samantha in the press

Plan Melbourne's governance under fire
Government News
by Julian Bajkowski
15 Oct 2013

Say 'no' to racism
Lilydale Leader
21 Oct 2013

victorian communities commit to listening to children in planning and decision-making processes

Thanks to the creation of the Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, local governments and community organisations across the State are making a commitment to include our young citizens in planning and decision-making.

The Charter was officially launched by Bernie Geary OAM, Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People, Cr Samantha Dunn, President of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and primary school student, Ben Arnett on Tuesday 15 October, ahead of Children's Week 2013 which runs from 19 to 27 October.

It was terrific to be joined by Mayor of Moreland,
Cr Oscar Yildiz, Ben, Gwendolyn and Bernie Geary,
Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People
at the launch of the charter out at CERES.

Speaking at the launch, VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn spoke of the importance of listening to children to ensure that their needs can be met.

“The VLGA believes children’s participation in the local decision-making process is vital to improve and develop services.

“Children are active citizens and have the right and an ability to help shape their own environments. We need to recognise those rights and need to actively involve children in decision-making around issues which will affect their wellbeing and the environments that they are living and growing up in.

“This Charter provides a set of guiding principles - freedom, respect and dignity and equitable access, which will help to empower our youngest citizens.

“The Charter will assist local governments and community organisations to work in conversation with children on creating places, policies and programs which fully consider their needs.

“We see the Charter as a tool to changing the thinking in local government, where the rights of children will become clearly reflected in community planning and building.

“Being a child friendly city means developing appropriate and inclusive policies and services reflecting children’s needs, acknowledging their important role in society and building their confidence in other processes including democracy,” said Cr Dunn.

Bernie Geary OAM, Principal Commissioner for Children and Young People advocated his support for the Charter, advising that children have the ability to offer a different perspective from adults.

"I am delighted to launch the Victorian Charter for Child Friendly Cities and Communities, which represents a significant step forward in terms of advancing the position of Victorian children and ensuring their interests, needs and opinions are reflected in public policy, programs and decision making,” said Principal Commissioner Geary OAM.

“I strongly encourage local governments to embrace the Charter and its principles of child-focused environments, respect and dignity for children's opinions and participation, and equitable access for all children regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or ability.”

The Charter is an initiative of the VLGA and the Victorian Child Friendly Cities Asia Pacific Network.

'new' metropolitan planning authority - a missed opportunity

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) says the announcement of the Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) is a missed opportunity to represent Victorian communities.

“While we welcome the MPA and the clear plan of action provided by Plan Melbourne, the opportunity for a new, democratic model with new governance arrangements has been overlooked,” said VLGA President Cr Samantha Dunn.

“We acknowledge that people in the MPA have experience working in growth areas and have worked with our member local governments on many projects.

“However we believe a representative governing body is best placed to oversee the implementation of Plan Melbourne rather than a board of appointed directors.

“Such a body would enable the participation of all metropolitan local governments and their communities in achieving the shared goal of delivering on community aspirations for the future of our city.

“Population growth and the appropriate infrastructure development to support it are key concerns for all Victorians,” said Cr Samantha Dunn.

“Communities fear that the 'bigger picture' is swallowing up the 'little picture' without taking into consideration the ramifications of large-scale developments on local communities.

“That is why we have previously called for elected local councillors to be represented through the governance of this new authority and we are concerned that this ‘new’ Authority is a change in name only.

“Adequate resourcing is essential, and we strongly urge Minister Guy to make representations to Treasury to ensure the MPA has the funds it needs for the implementation of Plan Melbourne, and to work successfully with regional Victoria on regional growth plans,” said Cr Samantha Dunn.

The VLGA’s local governments represent approximately 80 per cent of Victoria's population, and the VLGA will be seeking members’ opinions on how the sub-regional areas model and how that will serve good planning and integration.

local government electoral review: a step toward strengthening local democracy

The Victorian Local Governance Association welcomes today's announcement of the Victorian Local Government Electoral Review chaired by former federal MP Petro Georgiou.

“Local democracy is the bond between communities and their local governments,” said VLGA President Cr. Samantha Dunn.

“We believe the local government sector should be empowered to work with their communities to identify improvements to local democracy.

“Undertaken in genuine collaboration with local government, this has the potential to reinvigorate local democracy.

“The review should be a positive and constructive dialogue which is frank about important issues like candidate conduct, voter engagement and campaign funding.

“This should not be about the Victorian Government imposing preconceived ideas about how local democracy works or paternalistic regulatory approaches.”

Earlier this year the VLGA commenced a sector-led review of the 2012 local government elections, entitled the Strengthening Democracy project.

“We think it is important that the sector leads the reforms it wishes to see in Victoria,” said VLGA President Cr. Samantha Dunn.

“The final report on the review will be available in coming weeks.”

