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Mover:  Western Australian Local Government Association

Utilisation of the Commonwealth's role as a primary funder of health services and regulator of standards to work with the states in development of strategies which provide career and financial incentives for retention of doctors and health professionals in regional and rural communities and remove impediments to integrated health service delivery.

Local government throughout Australia has had a longstanding objective of pursuing ongoing accessibility to highest standards of primary and preventative health care for local community residents.

Experience indicates that these imperatives on the part of local government derive not only from their commitment to ensuring health and well being of all residents but also from community viability and survival implications associated with an inability to attract and retain doctors and health professionals.

Regional and rural communities experiencing declining levels of doctor and nursing services are adversely impacted in that prolonged continuation of these circumstances inevitably contribute to the dislocation of individuals/families and act as disincentives for potential residents.

These circumstances have in many cases, forced regional and rural local governments to become involved in providing infrastructure and financial support as a basis for seeking retention of doctor and nursing services.

At a peak body or sector level, scholarship programs implemented in Western Australia and other states and territories have provided professional/institutional support frameworks aimed at encouraging newly qualified doctors and nursing practitioners to take up opportunities in regional and rural areas. Collaborative initiatives such as the Multipurpose Services are working towards integrated health service delivery. However reforms must allow for more a more integrated and flexible delivery of health services.

As the primary and overarching funder of health services and regulator of practitioner standards in Australia, the Commonwealth is urged to collaborate with the states, territories and local government at an intergovernmental level in development of strategies which provide career and financial incentives for retention of doctors and health professionals in regional and rural communities and the integration of health service delivery.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

Before the mid 1970s, the Australian economy was able to sustain full employment through a 'buffer stock' of lower -skill jobs, many of which were in the public sector.

The CD-JG proposes to restore this buffer to the economy through the creation of new categories of public sector jobs, which support community development and encourage environmental sustainability.

Under this proposal, the Federal Government would maintain a 'buffer stock' of low-skill jobs that would be available on an on-going basis to the targeted groups. The CD-JG would be funded by the Commonwealth but organised on the basis of local partnerships, with local government as employers.

The CD-JG would guarantee that the least advantaged workers in the community had opportunities to earn wages and to attain independence. CD-JG workers would participate in community-based, socially beneficial activities that would provide short and long-term benefits to communities.

These could include urban renewal projects, community and personal care, and environmental schemes. The work is useful and needs doing; much of it is labour intensive. It would be of great benefit to communities experiencing chronic unemployment.

Under the CofFEE proposal, local government would develop employment proposals according to community development and sustainability criteria. Once a proposal was approved, the local council would receive fixed per capita funding from the Commonwealth for each CD-JG worker employed. Funding would cover payment of the minimum award wage and on-costs. The jobs created would not substitute for private sector jobs.

Note:

1. The Job Guarantee would apply to all long-term unemployed (people unemployed longer than 12 months)
2. The Youth guarantee would comprise opportunities for education, technical training, and/or a place in the Job Guarantee program for all 15-19 year olds who are unemployed.

Mover:  Whitehorse City Council

To obtain a commitment from the Commonwealth Government to increase its funding provision to the Commonwealth Child Care Benefits Scheme to ensure that the cost of centre based childcare services do not move beyond the reach of low to middle income families.

The recent settlement of an industrial dispute involving Local Government Child Care Workers has resulted in an award variation that will deliver average wage increases of about 10%. Councils consider the settlement to be both a realistic and reasonable outcome to the concerns raised by childcare workers, vis-a-vis, that the responsibilities, skills and qualifications required of their positions are not adequately recognised under their award classifications. Ultimately the settlement was unavoidable.

It is anticipated that the terms of settlement, which is likely to flow-on to child-care staff employed under other industry awards, will have a positive impact in redressing the dearth of skilled and qualified people seeking employment within the industry.

Under the principles of competitive neutrality and with tight budgets already in place for centre based child-care services, councils will not be able to readily offset these additional wage costs. Consequently, these costs will most likely flow onto client families and could result in fees increasing by more than 10% over the next 12 months and the out of pocket expense to some parents increasing by more than 40%.

Councils are concerned that unless the Commonwealth Government increases the funding provision to its Child Care Benefits scheme, the affordability of centre based child care services will soon move beyond the reach of many Australian families.

Mover:  Penrith City Council

The National General Assembly calls upon the Federal Minister for Family and Community Services to release adequate Child Care Benefit funded places for children requiring out of school care services through a transparent needs based planning process.

The Federal Government currently has a cap on the number of Child Care Benefit (CCB) funded places distributed to out of school hours care services. This is inequitable when compared to services for the 0-5 year olds, as there is no such cap on CCB places for the 0-5 age group. For example, in the Penrith local government area it is estimated that only 46% of the need for out of school hours care is being met. This situation is placing some 5-12 year olds at risk of being in unsafe environments out of school hours.

Mover:  Penrith City Council

The purpose of this motion is to recommend a review of the current Federal Government Planning Policy so that it is formulated upon a transparent needs based planning model with controlled distribution of CCB places, thereby ensuring equity of access to affordable quality children.s services for parents of children aged 0-2 years.

To ensure that a transparent needs based planning process, that includes consultations with Local Government, is established by the Federal Government with controlled distribution of CCB places.

Mover:  Penrith City Council

To ensure that the true cost of providing centre-based children.s services, especially for 0-2 year olds is supported by the Federal Government by an increase in the Child Care Benefit ceiling.

To ensure that the true cost of providing centre-based children.s services, especially for 0-2 year olds is supported by the Federal Government by an increase in the Child Care Benefit ceiling.

Mover:  Western Australian Local Government Association

Utilisation of the Commonwealth Government's role in partnership with state, territory and local government in the provision of affordable, quality child care services through the development of strategies that address qualified staff retention and the ongoing financial viability of rural and regional child care services.

