VLGA Connect

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...

This week in the VLGA Connect Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt talks with Chris Eddy about the upcoming HART awards, happening online this Friday; a tool to help councils embed alcohol management measures in their Health and Wellbeing Plans; Intro to Gender Equity sessions in high demand; and lots more including upcoming sessions on audit committees and learning about the role of local government administr...

Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy are back for another Governance Update, this week looking at events in Dubbo, Mt Isa, follow up from the Ombudsman's financial hardship report, and the latest sector movements. 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 like to contact us abo...

On this special edition of Newsroom, Kathryn Arndt, Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy take you through the State and Federal Budget initiatives of most relevance to the local government sector. 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 like to contact us about the podcast, please...

On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Sherryn Prinzi, Chair of the Victorian Child Friendly Cities and Communities Advisory Group - an alliance of local governments and other agencies, working to empower children as active and engaged citizens. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please...

VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy for a discussion with the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass, about her new report looking at how Councils administer financial hardship policies. She highlights good and poor examples leading to a series of recommendations to improve the way the sector handles cases of hardship. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered...

For this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper take a look at the state budget from a local government perspective, and there's lots to see. The Victorian Ombudsman's report into Councils' hardship policies is also on the agenda, plus there's more to report on the senior executive front. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and trainin...

On VLGA Connect, we are in conversation with Anna Cronin, Victoria's Commissioner for Better Regulation, and Chair of the expert panel conducting a wide ranging review of the state's building system. Anna outlines the scope of the review, the process to be undertaken, timing and consultation activities to ensure local government has input into the resulting recommendations. Support the s...

Join us in the VLGA Newsroom, where Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy unpack some of the week's big local government and public sector news stories, including federal and state budget news; a new Ombudsman report on councils' financial hardship policies; Victoria's new Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner announced; and the appointment of the historic Truth Telling Commission....

On the Governance Update this week, after a false start that our editor kindly left in, we dissect the Kingston probity review report, and share some news on recent senior appointment in the sector. Link to Kingston Council release: https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Media/Proactive-planning-review-findings-made-public Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training o...

On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Angus Clelland, CEO of Mental Health Victoria, about the unprecedented investment from federal and state governments in mental health services; and the importance of ensuring local councils are participants in the solution. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Associatio...

"Two Pups and a Little White Duck" Join Kathryn Arndt in the VLGA Newsroom for discussion on current local government topics including a visionary plan for the Yarra River's northbank; new CEOs taking office and a count back coming up this week; the legacy of a VLGA champion; and an opportunity to learn about what makes a well designed public library. Support the show To learn more...

The weekly governance update touches on the cultural review of local government in Victoria; how a conflict resolution specialist was no match for local council and its bus stop problem; a restoration of order in Tumby Bay; a new CEO for Murrindindi; and somehow a noise complaint leads to a recitation about English countryside cricket. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and...

On VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy is in conversation with Mark Coulton, the Federal Minister for Local Government, checking in on how the sector across the country has dealt with the challenges of COVID; the need to grow skills and capabilities to meet the unprecedented demand for workers in regional areas; and the opportunity to reform the Federal Assistance Grants system. Support the show To learn mor...