 | |  ALGA has welcomed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's acknowledgment that the referendum for constitutional recognition of local government will be one of the main factors considered in any decision regarding the date of the 2013 federal election. On Monday night the local government sector applauded the passing of the Constitution Alteration Bill in the Senate, which essentially guaranteed the opportunity for Australians to vote at a referendum at the same time as a September federal election. However, since Wednesday night's appointment of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister provides an opportunity for the election date to be changed, ALGA is concerned that an early election could affect the chances of a referendum proceeding. "Our advice has been that a referendum would have to be held no sooner than two months after the passing of the Constitution Alteration Bill in the Senate and no later than six months. The timeframe for passing the referendum legislation was very tight to allow the Government to meet the 14 September election date and moving the date forward may create administrative problems around the referendum date which cannot be resolved," ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis said. "Australians should have the right to vote at a referendum to include local government in the Constitution and ensure the continuation of direct, federal funding for community infrastructure and services. "Councils aren't just about roads, rates and rubbish. We provide a full range of services for our communities. But without direct funding from the Commonwealth, local government would not be able to provide all the services that our communities need. "Providing such a full range of services is only possible because councils work in partnership with federal government. That's why councils need formal recognition as legitimate recipients of direct federal funding. Without it, federal programs such as Roads to Recovery are at risk of legal challenge. "Winning a referendum is in the interests of every local community. Communities need certainty that localised services and infrastructure such as aged care, employment and disability services, swimming pools, parks and sporting fields will continue to be funded." | | | | |  The AEC is promoting its online enrolment service via a new Facebook application 'Youth Votes Matter' being launched in the lead up to the 2013 federal election, to be held in concurrence with the referendum to include local government in the Constitution. The enrol to vote app will encourage Australians, and in particular young Australians, to enrol online or update their enrolment details online and then share this with their friends and family on Facebook. Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn said that the number of young Australians missing from the electoral roll is a third of the overall number of missing voters. "There are approximately half a million 18-24 year old voters missing from the electoral roll, out of a total 1.4 million Australians that are not yet enrolled to vote for the 2013 federal election," Mr Killesteyn said.
"With the federal election fast approaching, new initiatives such as the Facebook app will make it easier for Australians to get on the roll when they're eligible or when they move address." With over 12 million Australians active on Facebook, the AEC worked with Facebook and digital agency Pixolut to develop an innovative concept to connect with and engage young Australians to encourage participation in the election. Enrolling to vote for the 2013 federal election can now be done entirely online via a desktop, tablet or smartphone device. "I encourage all young Australians to take advantage of the new tablet and mobile friendly enrolment services to enrol or update their details online now," Mr Killesteyn said. The online enrolment service is primarily targeted at users of tablet and other mobile devices and signatures can be created using a stylus, mouse or your finger | | | | |  The Australian Government has established a $5 million Child Care Accessibility Fund to assist local governments to address any child care supply shortages in areas of high demand. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations is responsible for administering the Fund. The Fund will provide one-off grants of up to $250 000 to around 12 local governments who successfully demonstrate innovative strategies to address critical child care supply shortages in their communities. The grants available under the Child Care Accessibility Fund will be allocated on a competitive basis, with projects assessed against selection criteria outlined in the Grant Guidelines. The grants under the Child Care Accessibility Fund are open to all local governments, as well as the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory governments. Applications are now open and will close at 5pm AEST on 2 August, 2013. Further information on theapplication process and Grant Guidelines is available at: http://deewr.gov.au/CCAF. If you have any questions regarding the Child Care Accessibility Fund please email childcareaccessibility@deewr.gov.au | | |
| |  Despite some uncertainty about the date of the 2013 federal election, and therefore the date of a concurrent referendum to include local government in the Constitution, the local government sector remains focused on its campaign to convince Australians of the need to ensure the continuation of direct, federal funding for community infrastructure and services. This week's appointment of Kevin Rudd as federal Labor Leader and Prime Minister provides the opportunity to change the date of the 2013 federal election, originally slated for 14 September. We have received advice that a referendum would have to be held no sooner than two months after this week's passing of the Constitution Alteration Bill in the Senate and no later than six months after passing. Bringing the election forward from the original election date of 14 September may therefore affect the chances of a referendum proceeding. Our national campaign involving mayors and councillors across the country is well underway and Commonwealth funding to support the yes campaign has been confirmed. Councils strongly believe that winning a referendum is in the interests of every local community and we will continue to reinforce this. Councils need formal recognition as legitimate recipients of direct federal funding because without it, federal programs such as Roads to Recovery are at risk of legal challenge. That's why we are getting on with the job of ensuring that Australians understand that voting 'yes' at a referendum is the only way to protect direct funding for community infrastructure such as local roads, libraries, child care and sporting fields. Although the decision regarding the timing of the federal election is one for the Government, local government is confident that the referendum will go ahead. We are ready and we are confident of a successful referendum in the near future.
Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis
ALGA President | | |
| | Some of Australia's most remote communities will share in $9.1 million of federal funding for airstrip upgrades, improving safety and ensuring year-round supply of vital goods and services. Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, Catherine King, this week announced that applications are now open under the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program. Minister King said that safe, operational aerodromes were vital in providing remote communities with regular air access to essential goods and services, including health care from the Royal Flying Doctor Service. "Many remote communities in outback Australia are completely cut off from other means of transport, often for long periods during the wet season," Ms King said. "Without air services, these communities are unable to connect to regional centres or receive crucial supplies such as fresh food, mail and medicine. The $9.1 million will be available on a matching co-funding basis with applicants, with additional funding flexibility for identified priority aerodromes in remote Indigenous communities. Applications can be made by airstrip owners such as community groups, Indigenous organisations and local governments in remote areas. Further information on the funding, including guidelines and the application form, is available atwww.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/index.aspx, via email RAAP@infrastructure.gov.auor call 1300 768 578. Applications close on Friday 26 July 2013. | | | | | The Minister for Broadband, Communication and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has announced that $15.7 million will be provided to support the production and broadcasting of local Indigenous content across Australia. "The Indigenous Broadcasting Program (IBP) will support 53 separate Indigenous broadcasting projects from the most remote areas of the country, to regional areas and capital cities," Senator Conroy said. "Indigenous broadcasters play an essential role in their communities, sharing health, education and other important news and information, as well as helping to maintain Indigenous language and culture. The IBP: - Ensures the broadcasting needs of remote communities are addressed
- Supports the production and broadcasting of local Indigenous content
- Assists the development of the Indigenous communications sector
- Provides employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"Four Remote Indigenous Media Organisations (RIMOs) will receive additional funding to improve training, and boost technical and operational support for 63 local Indigenous broadcasters located in central and remote north Australia. "The IBP funding continues the Gillard Government’s strong support for the Indigenous broadcasting sector. "This includes the establishment of the first ever free-to-air National Indigenous TV (NITV) channel on the SBS in 2012, as well as a new Indigenous Community Television (ICTV) channel on the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) satellite in 2013." For more information about the Indigenous Broadcasting Program and the organisations that will receive funding visit: www.dbcde.gov.au/radio/indigenous | | | | | There is less than a week for Australians to have their say on the final report into the feasibility of High Speed Rail down Australia's east coast. More than 30,000 people have downloaded the Phase Two report, with more than 174 submissions received in advance of the 30 June deadline. High Speed Rail has the capacity to change the way Australians live and work, particularly for those living in regions along the route. Traffic along Australia’s east cost will double to 388 million trips per year by 2065. While the cost of the project would be up to $114 billion in today’s dollars, the report found that economic benefit could be as high as $2.30 for every dollar invested. Submissions can be made at www.infrastructure.gov.au/HSR | | | | | A new website celebrating the achievements of the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network has been launched. Local People, Local Solutions: Celebrating the achievements of the RDA network was launched at the annual RDA National Forum in June 2013. It features 53 case studies showcasing just some of the outcomes that RDA committees have delivered to make a difference in their regions. Since the RDA initiative began in March 2009, the network of over 600 volunteers has worked with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions. The achievements of the RDA network include delivering skills and workforce development initiatives, implementing youth education strategies, assisting regions to prepare for the digital economy and a low carbon future, and working to deliver major regional infrastructure projects. These achievements are underpinned by strong relationships with communities and all levels of government. They are driven by the leadership of each of the RDA committees to benefit each and every region across the country. Visit the website to learn about how RDA committees have built communities, developed resilience and harnessed opportunities: http://booklet.rda.gov.au/ | | | | | The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and the Prime Minister have announced the winners of the prestigious 2013 National Awards for Local Government. Dungog Shire, Maitland City Council, Port Stephens Council and Northern Grampians Shire Council received top honours, with a further 17 councils and shires receiving awards across 10 categories for a variety of innovative projects around local issues such as tourism, road safety, infrastructure and renewable energy, among others. More information on each of the category winners is also available on the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport's website, here. | | | | | Local Government NSW has launched a new online resource to help NSW councils plan for their future populations and meet the needs of older residents. Joint President of Local Government NSW, Cr Ray Donald, said the new Resource for Ageing Population Planning 2.0 (RAPP 2.0) is free for councils to use and features detailed population projections for individual council areas up to 2026, including demographics such as age, gender and labour force. "Funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS), Office for Ageing, RAPP 2.0 will greatly assist councils in their long-term community planning," said Cr Donald. "Councils play an important role in providing community care services and other activities that enable older people to remain living in their own homes and stay active in their communities."