Local government throughout Australia has the longstanding objective of pursuing access to essential community services in rural and regional Australia.

Access to quality and affordable child care services is crucial for the economic survival of regional and rural communities. National competition policy, industrial reform and the loss of operational subsidies have impacted on the viability of many child care services, in particular on rural and regional services that face additional costs and pressures in service delivery. These circumstances have meant that regional and rural local governments have become increasingly involved in providing infrastructure and financial support for child care services.

The Commonwealth is urged to collaborate with state, territory and local government to develop strategies that address the retention of qualified staff and the ongoing financial viability of rural and regional child care services.

Mover:  Maroondah City Council

The motion will provide an opportunity for local councils throughout the nation to continue to provide the current level of services in the area of childcare.

The Commonwealth Government announced a review of the Childcare Support Broadband in November 2002. The Broadband is a Commonwealth funded program that delivers funding support to childcare and related support services.

The Review has made a number of recommendations that have the potential to impact on local government providers of Broadband funded childcare services. Significantly, the report recommends that the current operational subsidy received by local governments be removed.

In addition, the report recommends that this subsidy be redirected to targeted client groups and that the subsidy be made available now include private childcare providers, with no additional increase to the funding pool.

These recommendations will likely result in Local governments reviewing current service provision arrangements as the cessation of the operational subsidy will impact councils ability to continue to provide services under the current model.

The final report is expected to be lodged with the Minister, Children and Youth Affairs in late September, early October 2003, with a decision expected in late 2003.

Mover:  Whitehorse City Council

To obtain a commitment from the Commonwealth Government to maintain its operational funding for the universal children service programs; Family Day Care, Occasional Care and In home Care.

The Commonwealth Government is currently considering a number of recommendations stemming from a review it commissioned into the effectiveness of its broadband funding of an array of family and children service programs provided nationally.

Councils are concerned that specific recommendations contained in the review pertain to the removal of operational funding for the Family Day Care, Occasional Care and In-Home Care services. These services represent important universal children service programs provided by local government and other service providers. They provide flexible, high quality and affordable options for child-care for a significant number of families across the nation.

The removal of operational funding for these services would place them under enormous financial strain and bring their ongoing sustainability into serious question. The collapse of these services would have significant social implications for client families and staff across Australia.

Mover:  Moreland City Council

The Early Years research makes a strong case for investing in the early years and there is a real opportunity for Australia to make a difference to the capacity of its future population by building an integrated, accessible, universal service platform with additional targeted services. This will only be achieved by reaching agreement about the service range and levels required in each community and re-visiting the roles and responsibilities of each tier of government and funding models which are adequate, fair and sustainable.

"There is mounting evidence that the most likely way to make a difference, in terms of better outcomes for children, families and the broad community, is through a comprehensive, coordinated service system response, and the focus of service delivery should be on prevention, early detection and early intervention."

(Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, April 2003, The Early Years Project: Refocusing on Community Based Services for Young Children and their Families: A Literature Review.)

The international evidence for investing in the early years is now compelling and has been responded to by countries such as Canada and the UK. The evidence supports the following policy directions:

• providing leadership and large scale investment at the national level
• providing interventions which increase protective factors and reduce risk
• applying child focused interventions as early as possible in a child's life
• using family centred practices that build families' social networks, rather then a medical / treatment model
• targeting interventions to vulnerable families
• promoting locally based services, with community involvement

Local government not only invests in early childhood services and infra structure (for example: maternal and child health, pre . schools and playgroups, child care, playgrounds), it is in the best position to plan for coordination, ease of access, social networking, community involvement and local and cultural relevance.

Whilst the Commonwealth has responded to the early years research with a number of initiatives over the past two years, including the Minister's intention to develop a national agenda, so far there has been no systematic engagement of state and local governments in this process, nor any signs of the intention to review government roles, funding, significant investment or commitment to an integrated coordinated service system which works in each local context. The indications (eg; Consultant's Report on the Broadband Review) are that the direction is more about shifting resources from under funded universal services to targeted services, rather than serious system reform and investment.

Mover:  Blacktown City Council

Achieve greater funding for HACC Services.

Community Health and Welfare workers who work with aged/disability services throughout the state, are aware of the large waiting lists for most community services such as respite care, housework, community nursing, community transport. Lack of services is creating a crisis.

Mover:  Manningham City Council

Urgent and real growth funds are required to ensure the HACC program is sustainable.

The Federal and state government.s jointly fund the HACC Program and local government in many states also make a significant contribution to the program. As submitted to the Federal Government's House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, Finance and Administration Enquiry into Local Government and Cost Shifting, local government has demonstrated that HACC growth funding has not matched needs based growth or demographic changes in the HACC target group. Local government is in fact picking up a greater percentage share of funding for the program since its inception in order to meet the growing need.

The Federal Government produced a significant report for the May 2002 Budget, titled Intergenerational Report 2002-03 which indicated the significant increases in the 65 plus year age cohort. This cohort is the primary age group for HACC services and without real growth funding the program is not sustainable in its current form.

Mover:  Boroondara, City of

The hope of this motion is for reform of Australia's aged care system, based on the recommendations from the Myer Foundation's 2020 A Vision for Aged Care in Australia report:

• Expanded, robust and effective community care to assist the vast majority of older people who need care and want to receive it in their homes.
• Increased funding to the community care sector to ensure older people needing support in their daily lives get access to a range of services that meet their changing needs.
• Innovative, accessible housing arrangements and community infrastructure needs to be developed so older Australians can live in their own homes and communities as they age.
• Responsibilities for policy development, planning and provision of Australia's aged care and health services need to be clarified and redistributed across all levels of government, under a national policy framework.
• An aged care industry plan that shapes appropriate roles form private and public, for-profit and not-for-profit providers and integration across the community, residential and hospital sectors.

