Each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor John Jago, President Victorian Local Governance Association.
There is no doubt that relations between State and Local Governments were an issue in the recent Victorian State Elections. The installation of a minority government following the elections presents great opportunities for the Local Government sector.
The two Local Government peak bodies in Victoria need to ensure that the new political climate is used to remove the last vestiges of an autocratic regime, to restore consultative political processes, to establish Local Government in the State’s Constitution, to address infrastructure shortfalls in rural and regional areas and to abolish Compulsory Competitive Tendering.
Immediately after the election the VLGA produced a policy position paper with the theme: Time to Act: Proactive Governance. The paper was sent to the two likely candidates for the position of Local Government Minister and all three Independents who are holding the balance of power in the new Victorian Parliament.
The paper argued that it would be constructive and would send very important signals to the sector if the new State Government moved immediately to address a range of issues including the following.
€ Removal of any ministerial role in CEO and senior staff appointments and accountability requirements
€ Removal of the rate cap
€ Removal of the compulsory requirement for competitive tendering
€ Joint review of performance indicators
€ Restoration of democracy in areas still without duly elected Local Governments
€ A rewrite of the Audit Committee Guidelines and Business Unit Reporting Guidelines
€ Adoption of the Code of Good Governance as a basis for continuing improvement in the sector
Key longer term issues include Local Government input into the establishment of the proposed Local Government Commission, reevaluating Local Government’s role in Human Services and reviewing planning processes in the State.
The VLGA’s first meeting with the new Victorian Minister for Local Government, Bob Cameron, provided some cause for optimism that many of these objectives are achievable. There are exciting opportunities open to the sector if it can maintain a focussed and mature relationship with the incoming Government.
The Government was elected on a policy of amending the Victorian Constitution to properly recognise Local Government and safeguard its democratic process. The Minister indicated that he will move on this promise immediately and Local Governments throughout Victoria will watch to see whether the Opposition acknowledges the Government’s mandate!
