VLGA Connect

This week, the team discuss the push to overhaul council elections, the mayoral elections taking place around the state, a notice of motion to overturn 35 previous decisions of council, a push from rural councils for a better deal from the Federal Government, the suspension of the Townsville mayor, and a mayor ordered to complete training to better understand the role. 

Rhys Thomas discusses an issue that has arisen with a number of Councillors failing to take the oath/affirmation correctly, including three at one Council, as well as what the Inspectorate is planning to do about it.

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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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

The TGU panel returns to discuss the wrap up of Victorian council elections, and allegations of suspected postal vote tampering in two Council wards. Plus a change of leadership for the sector’s peak bodies, mayoral elections underway, a controversial CEO resignation and a push in NSW to ban confidential councillor briefing sessions.

Rhys Thomas joins Chris Eddy to talk about some of the trends we saw at the election, including the long awaited data on the gender gap on Councils. He will also raise some examples of councillors that did not last long in the role - hopefully something that doesn’t happen this time.

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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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week, the TGU panel unpacks the provisional council election results that we know so far. The winners, the losers, the surprises and what’s still to come. Plus municipal monitors appointed to three councils, and the latest CEO to announce a new career move.

Rhys Thomas talks about the gap between the council election day and the swearing in of councillors and the limits on the powers of councils and CEOs during that period. He will identify a specific flaw in the Act that means a council could be left without leadership.

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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week on TGU, the panel attempts to pull together interim results from the Victorian council elections; strike action mooted at Greater Geelong council; a council’s concerns about a fast tracked planning decision; and Rhys Thomas unpacks the detail of Victoria’s new governance and integrity regulations.

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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

The TGU panel is back to look at the new governance and integrity regulations which have dropped this week, along with a raft of planning and building announcements that have taken councils by surprise.

The election period is coming to an end and voting will soon commence in Victorian council elections. 

Is a post-Covid mentality responsible for more poor council governance, and how many councils still use X (formerly Twitter)? 

Plus Rhys Thomas is back with some handy election eve tips for governance officers.

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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

On the TGU menu this week, stories from the campaign trail; the councillor who resigned to be able to speak freely during the election campaign; a live TV debate with Lord Mayoral candidates; help on the way for regional councils dealing with a shortage of municipal building surveyors; the candidate campaigning on having a beer and watching the football; councils cop another whack about the pace of housing approvals; and much more. Plus Rhys Thomas provides analysis on election candidates and some opportunities for improvement.

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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

The panel is back for more TGU from VLGA Connect, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers.

Up for discussion this week -  new report from IBAC on an investigation in bribery and misconduct allegations at Moonee Valley City Council; vandalism and theft on the campaign trail in Victoria; a record number of candidates; why you should make you’re on the role and do the training first; Councils reveal the most popular dog names and breeds; and much more.

VLGA Snapshot - “Incrhysingly formal”
Rhys talks about the voting process, including how to vote and the common mistakes that make votes informal. Also what happens if one of the candidates has been retired? 

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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

As we draw closer to the end of this council term, Chris Eddy, Kathryn Arndt and Rhys Thomas reflect on the last four years and the issues which shaped local government.

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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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

As we look back on some of the big issues of the last year, we revisit this discussion between Chris Eddy and CEO of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) in the UK, Jonathan Carr-West.

Chris and Jonathan look at LGIU research into the financial sustainability of the local government sector in the UK and similarities with the Victorian sector.

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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 [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999

This week, we look back at an interview with Deputy Commissioner at IBAC, David Wolf.  

David and Chris look at the risks associated with donations and lobbying in local government elections. In the lead up to the election period we revisit this issue, 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 us an email to [email protected] or call us on 03 9349 7999