VLGA Connect

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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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. 

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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

Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human right, but the housing crisis is growing globally. With increasing cost pressures, and population growing faster than build times, what can local government do to address the crisis? This panel looks at barriers to housing accessibility, development, the role of all levels of government to work together and short and long term strategies councils could look to easing the pressure. 

Chris Eddy and Kathryn Arndt moderate a Q&A style discussion with a panel comprising leaders in this space from across Australia and the UK.

Panellists include:

Rushda Halith - General Manager Community and City Services, City of Melbourne
Robert Burns - Chief Executive Officer, Monaghan County Council, Ireland
Diwa Hopkins - Senior Economist, Regional Australia Institute (RAI)
Dr Grace Vickers - Chief Executive Officer, Midlothian Council, Scotland

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, we look back at a conversation between Chris Eddy and the (then) newly elected Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel. 

Chris and Sven discuss Sven’s career journey, from Victorian Information Commissioner to Victorian Electoral Commissioner, and consider the intensive work that was undertaken to prepare for this year’s local government elections across the state. 

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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

Today on TGU, the panel looks at an exciting new waste to energy project; 
Reaction to the government’s latest housing plans
Concerns over a rental agreement in Yarra and the use of parking sensors in Maribyrnong;
A Melbourne Council CEO is moving on
A new program to address workforce shortages in local government, and a campaign to encourage more people to become planners
Plus councils in NZ told by the Prime Minister to get back to basics.
And Rhys Thomas joins us to look at the likely impact of structure changes on the upcoming elections, plus some fun facts about ward names.

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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 looks at a surprise move to ban hired e-scooters in Melbourne; a councillor resignation preceding an arbiter misconduct ruling; a municipal monitor for Horsham; a high five commotion in Yarra Ranges; interesting Notices of Motion from the past week; an innovative housing project; an interesting FOI decision; a monumental nomination debacle in New South Wales and much, much more.

Plus Rhys Thomas’s analysis of the draft model Code of Conduct and other materials currently out for comment.

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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

In what has been a heartbreaking week for the local government sector, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the latest in the sector in this week's TGU. 

This week, the devastating passing of two sitting councillors, a new model Code of Conduct is out for consultation, a contentious heritage proposal raises temperatures at Boroondara Council, the status of the CFMEU’s Fair Work Commission application to represent Greater Geelong workers, budget troubles at a Horsham Rural City Council, and a NSW council at odds over its policy on alcohol for councillors. 

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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 on TGU, Greater Geelong Council CEO Ali Wastie makes a stand in court against gendered abuse;

A call for more resourcing for the Local Government Inspectorate;

An extension of the term for municipal monitors at Moonee Valley, while the Minister rejects a call for a monitor at Northern Grampians;

A CEO defends the editing of a council meeting recording;

And new CEO appointments in regional Victoria.

Rhys Thomas discusses the rules around election signage and pulls out another Olympic anecdote! 

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

Chris Eddy, Julie Reid and Tony Raunic return to brighten your Friday with the latest in local government news! 

This week the panel discuss, the first Victorian council to open briefing sessions to the public, the cost of asbestos clean up across parks in Hobsons Bay revealed, a councillor wants a municipal monitor appointed, e-scooters here to stay, the latest on Liverpool’s battle with the NSW State Government and a unique new governance model unveiled for a council that has been under administration for 11 years.

With the countdown now on to election day, Rhys Thomas talks about the need to consider personal wellbeing on the election campaign trail, and the privacy (or lack thereof) of the voters roll and what you can do about it, as well as a piece of Olympic trivia...

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