Archived News for Professionals in Local Government - September, 2011
Poor governmental communication is at fault for the breakdown of good policy, according to Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher.
In a speech delivered to the 2011 Public Affairs Conference in Canberra, Mr Asher said lack of accessibility, poor complaint-handling procedures, lack of community consultation, and language that is unduly complex or bureaucratic make significant contributions to breakdown in policy.
“Many agencies see the way they communicate as a side issue to the services they provide, whereas the two are inextricably linked or indeed the same thing,” Mr Asher said.
Round one of Regional Development Australia Fund announced
The Federal Government has announced the first $150 million round of the $1 billion Regional Development Australia Fund.
SA council renewable energy fund opens
The Local Government Association of South Australia has opened applications for funding for community renewable energy projects from the Solar Councils Innovation Fund.
WA announces planning legislation changes
The Western Australian State Government has announced planning legislation changes that will oblige all WA local governments to develop a Strategic Community Plan and corporate Business Plan.
Urban fringe councils join water research group
A collaborative research body aimed at improving sustainability practices of water use in the fringes of Australia's largest cities has been announced.
WA announces new local government appointments
Western Australian Local Government Minister John Castrilli has announced new appointments to the Local Government Advisory Board and the WA Local Government Grants Commission.
Dr Shayne Silcox, CEO of the City of Melville has been appointed as a member of the Local Government Advisory Board
Shire president of Morawa Cr Karen Chappel, Bayswater mayor Terence Kenyon, and CEO of the Shire of Mundaring Jonathan Throssell have been appointed as deputy members.
Four new appointments have also recently been announced to the WA Local Government Grants Commission.
York Shire president Cr Pat Hooper has been appointed as a member. Bayswater mayor Terence Kenyon, Town of Narrogin mayor Don Ennis and Shire of Irwin councillor Ian West have been appointed as deputy members.
The new member and deputies joined the commission on August 1.
“I would like to acknowledge the important contribution made by the outgoing members of the board and the grants commission and thank them for their advice and support,” Mr Castrilli said.
Victoria announces local government electoral changes
Legislative changes to the democratic electoral process for local government has now passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament.
Victorian plan urges local governments to address health issues
The Victorian State Government has released the state's first ever Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which aims to address the state's increasing rates of chronic and preventable diseases.
North Sydney Council to lobby for state smoking ban
Smoking could be prohibited in public areas across NSW as the North Sydney Council vows to lobby the state government for a blanket ban.