The motion foresees these reforms occurring through co-operation between governments and amongst providers across the private, charitable and public care sectors.

Home and community care (HACC) services in Australia are under considerable pressure, and that pressure will increase as ageing of the population in Australia continues.

Despite the welcome recognition by all levels of government of this important issue, there is already a serious shortfall in the level and range of community aged care and an urgent need to expand the aged care system to meet existing and future needs.

The residential care sector is also under pressure and appropriate funding of HACC services is a vital component to a sustainable and preventative aged care model . taking pressure both off nursing homes and hospitals.

To achieve a high quality, affordable, and appropriate residential care sector, community care services, in particular HACC, must be well resourced. An adequately funded HACC system, keeping our community in their homes for as long as possible, will enable a flexible and sustainable residential aged care sector.

Mover:  Darebin City Council

The motion seeks to ensure an integrated approach to planning for aged care in Australia following the recent Community Care Review.

It is generally accepted that there is an urgent need to integrate and improve responses to Australia's ageing population at the regional level. An integrated localised approach would consider the critical needs of older people for income, housing, community and health care and aim for the delivery of locally tailored responses.

The present approach to planning and delivery of the range of services for older people across Australia lacks integration, particularly between key areas of Commonwealth responsibility. The recent Community Care Review, while welcomed, excludes consideration of the critical links between community-care, residential services and the broader health system at the local level.

In the City of Darebin, for example, at least 156 people were on waiting lists for high level care beds in 2002, and, based on councils client profile and the City.s demography it is likely that 96% of these are pensioners or beneficiaries, 48% live alone and 59% have no carer. Income, housing and access to health care greatly exacerbate the impact of service system failure on these citizens. Clearly, a 'whole of government' approach to ageing is required. Despite this, critical issues such as income support and housing have not been integrated into the Community Care Review.

Local governments are intimately aware of the issues faced by these older Australians, and many have put in place measures to reduce the impact on older people of local government fees and charges, including rates and HACC related fees for service.

As with many councils, the Darebin City Council Aged and Disability Services Strategy seeks integrate the delivery of service and support for older people. However, these measures are not sustainable in the absence of Commonwealth and state activity to ensure adequate income, an effective residential care sector, appropriate housing and affordable health care for Australians in older age.

Mover:  Australian Local Government Association

Courtesy motion

Mover:  Moree Plains Shire Council

Australia is always called the driest continent on earth, yet we have very productive monsoonal rains each year across the top part of our continent. Let's capitalise on this and make use of these rains and rivers to water and power Australia. This should be a national priority objective.

From the Fitzroy and Victoria rivers in the west of our continent to the many rivers that empty their silt into the Gulf of Carpentaria there is an enormous amount of water and silt washed out to sea every year during the monsoon season. This water and its power should be harnessed to provide water and electricity (hydro) in order to water and populate the inland of Australia. If the Federal Government was to combine with the states and territory governments to harness some of the rivers in the monsoonal belt, it could really help make inland Australia more productive and more populated and help enormously with the security of our nation. There needs to be a national policy and plan put in place to enable this to happen before some foreign power comes in and does it anyway.

Mover:  Launceston City Council

Maintain appropriate management of a scarce resource.

Continuous crop rotations require a continuous uptake of water, affecting catchment yields. The trend towards longer rotation crops such as plantations, will have an impact that must be well known before the consequences are real, especially given the additional trend to undertake such practices in higher rainfall areas where the impact will be greater.

Mover:  Tenterfield Shire Council

To prevent any proposed or future legislation from failing to adequately recognise and respect landowner entitlements and rights. Endorsement of this motion would re-assure all ratepayers that we respect the rights of landowners and value of their assets, and guarantee existing and continuous use rights. Also to show the need to maintain our funding sources (rates and grants) as local government operatives.

Natural Resource Management legislation and draft management plans for water, vegetation, tree-clearing, have not reflected the genuine concerns expressed by stakeholders with respect to security of tenure. The resulting decline in rural land values must be of immense concern to all local government members.

Mover:  Local Government Association of Queensland

Removal of petroleum based plastic bags from the litter stream

On 1 August 2003, the Environmental Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) agreed to accept an amended industry code of practice in regard to the reduction of the use of plastic shopping bags in the community. The Code of Practice proposes a number of initiatives to meet the agreed target to reduce the quantity of plastic bags entering the waste stream by 50% set by the EPHC. Additionally, the EPHC expressed its support for the phasing out of petroleum based plastic bags within 5 years.

When considering the environemntal implications of, and policy options to address plastic bags, a number of issues need to be considered, including:

• Plastic bags continue to present a significant threat to wildlife, particularly marine wildlife;
• Plastic bags make up a significant component of the litter stream;
• The introduction of large scale recycling of plastic bags through kerbside recycling has been demonstrated to be unsustainable;
• A number of biodegrabeable alternatives to petroleum based plastic bags are currently emerging; and
• Reusable alternatives to plastic bags are readily available.

On this basis, there are potentially a number of solutions that may be utilized to achieve the phasing out of petroleum based plastic bags that will not have an adverse environmental or social impact on the community. It is also suggested that, while a number of possible policy solutions to address the issue have been flagged individually, the implementation of a single policy initiative will not achieve the same result as the pursuit of a toolbox of solutions including those mentioned above. If phasing out is to be achieved, there also needs to be a strong commitment from all spheres of government, industry and the community to achieve the desired outcome.

Accordingly, ALGA is requested to seek a commitment from the EPHC to implement an appropriate policy framework that will utilize the toolbox of legislative and non-legislative options available to achieve the target of the phasing out of petroleum based plastic bags by 2005.

