VLGA Connect

This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom with VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt: the ever increasing importance of local government's role in pandemic response; NSW government funding for local government job retention; the upcoming global panel on community wealth building; and new opportunities for corporate partnership with the VLGA and the latest professional development prospectus. Support the show T...

This week on the Governance Update, what can we learn from a social media kerfuffle in the cricket world? Steve Cooper has some ideas... plus we follow up on the action taken by the Inspectorate to seek an order from VCAT for a councillor to stand aside whilst legal proceedings are on foot.. and some of the latest people movements making news in the sector. Support the show To learn more about the...

It's a milestone 200th episode of VLGA Connect. For 18 months, we've kept the local government sector informed and engaged on the key issues, introduced a range of public sector leaders, and provided forums for discussion and exploration on the sector's current and future challenges. In episode 200, Kathryn Arndt, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy reflect on how far we've come, and m...

It's our regular round up of news and issues of relevance to the local government sector, including the importance of accurate census data; vaccine incentive programs; the cost of potential rate exemptions for social housing; use of a new provision in the Local Government Act and lots more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local...

The VLGA Connect Governance Update is back, this week talking about councillor issues in the news, extended mayoral terms due to deferred elections in NSW, Queensland's conflict of interest framework, engaging on asset management plans and much more. Links: Inspectorate moves against Yarra Councillor to step aside https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/watchdog-moves-against-councillor-a...

Our guest on VLGA Connect is Kate Symons, Chair of the Essential Services Commission, to talk about the commission's role in relation to local government; how it oversees the rate capping framework in Victoria; and the recently released outcomes report which provides information on the current financial sustainability of Victoria's councils. Support the show To learn more about the event...

On VLGA Connect, we meet the newly confirmed CEO of Land Use Victoria, the agency responsible for so many important but often unseen functions for the Victorian community. LUV looks after land registration, surveying, place naming, maps and spacial data. We talk about how the agency works with local government, and the exciting new Digital Twin Victoria project. Support the show To learn more abou...

Kathryn Arndt returns to the Newsroom for a discussion about the week's topical issues, including a new campaign to make Parliamentary sessions more inclusive; another deferral of council elections in New South Wales; barriers to female participation as Councillors in the news; and much more as we count down to 200 episodes of VLGA Connect. Support the show To learn more about the events, pro...

The new CEO of Victoria's Environment Protection Authority visits VLGA Connect to introduce himself, and talk about the new legislative environment in which the EPA is working with its stakeholders, including local government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here . If you'd...

In this Governance Update, calls for NSW Council elections to be postponed; the sector is awash with no-confidence motions; a doyen of governance retires; and the latest news on CEO appointments. Links: 1. NSW Elections 2. Yarra no-confidence motion 3. Bathurst no-confidence motion 4. Darwin Turf Club report 5.  New Knox CEO appointed 6. Mildura CEO process halted Support the show To learn more ab...

Our guest in the VLGA Connect studio today is Terry Moran, AC, chair of the Centre for Policy Development, discussing confidence in our democratic institutions, local government's place in our democracy, and 'the lack of faith' at a federal level in the capacity of local government. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Loca...

Victoria's Local Jobs First Commission works to promote employment of apprentices, cadets and trainees on government projects, and oversees compliance of local content and job commitments in contractual arrangements for project delivery. On VLGA Connect, we speak with Acting Local Jobs First Commissioner Greg Wilson about his role, and how the commission could potentially assist local governm...

On this week's Governance Update, we discuss the fine line between ensuring transparency of decision making while meeting confidentiality obligations in procurement decisions; the Melbourne council setting the record straight on an ongoing legal matter; and the unique museum that has won the right to keep its scatological signage despite heritage concerns. Support the show To learn more about...

The latest Governance Update comes to you from Pitcher Partners in Docklands, where the Leading the Agenda forum took place, exploring the roles and responsibilities of all involved in Council Audit and Risk Committees. Richard Wilson from Pitcher Partners shares observations from the discussion, and then Chris and Steve discuss some governance news from the past week. Support the show To learn mo...

On the Governance Update this week, we discuss the circumstances under which a Councillor might become legally disqualified to continue in the role; a spate of conduct issues under the spotlight in New South Wales; more councils move to abolish overdue library borrowing fines; and more of the week's local government news. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training...

Joining Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect virtual studio today is Shane Lucas, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, to talk about the work of the foundation with local government, the VLGA, responding to the recent VAGO audit of its operations, and contributing to the Royal Commission regarding Crown Casino. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offe...

This week, we are joined by Victoria's Chief Municipal Inspector to discuss the findings and recommendations from the Inspectorate's just released 2020 elections report. Also discussed, Councils advocating on behalf of their communities and the latest senior appointments. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Ass...

This week in the Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt reports on the outcome of the election for two positions on the VLGA Board; news coming out of Canberra where the annual National General Assembly of councils is under way; and Victorian councils dealing with a massive cleanup from recent storm damage. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Gov...

A special edition with all three current Chair Administrators in Victoria, Julie Eisenbise, Lydia Wilson and Noelene Duff, discussing the role of an administrator; the task of restoring community confidence after governance failings have led to Council dismissals; and how the role differs (or doesn't) to that of an elected Mayor/Councillor. Support the show To learn more about the events, pro...

On the Governance Update this week, we are joined by Tony Raunic from Hunt and Hunt Lawyers to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision that has seen a CEO reinstated to his position. Plus discussion on the week's news, including the state's that are moving towards independent setting of Council CEO salaries. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offere...

This week in the Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, local government recognition in the Queen's Birthday honours list; councils respond to a major storm event; and a look ahead to coming events, including Leading the Agenda, a global panel discussion, and VLGA board elections closing soon. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governa...

On this week's Governance Update, so much local government news. A Supreme Court decision reinstates a sacked Council CEO; the Ombudsman reports on how a council officer duped a Council out of $1.6 million; and virtual Council meetings to possible become a permanent feature. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Assoc...

In this week's Newsroom update with Kathryn Arndt we hear about the HART Awards winners for 2021, gearing up for a new Leading the Agenda session on audit and risk committees, meeting the new Chief Municipal Inspector for Victoria, and more news from around the local government sector. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Gover...

On a special VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is joined by VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt, for an introductory conversation with Victoria's new Chief Municipal Inspector, Michael Stefanovic. We learn about his career highlights to date and his focus for the inspectorate in the weeks and months ahead. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Govern...

"So You've Got a New CEO?" A special edition of the Governance Update, including news from around the sector, and our first ever Top 10 edition where we count down the top 10 factors for success when your Council has a new CEO. Links: NSW LG Minister Statement re: Dubbo Council LGV Guidance on planning and reporting Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and trai...