In each edition we feature the views of a Local Government Association President. The following is from Councillor Ian Mickel, President of the Western Australian Local Government Association.
Hundreds of Western Australian Local Government representatives from across the State met earlier this month for the annual Local Government Week convention themed ‘Heart beat of the Community’. This convention is the biggest Local Government conference in Western Australia, and included the Annual General Meeting of the WA Local Government Association, an elected members development program, and several plenary sessions that discussed issues such as relationships between Councillors, Local Government funding, developing social capital and moral leadership.
The convention gave me an opportunity to reflect on the success and challenges the Association has faced over the past 12 months.
One of the major issues we have dealt with in the last year included the proposal to develop a new ethical and disciplinary framework that will uphold the high standards of conduct in Local Government. The proposed framework will provide clearer rules and establish a rigorous mechanism for tackling any issues of misconduct in Councils. Central to the new framework would be a minimum legislated code of conduct for all Councils and an independent tribunal charged with investigating allegations of misconduct.
We have held initial discussions with the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, and I hope something can be put in place that can effectively and efficiently deal with any issues in Councils.
During the year, the Association initiated the Peer Support team, as a joint project with the Department of Local Government and Regional Development, and Local Government Managers Australia.
With so many people involved in Local Government, we would be pretty naive if we didn’t recognise that occasionally there are going to be differences of opinion and some relationship issues. The key is to be proactive and to solve these issues before the Minister is forced to instigate an inquiry or investigation. Unfortunately, the issues that make headline news are conflicts and the controversies, not the exciting new programs and services we instigate, or the commitment of elected members to their local communities.
During my term as President, I was particularly keen to emphasise that while there are controversies that do occur within Councils, these are in the minority, and it is important to remember that the vast majority of elected members and Council staff are committed, hard working and dedicated people providing excellent services to Western Australians.
With a new President at the helm of the Association in 2002/2003, I am sure this issue will remain at the top of the political agenda.