Mover:  Yarra City Council

Local government strongly participates in and largely carries the burden of waste minimisation and recycling. It is committed to supporting the market for recycled and environmentally sensitive products by increasing both supply and demand where practical and effective, and by encouraging growth and development in recycling and related industries.

In the light of the limited success of the self -regulatory process within the existing packaging covenant, stricter controls are required in order to reduce the cost of providing a kerbside recycling service. Local government is committed to providing this service to its community however in order for this service to be sustainable the producers of packaging and publishing materials must take greater responsibility for the recycling of their products.

In order for this to be achieved, limits should be considered on the streams of packaging material produced and used in the market, which will ultimately reduce dependency on landfill. This is critical if local government is to succeed in reaching its projected waste minimisation targets.

Mover:  Manly Council

To review the National Packaging Covenant to require the packaging industry to assume greater responsibility for waste reduction.

After more than 4 years in force, the National Packaging Covenant has not brought a reversal in the increasing quantities of paper, plastic, glass and other packaging materials going to landfill. The packaging industry needs to be made more accountable for waste reduction.

Mover:  Johnstone Shire Council

Will provide an opportunity for the introduction of an Advanced Disposal Fee/Advanced Recycling Fee (ADF/ARF) for tyres and that the tyre industry and government work together to arrange an effective system of collection and reuse of used tyres to avoid disposal to landfill or the environment.

June 2001 estimates of waste tyres in Queensland are that 55% are landfilled, 20% are used for energy recovery, 15% are improperly disposed, only 5% are recycled and 5% undetermined. Improper disposal represents a significant environmental threat.

Waste tyres are the best example of the effectiveness of ARFs in addressing product stewardship. In 1988 Florida introduced a $1 fee for each new retail tyre. Collected funds have been used for waste tyre clean ups, collections, management, recycling and disposal, and to administer solid waste management. From 1989 to 2001 the fee raised almost US$198 million, and by 2002, over 85% of the 19.5 million waste tyres generated annually in Florida were constructively utilised, with waste tyre stockpiles reduced by more than 14 million tyres.

An ARF must be applied nationally, as an excise under section 90 of the Australian Constitution.

While many Australian tyre retailers charge some type of disposal fee when selling new tyres, a lack of consistency is confusing to consumers, both in application and whether fees are being used for recycling, or simply cover the retailer's disposal costs.

Australian Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) in a 2003 Productivity Commission submission supported a voluntary ARF to assist in funding the implementation of a national strategy; stating 'the aim of this strategy is to facilitate an industry-based solution to the problems of tyre recycling, with minimum market distortion and maximum utilisation of market forces'.

With the Commonwealth currently undertaking a review of the potential for market based instruments (MBIs) to manage Australia's waste streams, numerous analytical gaps and factual errors may fundamentally alter the Commonwealth's perspective on ARFs and limit the proper consideration of such approaches.

Specifically, advance disposal fees (ADFs/ ARFs) have been wrongly categorised as deposit refund systems, thus under-representing the applicability of ARFs. Analysis of MBIs has thus favoured pursuing speculative approaches that would likely be impractical under Australian conditions, rather than pursuing proven approaches such as ARFs.

(Source: Centre for Environmental Solutions (C4ES), R Martin Manager Economic and Environment Policy, C030803RM, 26 August 2003)

Mover:  Serpentine-Jarrahdale Shire Council

A five year moratorium against the introduction of commercial genetically modified organisms and related trials for Australia and the addition of full social, economic and environmental evaluation criteria to the office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

Australia is a unique island environment with precious natural resources worthy of protection and a rare opportunity to create an exclusive global marketing position based on a 'clean and green' image. All states have demonstrated a purposeful approach to sustainability in which the community decides on their future, biodiversity is preserved, agricultural industries prosper and decisions are based on an assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts. The Australian community expects our decision makers to promote sustainability in the GMO debate by;

• adopting and stating the case for the precautionary principle to be exercised
• requiring a comprehensive research platform and analysis of issues
• requesting a longer moratorium on the introduction of GM0s until long terin test results in other countries are completed and independently assessed

The debate on the introduction of GM0s in Australia is still in its infancy, where the potential benefits and harrns are yet to he fully verified and validated. There has been an absence of wide community debate about all GMO matters for our agricultural industry and the market effects on all value added products that relate to the domestic and export market place. The premature introduction of GMO's in Australia deny a full evaluation of the following matters;

• Addressing domestic and international market concerns and consumer resistance regarding GMOS.
• The preservation of farm boundary integrity.
• The protection of farmer's legal rights.
• The potential for spillage during transportation and delivery.
• Recognition of Australia's unique tandform and environment.
• An evaluation and appreciation of the value, effect and purpose of all value adding activities.

While debate is still being determined, any discussion of related issues only serves to detract and distract from over-arching sustainability deliberations as to whether this technology is appropriate in the first place.

Mover:  Tatiara, District Council of

Highlighting to the Federal Government that local government's concerns re the release of genetically modified canola have not been met and that the Federal and some state governments need to alter their positions to cater for those concerns.

Council is concerned that current legislation does not adequately address the community's concerns re the commercial release of GM canola. We believe that this should not happen until independent safeguards are available. While there is an expectation that genetic modification of species and cultivars may be cause for optimism relating to future food production there is also widespread concern that hasty adoption of this technology may introduce unintended consequences that are difficult, if not impossible, to redress. There is significant concern that proposed Commonwealth and state legislation to allow the introduction of GM varieties is too narrow in scope, an example of which is the requirement by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator that the only conditions requiring compliance with are that the product will not pose risks to human health or the environment.

