President's column
Today I attended the Meeting of Environment Ministers where the topical issue of waste and recycling was discussed at length. The meeting was chaired by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Energy, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, who expressed immediate support for more sustainable solutions.
In opening the meeting, Minister Frydenberg invited me to speak about the impact of the China Sword import restrictions on local councils - some immediately, most over coming months or at their next pricing cycle.
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Registrations now open for local government roads congress
Registrations have opened for the 2018 National Local Roads and Transport Congress, which will be held on 20-22 November in Alice Springs.
The theme of this year's congress is 'Connecting Transport Networks Now and into the Future', recognising the importance of improved transport connectivity to the economic well-being of Australia.
Sessions at the congress will acknowledge and discuss the critical role of local roads and bridges in connecting individuals, communities and businesses and often providing connectivity between major freight routes.
Calls made for an independent freight body
A new report by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, Fixing Freight: Establishing Freight Performance Australia, has called on the Federal Government to establish an independent freight body to arrest the decline in Australia's trade competitiveness.
"Australia's freight network is the backbone of our competitiveness. It contributes $170bn to our economy, yet we lack clarity on why we do freight badly compared to our international peers," said IPA Chief Executive Adrian Dwyer.
Latest News
What's driving population growth in Australia's cities?
For the first time on record, Sydney's population grew by more than 100,000 people in one year, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
VIC Government working with councils to stop family violence
The Victorian Government has announced that it is partnering with councils to promote gender equality to stop family violence.
RAI breaks down latest OECD report on regional development policy-making
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published a report, Rethinking Regional Development Policy-making, which takes stock of discussions held between academics and country practitioners
Agreement reached on future funding for remote Indigenous housing
The Federal Government has reached agreement with the Northern Territory Government on remote housing and public hospital funding, providing certainty for essential services in the Territory.
How cities can better attract investment
Professor Michael Parkinson CBE, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Civic Engagement at the University of Liverpool, has said that in an increasingly globalised world, cities have to stand out from the competition to be investable and attract investment.
Warren Truss appointed ARTC Chair
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has been appointed Chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
What's driving population growth in Australia's cities?
For the first time on record, Sydney's population grew by more than 100,000 people in one year, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
VIC Government working with councils to stop family violence
The Victorian Government has announced that it is partnering with councils to promote gender equality to stop family violence.
RAI breaks down latest OECD report on regional development policy-making
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recently published a report, Rethinking Regional Development Policy-making, which takes stock of discussions held between academics and country practitioners
Agreement reached on future funding for remote Indigenous housing
The Federal Government has reached agreement with the Northern Territory Government on remote housing and public hospital funding, providing certainty for essential services in the Territory.
How cities can better attract investment
Professor Michael Parkinson CBE, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Civic Engagement at the University of Liverpool, has said that in an increasingly globalised world, cities have to stand out from the competition to be investable and attract investment.
Warren Truss appointed ARTC Chair
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has been appointed Chair of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
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The 2nd Annual Public Sector Corporate Governance Summit 2018
26 - 27 June 2018, Sydney
Integrity and transparency are emerging areas that government agencies are looking into to increase public trust and confidence in their organisation.
However, what steps can government organisations take to adhere to these principles to maintain excellence in governance?
To answer this question, we spoke with Andrew Lee, Director, Strategic Policy & Governance at the Department of Transport, WA ahead of the Public Sector Corporate Governance Summit 2018 , to find out the corporate governance principles his team is implementing and their impact on operational efficiency and culture.
Read the full article here.
If you're interested in hearing more from Lisa, join her at the 2nd Annual Public Sector Corporate Governance Summit, held 26 - 27 June 2018 at the Novotel Sydney Central.
The summit brings together 40+ corporate governance experts from the likes of the Governance Institute of Australia, Burwood Council, Inner West Council and many more who will discuss strategies to re-evaluate frameworks, processes and management of data to create a culture of good governance.
View the full program here.
Spaces are filling fast so reserve your seat now by registering online or calling 02 9229 1000.
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Local Government Regulation & Compliance Conference
24 - 25 July 2018, Sydney
The national conference will examine strategic approaches to regulatory compliance. Strategies will be evaluated and successes measured. The forum will provide a platform to discuss how the sector as a whole can strive for consistency. High-level strategic themes will be tackled so that lessons can be applied across all compliance divisions within local government.
Key learnings:
- Deliver regulatory strategy whilst meeting community expectations
- Overcome the challenges of regulating growing & diverse communities
- Evaluate strategic approaches & define measures of success
- Strive for standardised & consistent approaches to regulation
- Hear from international best practice examples towards local government regulation
- Implement a strategic problem-solving approach to regulatory challenges
Download the conference program and see who is speaking
ALGA members save $100, quote CC*ALGA when registering.
National General Assembly of Local Government
Australia's Future Make It Local
17-20 June 2018 Canberra
There is not much time left to book registrations to attend the largest, most influential local government conference in Australia which occurs just once a year.
The Australian Local Government Association's National General Assembly, held in Canberra, attracts representatives from all 537 councils across the states and territories.
The theme for the 2018 Conference is Australia's Future: Let's make it local. It reflects Local Government's ability - and potential - to influence the political agenda for the upcoming federal election.
Registration are still open with limited spots left for the popular networking dinners! Also, take the opportunity to register for the National Regional Forum to engage in the most up to date and contemporary issues facing Australia's regions. This forum addresses all regions, including metro.
To view the NGA Program please click here.