Victorian Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has used this year's Local Government Ministerial and Mayors Forum to detail three initiatives to assist local governments in improving their dealings with the state government and their local communities.

 

Among the initiatives announced:

  • The Local Government – Aboriginal Affairs Project -  designed to help local government better understand the needs of local Aboriginal communities and help Aboriginal communities better understand the processes of local government which will in turn assist in closing the gap on indigenous disadvantage. The project will monitor and demonstrate improvements in outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians and local government in areas such as employment, service provision, reconciliation and the protection of cultural heritage.
  • The Ministerial-Mayors Advisory Panel - the new advisory panel will be comprised of mayors from inner metropolitan councils, outer metropolitan councils, interface councils, regional cities and rural councils. Members of this panel will provide high level strategic advice on the range of legislative, regulatory and policy decisions that require a partnership between the state government and local government.
  • A commitment to re-establish the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries - the Advisory Council will be bi-partisan, represent cross-sector interests and help shape the future role of public libraries within local communities.

 

This year's Local Government Ministerial and Mayors Forum – Working Together for Victorians – was attended by mayors, council CEOs, peak body representatives and State Government ministers to discuss issues such as financial sustainability, the timing of local elections and responses to natural disasters.