The VLGA and local governments look forward to the opportunity to provide the sector’s ideas about how to achieve increased participation, transparency and accountability in the local electoral process.

samantha in the media

Vic councils probe developer donations and bad candidate conduct
Government News
By Julian Bajkowski
25 Jun 2013

Replas Environmental Centre
visit from Cr Samantha Dunn
11 Jun 2013

short changing communities, vlga comments on state budget

State budget short-changes communities in challenging times

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) believes the Victorian State Budget 2013 provides limited funding for local government to meet its current and future challenges, and lacks initiatives to assist capacity building for local government reform.

“While the tight revenue context means that all levels of government need to be cautious, it is our belief that in tough budgetary times, governments need to build the capacity of communities to work together and thrive in challenging times,” said VLGA President Cr. Samantha Dunn.

“Investment in community infrastructure and programs which underpin peoples’ ability to participate in the governance of their community and society should not be seen as an ‘added extra’.

“Rather, such investment is central to the business of State and local governments.

 

“Local government makes a significant contribution to our State’s economy and is fundamental to every Victorian community.

“The VLGA has argued for a comprehensive review of the Local Government Act and the local government sector in order to improve local government and further its contribution to the State.

“A comprehensive review of the local government sector would provide mechanisms to assist the enhancement of local government capacity to respond to financial challenges.

“While the review has not been delivered, we are pleased that the Budget still contains some measures aimed at improving local government including introducing legislation to address emerging issues surrounding councillor conduct and the governance system, and the implementation of the Local

Government Performance Reporting Framework,” said President Cr. Dunn.

“In light of the State’s consideration of significant changes to the way local libraries operate, we are disappointed that the Government has not committed extra funding for local libraries, and are concerned that the absence of new funding may undermine any potential benefits from the proposals under consideration.

“We are also disappointed that the Government has not committed long-term additional funding for planning.

“The Government has proposed fresh thinking for the future planning of Melbourne through the development of a new Metropolitan Planning Strategy (MPS) and the establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Authority. The MPS will require significantly improved governance, institutional arrangements, long-term infrastructure planning, public participation and defined funding mechanisms and additional funding is vital to ensuring the MPS is successful.

“Local governments are active and genuine in their attempts to contain costs. However, a range of impediments exist to cost containment for local governments, several of which are beyond their control - including continued cost shifting from the upper levels of government, stagnating or declining government grants and the significant infrastructure renewal gap.

“This trend has continued with grants and transfers to local governments expected to be $859.5 million in 2013-14, virtually no increase on the $858.8 million provided in 2012-13.

“While we recognise the Victorian Government is aspiring to generate confidence and investment in the State with the challenge of constrained revenue, we believe this agenda must be approached in partnership with local government.

“The VLGA believes that improved capacity building, funding support, cooperation and integration provide a cost-effective means to empower Victorian local governments.

“We are disappointed that the Victorian Government’s proposed budget has not provided local governments with the ability to meet challenges and support their communities.”

vlga board elections, back as president

I’m delighted to be back, as the returning President of the VLGA Board, re-elected last week.

The VLGA Board shows a strong balance of new energy and ideas, and continuity, with the election of six new members and two returning members. The Board contains strong skills in local governance, community involvement, and policy development, along with media and legal experience.

Between us we represent urban and regional Victoria and bring a wide range of perspectives and experience from our many years’ involvement in local government. The VLGA’s members have elected a dedicated and enthusiastic group of people who demonstrate their passion daily for connecting communities, strengthening democracy and ensuring the voice of the community is heard.

With four of the eight elected being women, and a good mix of age groups and backgrounds, the Board is diverse which will ensure robust debate and thoughtful consideration is given to VLGA activities.

As immediate past President, former Treasurer and a member of the VLGA executive for the past four years, I believe we have strengthened our voice on behalf of community and councils for greater democracy in action, undertaken strong advocacy on social initiatives and delivered a financially sound position.

This is testament to the dedication and skills of the retiring Board, all of whom I thank so much for their terrific contributions. We are well positioned to continue the strong leadership demonstrated by the previous Board and there is a great future ahead for the VLGA and its members. The other Board members are:

Member Council Councillor Board members (in alphabetical order)

• Cr Luba Grigorovitch - Hobsons Bay City Council

• Cr Sebastian Klein - Hepburn Shire Council

• Cr Trent McCarthy - Darebin City Council

• Cr Steve Staikos - Kingston City Council

• Cr Lambros Tapinos - Moreland City Council

Community Board members (in alphabetical order)

• Mimmie Ng - former Cr at the South Gippsland Shire

• Beth Ripper - former Cr at the Wellington Shire

If you want to know more about the newly elected VLGA board you can check out their profiles here.

samantha in the press

Anti Maccas protestors vow to fight on in Tecoma
Leader Newspapers
by Emily Webb
14 November 2012

Tecoma McDonalds: council meeting hijacked
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Patrick Hutchens
14 November 2012

RACV says how to fix Yarra Ranges in roads
Leader Newspapers
by Rebecca David
13 Nov 2012

What issue should the new Yarra Ranges Council prioritise?
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
13 November 2012