We are concerned that it will be virtually impossible to keep GM canola and GE-free canola segregated. Because Europe will not purchase GM canola and because they have a very low tolerance, it is likely we will lose our GE free supplier status. This will have a negative impact on our farmers.

Specific matters council wishes to be further considered in this context relate to:

• Any decision does not have a detrimental commercial impact on overseas markets for our product
• Assurance that effective segregation will be available
• A caveat requiring GM companies to make good economic loss incurred by farmers from unintended consequences of the release.

We understand that Section 21 of the Gene Technology Act gives the states the right to declare GE-free zones, which provides an opportunity for a vigorous examination of applicants to ensure that they comply with more comprehensive conditions capable of satisfying social and commercial criteria.

Mover:  Unley, Corporation of the City of

To seek to enhance the quality of air through actions that reduce green house gases emission. In this case, those emitted through street lighting.

The City of Unley, like many other authorities throughout Australia are participants in the Cities for Climate Protection Program and Unley, like many others have attained Milestone 5 but are nonetheless seeking other opportunities to continue to reduce green house gases emissions.

An important source of green house gas emissions over which the City of Unley and indeed most local government authorities have little or no control is street lighting and it would seem that if communities are to continue to seek a reduction in green house gas emissions then they will need to work cooperatively with the utilities responsible for supplying power for street lighting.

Thus, the purpose of the motion is to seek a nation-wide commitment from councils to pursue a program which encourages electricity suppliers and communities to work together in a productive manner to reduce green house gas emissions from street lighting.

Mover:  Knox City Council

The objectives of the motion are:

• to provide stability and continuity for all participating councils in the CCP program
• to facilitate larger scale regional and community greenhouse abatement
• to continue to assist local government to establish and deliver effective greenhouse abatement programs
• to reduce the effects of global warming, and protect and improve our environment through action at the local level

Cities for Climate Protection is a Program of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), with over 500 local governments from around the world participating. CCP empowers local governments to cut greenhouse gas emissions by providing local governments with a strategic milestone framework, helping them to identify the emissions for their councils and communities, set a reduction goal and develop and implement an action plan to reach that target. In Australia, the Cities for Climate Protection Program is delivered by ICLEI in collaboration with the Australian Greenhouse Office. At present there are 177 local government CCP participants, representing nearly 70 % of the Australian population.

The CCP Program is an ideal mechanism to deliver greenhouse abatement and other benefits, given

• ICLEI.s CCP infrastructure already in place
• Sound and tested methodology accepted as an appropriate protocol and standard for National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI)
• A growing momentum of enthusiasm and change within local government (as witnessed by an increasingly impressive participation rate).

The collaborative approach of the CCP program has been lauded as an excellent example of the type of partnership that the community and local government sector requires to achieve the targets set to reach national greenhouse abatement commitments. One of the fundamental concepts behind the CCP campaign is that by building the capacity of local government, they can more effectively engage, respond and support governments. efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

CCP clearly documents and demonstrates the multiple benefits that accrue from greenhouse abatement including improvement in air quality, sustainable transport and reduced traffic congestion, efficient energy use, local economic development and job creation.

Mover:  Brisbane City Council

Although the current fire ant eradication program is achieving excellent results in eradicating fire ants within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) designated treatment and surveillance areas, concern is being expressed that we do not know the location of all fire ant nests. Recent findings outside of the abovementioned areas such as Yamanto/Amberley and other locations within Brisbane City and Logan support this concern.

New findings add to the cost of the program, which currently stands at $144.5 million dollars. The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Research Economics has estimated that failure to eradicate the fire ant will cost the Australian economy around $7 billion dollars over the next 30 years.

In 2001, the Red Imported Fire Ant was found to have invaded Australia, probably through the Port of Brisbane, some time in the previous decade. By the time it was discovered, it had established a footprint in South East Queensland, based largely on Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and Redland. Based on the North American experience where the fire ant has established a stronghold since the 1930s, an uncontrolled fire ant infestation will have serious impacts on local biodiversity, agriculture and lifestyle.

The Commonwealth and states/territories initially provided funding of $123 million dollars (2001) over the five-year life of the program. In 2002 this figure increased to $144.5 million dollars. Some States expressed concern that additional funding was required and advised that they would review their contributions. However at that point of time they agreed to the additional funding. As new infestations are found within South East Queensland resulting in the DPI designated treatment and surveillance areas increasing new funding may well be required for 2003/04.

Mover:  Bowen Shire Council

The objective of this motion is to provide a national protocol on the traversing of ships through Australian waters.

On 21 July 1991 the Greek registered oil tanker Kirki broke up in moderate seas off the Western Australian coast presenting Australia with potentially the worst maritime disaster in our history and attracted international attention dangers of shipping within the Australian coastline and also the infamous description of Ships of Shame. Now 12 years on, more needs to be done to protect Australian waters from the immediate dangers of foreign shipping within our coastline. All levels of government must recognize the warning signs that have been delivered by the stakeholders of the potential to destroy our Great Barrier Reef and pristine coastal waters. It is easier now than ever before to obtain a permit for a foreign ship to trade Australian cargoes on Australian coastal voyages using untrained foreign crews as virtual slaves.

There is a stark inevitability that there soon will be a maritime disaster off the Queensland and Australian coast larger and more destructive than the ship Prestige that sank off the coast of Spain on 19 November 2002. The Bowen Shire seeks to draw national attention to these concerns and help facilitate governments and industry stakeholders to immediately address the issues.

The Bowen Shire Council recognizes the greatest threat to our Great Barrier Reef, maritime industries, flora, fauna and most importantly the security risks that exist today, will come from the patronage of sub standard shipping (or flag of convenience shipping.) Our unique marine environment must be preserved and protected from all risks created and perpetuated out of the pursuit of cheap transport of our produce to international destinations.

