Melanie Sanders. The full paper is available here.