VLGA Connect

From the VLGA Newsroom this week, Kathryn Arndt provides perspective on the big local government stories of the week, including the newly announced cultural review of the Victorian local government sector; the new Gender Equality Advisory Committee which has met for the first time;  Councils speaking out on poker machine losses; and the finalists announced for this year's HART Awards. Support...

On this week's Governance Update, we're joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria for an update on the rollout of LGA2020, including new procurement policy requirements, annual budgets and Council Plans, plus work to align the sector with the requirements of the new Gender Equality Act. Then Steve Cooper and Chris Eddy discuss this week's governance happenings, wi...

On this Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper, councillor behaviour in the spotlight in South Australia, Queensland and England! Plus some current legal cases that bear mentioning, and we add to the list of things that we really should come back to....at some point. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Associ...

The Victorian Auditor-General, Andrew Greaves, returns to VLGA Connect to talk about the findings and observations from recent audits, including now Councils are meeting their local roads obligations, the completed financial audits, and opportunities arising from the report on the activities of Service Victoria. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the...

Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt are joined by Ken Smith, Dean and CEO of the Australia New Zealand School of Government for a wide-ranging discussion about our system of government, and the opportunity to reimagine the way governments serve their constituents. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please c...

Welcome back to the VLGA Newsroom, where this week Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss the role of the First People's Assembly and how local government needs to be involved; the Child Friendly Cities alliance; renewal time for VLGA membership; the new Gender Equality Act and more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governanc...

Chris Eddy speaks with Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, Co-Chair of Victoria's First People's Assembly, to explore the purpose and establishment of the Assembly, the work conducted to date, and how local government will play an important role in the development of localised treaties in the future. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian L...

This week's topics include Victoria's newest Councillor; fraud charges dropped against former Logan City councillors in Queensland; and Hume City Council decides to take legal action over a decision of the state's planning minister. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here...

On a special edition of VLGA Connect, we meet the new Executive Director of Local Government Victoria, Julie Reid. With 32 years in local government in Australia and the UK, and considerable senior executive experience, Julie tells us about her approach to the role and the challenges ahead for the sector. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victor...

VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt joins Chris Eddy in the VLGA Connect Newsroom to talk about current local government issues, including a review of the building legislative and regulatory system in Victoria; the VLGA supported research project getting national attention; a Council Director becomes the first woman President of the Melbourne Football Club; and lots more. Links: 1. Victorian Building System Re...

This week, the Governance Update looks at the potentials and perils of social media in the context of codes of conduct and social media policies; 'Cancel Culture' - is it a thing in Australia? (Hint: Yes it is); and standby by a stellar list of finalists for this year's HART Awards! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Loca...

It's your Easter edition of the Governance Update, with Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper. This week's discussion list includes the resumption of Operation Esperance; the NSW Council safe from dismissal over asbestos management; we ponder a Council's power to act in relation to carriage horses in Melbourne's CBD; the parliamentary inquiry that finds a government funding program to be...

Chris Eddy speaks with Victoria's Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner, Dr Niki Vincent, on the day the new Gender Equality legislation comes into effect in Victoria. We discuss what the legislation is aiming to change, the compliance requirements on Councils, and how Victoria is leading the way on the national stage with regard to gender equality action. Support the show To learn more...

This week, a new Chief Municipal Inspector for Victoria; VAGO releases its report on road management in local government; a new public sector flexible working policy and much more. 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 send u...

It's the 150th episode of VLGA Connect! Join us in the Newsroom for a discussion about current issues, including the new research demonstrating the unacceptable behaviour that female councillors and candidates are subjected to; plus a new VAGO of Council's road management practices and news from around the sector. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training of...

On this week's Governance Update, Chris Eddy and Steve Cooper discuss the latest Ombudsman report into Council parking fine reviews; the VEC's failure to vote process; a useful tool for Councils incorporating climate change into their Council Plans; the People Matters survey extended to councils; and Kingston appoints an Interim CEO. Support the show To learn more about the events, progr...

Victorian Planning Authority CEO Stuart Moseley speaks with Chris Eddy about the program for the year ahead for his agency, and how the demand for land for homes and jobs is continuing to grow across Melbourne and key regional areas. 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'...

Recorded on the day of March4Justice, Kathryn Arndt speaks to the issues of gender equality as they relate to local government and looks ahead to future discussions on this topic and others on VLGA Connect and in our next live international forum. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here...

This week on the Governance Update with Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper, local government consultant Mark Davies drops by to unpack the recently released rating system review. We discuss the conflict issues, or lack thereof, in relation to a Council vote on an alleged misconduct matter and more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Go...

This week in the Newsroom, we look back on a successful Fast Track Leadership day for Councillors; discuss the Federal Labor leader's election pledge to return local government to the National Cabinet; and look at the election of a new board and President for the Municipal Association of Victoria. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian...

This week's Governance Update is different! We recorded our discussion at the VLGA FastTrack Leadership Day, with topics including the role of the Mayor; how to ensure the Code of Conduct is a useful tool; hot topics with the Local Government Minister and more. Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA),...

This week in the Newsroom with Kathryn Arndt, we got a bit excited and borrowed the new opening titles for the general VLGA Connect episodes. But they're too nice to share! We'll go back to our own Newsroom titles next week. Oh, and we talk about the news stories of the week from around local government too! Support the show To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered...

This week, Chris Eddy and Stephen Cooper are joined by Hannah Duncan-Jones from Local Government Victoria for an update on LGA 2020 implementation; new guidance on personal interest returns; and a review of mandatory candidate training. We also discuss this week's LGPRo virtual conference, and a study that reveals the conflicted, harassed and insecure life of a council CEO. Support the show T...

On this week's Newsroom in the VLGA Connect Summer Series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy discuss a selection of news stories from the world of local government and beyond. Including new reporting requirements for Councils; a fall in life expectancy as a result of COVID-19; electric vehicle charging stations rolling out in regional areas; and so much more. Support the show To learn more about t...

This week, lots of local government news, interspersed with Paul Kelly bingo!? Has the Governance Update officially jumped the shark? You be the judge. 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 send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.a...