Mover:  Yarra City Council

The aim of the motion is to remove a provision of the tax rules that artificially encourages driving and discourages the use of public transport.

Public transport tickets provided by employers are considered to be fringe benefits and are taxed at the full fringe benefits tax rate of 48.5 per cent. In contrast, employer provided car parking is exempt from fringe benefits tax. Also, employees with employer-provided cars are taxed at a lower fringe benefits tax rate the more kilometres they drive ranging from 26% to 7%. This results in a bias against the greater use of public transport and is a subsidy that encourages extra car driving.

Other countries have discarded this tax regime in favour of systems that do not include artificial incentives that encourage the use of cars over public transport and more driving by those that have cars.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council's resolution was passed by the General Assembly and accepted by the Executive of ALGA and now needs effective follow up. The twelve-point motion deals with so many aspects of sustainable development that funds are needed to oversee its implementation. Dr Kemp promised to consider bringing the groups together that attended the World Summit on Sustainable Development to plan the implementation of the outcomes of the summit.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

Newcastle City Council's resolution was passed by the General Assembly and accepted by the Executive of ALGA and now needs effective follow up. The twelve-point motion deals with so many aspects of sustainable development that funds are needed to oversee its implementation. Dr Kemp promised to consider bringing the groups together that attended the World Summit on Sustainable Development to plan the implementation of the outcomes of the summit.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

The Commonwealth Government has made significant changes to Commonwealth heritage protection policies and practices, replacing the former Australian Heritage Commission with the Australian Heritage Council, responsible to the Minister, and scaling down the Register of the National Estate.

It has embarked on a program of selling Commonwealth property deemed redundant. This includes historic buildings which have played a significant role in local communities like historically and culturally significant Newcastle Post Office, deteriorating as a result of neglect.

Communities often blame councils for the increasing dilapidation of these cultural icons which moreover have a depressing effect on the streetscape, commerce and amenity of the city.

Local councils can only monitor the graffiti and vandalism visited on these empty, neglected buildings and encourage proposals for appropriate reuse.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

The proliferation of four wheel drive vehicles, especially in urban areas, has created major safety and environmental problems. Research has established that they pose an increased risk of death and injury to pedestrians, especially children, and to other drivers and passengers in conventional cars. Research has also indicated that their design can render them unsafe for drivers and occupants of the vehicles themselves. They also have excessive fuel consumption in comparison with other vehicles, other than trucks. The price advantage was originally intended to assist people on the land to purchase four wheel drive vehicles, but the overwhelming majority of four wheel drive owners are urban users with little or no real need for these potentially dangerous and environmentally unsustainable vehicles.

Mover:  Coffs Harbour City Council

To ensure that appropriate levels of funding to clean seas and coastal environment programs are maintained.

The Australian Government has determined that the second phase of National Heritage Trust funds for Coasts and Oceans Grant Programs will be limited to the Coastal Catchments Initiative and Australia's Oceans Policy. Funding to other coasts and oceans programs such as Coast and Clean Seas will discontinue.

Previous grants under the Coast and Clean Seas Program have included $262,260 for the reclaimed water trials and $35,000 for stormwater pollution reduction.

The method of allocating National Heritage Trust funds has been revamped, so that funding in New South Wales is now channeled through Catchment Management Boards. A pool of 1.787 million dollars has been allocated to the Upper North Coast Management Board (UNCMB) and funding grants through the Board will be prioritised in accordance with the UNCMB blue print. Approved projects for funding in this round are:

• $705,200 for river health
• $530,500 for integrated biodiversity conservation and threat management in key areas of the Upper North Coast
• $511,500 for the Integrated Clarence Floodplain project
• $ 40,000 to identify priority sites for conservation of marine and aquatic ecosystems

Council has lodged applications for funding under the above biodiversity conservation project which closed on the 5 September.

Mover:  West Torrens, City of

1. Whilst it is acknowledged that local government should have a single voice at the national level, it is sometimes appropriate and necessary in special circumstances, that it also can add its own political pressure at the local Federal representative level.
2. Following the distribution of the information obtained by the ALGA to all local authorities in Australia, those authorities can make their own assessment of the current position of both the ALGA and all politicians in the Federal Parliament and take any direct local political action they so wish.

The ALGA has a comprehensive policy statement which includes the following on telecommunication facilities:

Local government remains extremely concerned at the failure of Federal and state/territory governments to provide an adequate regulatory framework for telecommunication facilities, particularly mobile phone towers and overhead cabling. Telecommunication carriers have been granted excessive immunities from normal local government planning controls.

Having regard to the policy statement, there is an expectation that the ALGA has made approaches to the Federal Government for changes to the relevant legislation regarding the telecommunications roll-out, including low impact facilities being subject to local planning objectives. What are those outcomes?

At this stage, the ALGA as the single principal representative body of all local authorities in Australia does not appear to have any influence in moving the Federal Government to address the concerns of local government and their local communities in relation to this very sensitive matter.

In the circumstances, it may be appropriate to turn the process upside down in an endeavour to obtain an impact and a better outcome for local communities. If the ALGA can extract a statement of position from the Federal political parties and Independents, distribute the information to all councils, the councils will have an opportunity to send their own individual messages to the Federal politicians.

In some cases, there may be several councils in a Federal seat and those several councils can bring their own concerns to the attention of that Federal member.

Also, the individual state LGA.s may support their own constituent councils and agree to write to all Federal members within their respective States to add to the weight of their constituent councils concerns about the lack of Federal Government action on this matter.

Mover:  Local Government Association of Queensland

Safer local roads in regional urban communities

National highways run through many regional centres, and being the more heavily trafficked/main streets of these cities and towns, often represent the major accident black spots in these communities.