Reform urged on dummy council candidates
Melbourne Weekly
by Alana Schetzer
13 November 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Women urged to raise their voice at council ballots
The Age
by Jason Dowling
19 September 2012

Women encouraged to run in local elections
ABC News
19 September 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Taking up Mornington Peninsula challenges
Peninsula Weekly
by Samantha Robin
25 July 2012

Hard work and a little fun for Frankston's Mayor
Frankston Weekly
24 July 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Run for Bayside Council for 'right reasons'
Bayside Leader
by Jon Andrews
16 July 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Local councillors' hard work holds up the third tier
Herald Sun
opinion: Samantha Dunn
11 July, 2012

vlga - local governments must retain rate powers

Local governments must retain rate powers

The Victorian Government has recently introduced amendments to the Local Government Act which will change the process for local governments to implement differential rates.  Differential rates are levied on particular types of properties at a higher or lower rate than the standard rate.  These rates respond to important local land use planning, economic development or social issues.  The State Government is seeking to implement new guidelines for differential rates and to provide the Local Government Minister the power to prevent local governments from implementing differential rates.

VLGA President, Cr Samantha Dunn, today said, “Many local governments have worked with their communities to develop differential rates which reflect council and community objectives.  Differential rates can be used to encourage beneficial land uses or to help communities address the impact of some land uses.  In particular, the VLGA believes it is vital that local governments retain the ability to develop rating strategies that help address important social issues.”

“The VLGA welcomes the six-month consultation process for the development of guidelines on differential rates.  We will be working with the State Government, local governments and community leaders to ensure that the new guidelines continue to allow local governments to address defined objectives by implementing differential rates and associated policies and programs,” said Cr Dunn.

think women for local government

A formidable group of women, from left to right:
Cr Stefanie Perri - City of Monash, Cr Di Blackwood -
Baw Baw Shire, Minister for Women's Affairs
Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Local Government
Jeanette Powell, Cr Sue McMillan - Knox City Council
and Cr Samantha Dunn - Yarra Ranges and
VLGA President.

My role as Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) President has seen me attend many Think Women for Local Government forums.

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of officially launching Think Women for Local Government.

I was delighted to be joined by a wonderful group of strong women who spoke of their experiences as women in local and state government.

The Think Women for Local Government project is funded by the Office of Women and being delivered by the VLGA. The project's mission is to get 700 women to join the sprint to the 2012 local government elections.

Women make up 51% of Victoria's population but we're only 29% of local councillors across 78 different municipalities (Brimbank isn't included as it's under administration). In the 2008 local government elections the numbers of women elected dropped and no women stood in a quarter of wards and subdivided municipalities.

The VLGA is working with the Victorian Government, local governments and community partners to boost the number of women candidates standing in October.

In the lead up to the 2012 elections its sobering to note that there are five local governments with no women councillors at all and fourteen with only one woman on board.

Women bring different experiences and a promise of better diversity to city and shire halls. It's about bringing balance to the decision making table.

If you're interested you can register to access the Think Women for Local Government site here. You can also visit the More Women for Local Government facebook page here.

Local government is very rewarding and has provided great opportunities to get things done at the local level for the community as well as develop personally.

samantha in the press - vlga

Women urged: stand up for council roles
Melbourne Weekly
by Alana Schetzer
11 June 2012

Women urged to stand for council
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Claire Thwaites
12 June 2012


Campaign targets 700 women to balance councils
Banyule and Nillumbik Weekly
by Alana Schetzer
12 June 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Four more years for Brimbank administrators
Brimbank Leader
by Caitlin Ryan
22 May 2012

the people of brimbank deserve a vote

The people of Brimbank deserve a vote

The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has expressed its concern about a decision by Minister for Local Government, the Hon Jeanette Powell, to introduce legislation next week to extend the Administration of the Brimbank City Council through until March 2015.

"We are extremely disappointed that the Minister has reached a decision to extend the period of administration at Brimbank,” said the VLGA’s President, Cr Samantha Dunn.

“In September 2009, the VLGA advocated to the former State Labor Government for the return of elected representatives at the latest by the October 2012 local government elections, on the basis that the required organisational changes recommended in the Ombudsman's report would be put in place within that time frame.

"While we note the advice that the community can expect to go to the vote in March 2015, our strong preference is to see the people of Brimbank able to cast a vote in October 2012, just as the people of every other Victorian municipality will have the chance to do.

"We now call on the Minister to give an undertaking to the people of Brimbank that the restoration of elected councillors can be brought forward and ensure the newly appointed administrators achieve the required objectives in a shorter time frame.

"We will raise our concerns directly with the Minister, and we will be looking to assist Brimbank staff and administrators as much as we possibly can to prepare for the return of democratically elected councillors as quickly as possible."

samantha in the press - vlga

New laws keep Brimbank under admin until 2015
Brimbank Leader
by Caitlin Ryan
17 May 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

Wait for budget details
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 May 2012

samantha in the press - vlga

State budget: Lights out on energy progam
Melbourne Times Weekly
8 May 2012