"This new resource will be a great boost for councils when developing their ageing strategies, as it will help them identify the characteristics of older people in their areas and target services for them over the next twenty five years." Joint President of Local Government NSW, Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, said the average life expectancy of the Australian population increases each and every year, and this has implications for councils and how they plan for their individual communities and across regions. "More and more councils are collaborating and sharing resources. Features of RAPP 2.0, including the ability to compare local government areas, regions and Local Health Districts, will provide them with a long-term regional perspective." For more information on the Resource for Ageing Population Planning 2.0, visit www.lgnsw.gov.au | | | | | Do you know an individual or a business which has taken extra steps to improve the lives of people with disability and create a more inclusive community? You have just days left to nominate those who deserve recognition in this year’s National Disability Awards. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose contributions have improved the lives of people with disability. This could be a small business which has provided quality employment outcomes for people with disability, or an individual who has made a significant contribution in improving the social participation of people with disability. "This year marks a milestone for International Day of People with Disability as it reaches its 21st year and the Awards are a majorcelebration as part of this annual event," Nican marketing manager Craig Wallace said. "Putting forward a nomination will provide the opportunity for national recognition for individual and collective contributions that have helped improve the lives of people with disability," Mr Wallace said. Nominations can be put forward in nine categories and finalists will be invited to the National Disability Awards ceremony to be held in Canberra on November 26 2013. Nomination forms and further information about the National Disability Awards can be found at www.idpwd.com.au or by calling 1800 672 682. TTY users please phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 672 682. Nominations close at 5pm AEST Friday 28 June 2013. | | | | | The National Road Safety Forum held in August last year included a focus on driveway safety - reducing deaths and serious injuries to children caused by collisions with vehicles at home. The Department has been working with a number of experts and building, design and planning peak groups to develop a proposed framework of design principles and measures which could form the basis of a best practice, voluntary design guide. The aim of this guide would be to help home owners, builders and designers make choices that reduce the risks to children. The Minister for Road Safety, Catherine King, released a discussion paper this week for public comment, seeking the views of all interested parties about the proposed principles and measures it sets out. Further information is available from the Department's website, and feedback can be provided until 6 August 2013. | | | | | Applications are now open for new awards that celebrate the important role Australian artists and arts organisations play in enhancing our relationship with Asian countries. The Australian Arts in Asia Awards will recognise, celebrate and promote the significant number of Australian artists that create links with Asia, and contribute to stronger, deeper and broader cultural engagement with Asian countries. Australian artists, arts organisations and collecting institutions from across Australia are invited to apply if they have engaged in Asia between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013. The nominated project must have been performed, exhibited, toured, produced or been developed in Asia, or with an Asian partner artist, arts organisation or collecting institution during this time. The Awards opened for entries on Monday 17 June 2013 and close at 5pm Sunday 30 June 2013. To find out more, please read the guidelines and download a nomination form:
http://arts.gov.au/funding-support/awards/australian-arts-asia-awards | | | | | Blacktown City Council is pleased to be hosting the 2013 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) Conference 7-9 August 2013 at the Novotel, Rooty Hill. The theme of this year’s conference is "Warimi Ngallawah Mittigar (Hello, come in, sit down, friend)". The Conference will provide an opportunity to hear and share stories of community engagement, partnership and Reconciliation through a range of presentations, storytelling, workshops, case studies, showcasing of local talent and field trips. The conference is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff/community members. Please find attached the Conference Program/Registration Pack and a Nomination Form for the LGAN Awards being held in conjunction with the Conference. More information is available from our website www.lganconference2013.com.au or from Conference Secretariat (cre8ing events) Ian Mackey 04014 496 493. | | |
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