For example, within Toowoomba's Top 100 Accident Intersections, the average number of accidents and casualty accidents per national highway intersection is double that for council-controlled intersections, with state-controlled intersections falling partway in-between.

Half of Toowoomba's Top 25 Accident Intersections are on national highways. Despite the high rate of accidents occurring at these national highway intersections, safety treatments at these locations are ineligible for Black Spot funding. Most safety treatments require major intersection reconstruction, which cannot be funded under the SUMW Program (approximately $2M for DMR Southern Region, major intersection upgrading now exceeding $1M per intersection in Toowoomba).

Of Toowoomba's Top 100 Accident Intersections, 75 meet the number of casualty accidents criteria for Black Spot funding, but many project proposals fail to meet the accident reduction benefit-cost criteria due to the high costs of major intersection upgrading works. Apart from the actual cost of the road safety works, major intersection upgrading projects include significant secondary costs required for drainage, service relocations, property acquisitions, planning, consultation, design and project administration costs.

Toowoomba has reached the point where the Black Spot Program will, in future, be of limited benefit to the local community if national highway intersections continue to be excluded from the program, and if benefit-cost methodologies continue to include the secondary costs associated with upgrading major intersections in urban areas.

Mover:  Yarra City Council

The motion is intended to increase the role that the Federal Government plays in funding urban public transport in Australian cities.

Currently, the Federal Government provides funding for the national highway system and for urban freeways. It does not provide funding for urban public transport. Its recent AusLink initiative appears to expressly remove the Government's participation from funding urban public transport. Developing transport infrastructure to make our cities environmentally sustainable is a key challenge.

The vast majority of Australians live in cities. Nations around the world are recognising that over dependence on cars for transport in cities is not economically or environmentally sustainable. They are re-orienting their transport funding towards improving urban public transport. Providing funding only for urban freeways biases transport choices towards providing greater road capacity rather than considering other choices.

It is important to note that national governments in Europe, the USA and Canada provide substantial funding for urban public transport, whereas in Australia, the Commonwealth makes no such contribution and in addition, through tax impositions, penalises employers who support employees using public transport.

For the above reasons, and many others, it is clear that the Federal Government must play a key role in policy development, planning and funding for the development of public transport in Australia's cities.

Mover:  Penrith City Council

This motion aligns with the policy objectives of the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services which is to provide a strategic framework for leadership of multi-modal Federal/state transport policy and to develop policy and approaches to infrastructure funding and options for pooling investment programs and identify investment priorities across modes.

Sydney as a city and its north western, western and south western areas in particular face current and increasing transportation challenges. This region is the economic powerhouse of Australia. It generates more than $54 billion in economic out-put a year, making its economy the third largest in Australia. Its population, already at $1.7 million, is the fastest growing in Australia. These areas have transportation problems. Residents experience long journeys to work and this will continue with the bulk of Sydney's residential growth planning to occur in the region. Consumption of the road networks capacity by passenger vehicles bears upon the transportation efficiency of businesses and industry. A plan directed at resolving this constraint is urgently needed. Council believes that Sydney's future transport needs must be addressed in a cohesive and integrated way. In council's view Sydney's continuing economic development requires the preparation of a prioritised, integrated multi-modal transport plan.

Mover:  Knox City Council

The objectives of the motion meet the ALGA 2002 National Agenda . Transport, which calls for:"A safe, efficient, integrated, accessible and environmentally sustainable transport system which meets the economic and social needs of every Australian community. Where necessary, the Commonwealth should subsidise appropriate public transport."

The motion recognises that for the above target to be met, it will be necessary for the Federal Government to take ownership of public transport funding in order to deliver achievable and sustainable public transport outcomes.

85% of Australia's population lives in urban areas yet the Federal Government presently makes no contribution to urban public transport. This makes it unique among similarly governed western countries.1 The federal governments of the UK, US and Canada, have recently recognised the importance of investing in public transport to make up for years of neglect, which has resulted in dilapidated public transport systems. Unless action is taken, Australia appears destined to travel down the same, congested road.

The Auslink Green Paper recognises the need for an integrated national strategic transport plan yet it elects not to include urban public transport within this framework. Whilst Federal government coordinates planning and funding for national highways, partial funding for arterial and local roads, and funding for interstate rail, the role of planning and funding for local public transport remains in the hands of the state governments.

These same state governments are presently constrained from investing significantly in public transport infrastructure. With little control over levies, excise or income/business taxation, opportunities for public transport infrastructure investment using traditional revenue sources are severely limited. Any targets put in place to increase public transport share are unlikely to be met until uniform and continuous investment in infrastructure is adopted.

Improved public tranport services fits in with the 2002 National Transport Agenda as set out by ALGA under its National Development Framework. The benefits will affect all aspects of the transportation network. The federal government needs to take ownership of urban public transport funding to ensure improved services are delivered. These improvements will only come through identifcation of sustainable funding sources now and into the future. It is the federal, rather than the state governments who are in the best position to provide direction in this area.

Source: Funding Choices for Sustainable Urban Transport (Draft) , Emmerson Richardson, Metropolitan Transport Forum 2003

Mover:  Flinders Council and Local Government Association of Queensland

To determine the economic impact on rural, and isolated communities obliged to take over the operation of regional aerodromes.

In 1992 the Flinders Island Aerodrome was transferred to council pursuant to the Aerodrome Local Ownership Plan. The funding provided with the transfer was not adequate to meet the cost of capital works imposed as a condition of transfer. The aerodrome is a drain on council's financial resources. The aerodrome transfer shifted costs from Commonwealth to local government. Similarly, in Queensland there are insufficient funds being made available in this crucial area. The 2002-03 Queensland State budget allocation for rural and remote airports was $2.5M. From 10 councils in the western Queensland area alone, there were applications for over $7M.

