The Federal Minister for Local Government, Senator Ian Macdonald, is keen to ensure that councils are supported at the Federal level in their demanding and wide-ranging work.
The National Office of Local Government (NOLG), part of the Regional Services and Local Government Branch of the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, provides advice to the Minister on Local Government issues and manages for example, the Financial Assistance Grants to Local Governments, programmes such as the former Local Government Development Programme and the new Local Government Incentive Programme and the National Awards for Innovation in Local Government.
The Development Assessment Forum, Environmental Accounting, Local Agenda 21 and regional workshops on Leading Practice are also part of NOLG’s work.
There are three sections in the Regional Services and Local Government Branch which is managed by Cathy Parsons. The National Office of Local Government is comprised of two sections; Strategic Partnerships and Economic Policy. The Rural Transaction Centres section is the third arm of the Branch.
I would like to introduce the new section, STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS. The section is comprised of 11 officers including the Director and replaces the Programme Policy and Administration Section. While the section continues to cover programmes, policy development and the administration of the Branch, it will also focus on developing a more strategic approach to its partnerships with clients and stakeholders.
The Minister and NOLG have responded to calls from Local Government for more information, better communication, visits to councils, contact with other Federal departments through NOLG, strengthened networking and relationship-building. Valuable comments on policy development and programme implementation and management have also been taken on board. I would like to thank all those who attended the regional workshops and I trust you found them helpful and informative. NOLG learnt a great deal and we better appreciate the distance between Canberra and councils and the need to bridge that gap.
One very clear message was the need for an advocate in Canberra to help councils navigate the maze of Federal departments. We are more than happy to help out as we know how difficult it can be to find the area you want to contact in a department.
One way we can begin to do that is to appoint an officer as contact for each State and Territory. When you ring the 1800 number you will be put through to the person who manages inquiries for your State or Territory.
A number of people have asked about the booklet, Commonwealth Assistance for Local Projects. The booklet is another tool for finding out what is available by way of information and financial assistance from the Federal Government.
The Commonwealth Assistance for Local Projects booklet is currently being updated and expected to be released by the Minister for Local Government, Senator Macdonald, in September.
Please call our 1800 065 113 number if you need help or advice from us.
Vanessa Crimmins
Director, Strategic Partnerships