Of particular concern are the increasing demands in the areas of security control associated with the Regular Public Services (RPTs) as a result of increased concerns about terrorism. These new demands imposed by the Commonwealth are impacting both the service providers and the facility owners. The separation of private aviation and RPTs is also an issue in the larger centres.

In all the airports that are serviced by RPTs i.e. Macair or QantasLink, a subsidy is paid by the Queensland Government to the providers to ensure the services meet a satisfactory level. In order to maintain the airport facilities where these subsidised services are provided a substantial increase in the funding levels to rural and remote airports will be required over the next five years in order to maintain satisfactory airport facilities and services.

The financial impact of the transfer of aerodromes to local communities has not been assessed, and ten years on seems an appropriate timescale to consider the outcomes of the transfers.

Mover:  West Torrens, City of

1. To achieve a consistent and transparent outcome for local government concerning the establishment of reasonable and acceptable protocols with Commonwealth Airport lessees;
2. To achieve a new Airports Act, or relevant amendments to the current Act that Commonwealth Airport lessees shall have regard to the legislative frameworks (including appeal processes) of the respective state or territory with respect to non-aeronautical development on their sites;
3. To achieve ministerial intervention to bring about immediate and consistent outcomes for local government regarding the intent of Clause 26.2 (Ex-gratia payments in lieu of rates and land tax) of the lease agreement between the Commonwealth and airport lessees prior to the imminent court action (which will draw on the Commonwealth), as a last resort by frustrated councils.

Delegates would recognise that since the introduction of the Commonwealth Airports Act in 1996, the landscape on Commonwealth airports' sites has changed significantly with privatisation. Local Government needs to raise its voice in unison that all non-aeronautical activities should be subject to the same planning and development controls as any other business activity surrounding airport environs. The most effective way to achieve this objective is for the Minister to include such a statement in the Airports Act.

In the area of ex-gratia rate payments there has been continuous debate, frustration and limited Commonwealth led outcomes associated with Clause 26.2 of the Standard Lease Agreement between the Commonwealth and various private parties.

Clause 26.2 provides in general terms that the airport lessee must use all reasonable endeavours to enter into agreement with the relevant government authority, body or person to make ex-gratia payments in lieu of rate equivalents.

The Department of Transport and Regional Services has consistently adopted a stand-off position and left the matter of implementing Clause 26.2 to the various parties.

Memorandum of Understandings or agreements have been achieved in Belmont (Western Australia), Hume (Victoria) and recently Botany Bay in respect of Sydney Airport. As a last resort legal action is pending in other AMAC areas.

The intention of the proposal before the National General Assembly is to seek more direct action from the Minister rather than having the matter ricocheting around DOTARS, especially when legal action is pending as a last resort.

The motion before the National General Assembly is submitted for and on behalf of the City of West Torrens (SA).

Mover:  Local Government Association of Queensland

Commonwealth commitment to National Highway Funding

Current arrangements for the 100 per cent funding of the National Highway System are included in the 1991 Intergovernmental Road Funding Agreement. This Agreement has been the basis for the progressive development of the National Highway System and the basis of funding arrangements between the Commonwealth and the states as agreed in 1991. Some states have largely completed upgrading of major roads in their jurisdiction under the program. However, the National Highway System in Queensland is far from complete. This fact has been acknowledge by the Commonwealth Minister for Transport.

AusLink’s principal long term objective is a coordinated approach to planning, developing and managing Australia’s national land transport infrastructure. It is fanciful to imagine this can be achieved without completing to an acceptable standard the current National Highway network across all states and territories.

Mover:  Sarina Shire Council

Not-for-profit groups are the backbone of communities, increasely these groups are finding it impossible to raise neccessary funds to pay for public liability insurance and in many cases are finding applications for such insurance are being denied.

Councils continue to be advised of community events being abandoned and serious financial difficulties being faced by not-for-profit community groups as a result of public liability insurance costs. Whilst the Commonwealth and State Governments have introduced a number of reforms in response to the public liability insurance crisis the changes have not made any significant impact on the availability and cost of insurance. It is essential that the Commonwealth closely monitor public liability insurance costs with the intention of taking further action if meaningful cost relief for not-for-profit groups is not achieved.

Mover:  Tea Tree Gully, City of

The objective of this motion is to ensure a reasonable and equitable redistribution of fuel excise collected from across all states and territories of Australia in order for local government to be able to maintain the local road and associated infrastructure under their care and control.

The Federal Government collects fuel excise from motorists throughout Australia via a taxation on fuel on the basis that some of this money is returned to local communities for the upgrade and maintenance of local roads. Whilst a small proportion of the taxes are returned it is certainly nowhere near enough to maintain the declining infrastructure and it is certainly not currently returned on an equitable basis.

The City of Tea Tree Gully in South Australia, along with many other councils strongly believes that this matter needs to be urgently reviewed and recommends that the National General Assembly is the appropriate forum for this issue to be raised as part of the Infrastructure discussion in order for ALGA to lobby the Federal Government on the matter.

Mover:  Darebin City Council

The motion seeks to amend current telecommunications legislation to provide local government and local communities greater control of the placement and management of telecommunications facilities.

The continuing roll out of telecommunications infrastructure has raised a range of concerns for local residents throughout Australia. Over the last year, Darebin City Council, for example, has dealt with a number of these facilities, often placed in the position of mediating the needs of telecommunications providers and residents.

In December 2002, Council led a delegation of local residents to the office of then Minister for Telecommunications, the Hon Richard Alston.

Mr Alston's office has made it clear that the current Federal Government policy strongly favours industry self-regulation as the primary safeguard for local communities.

Resident concerns are primarily about the effects of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) emissions from these facilities. There is a plethora of conflicting advice about whether these facilities are harmful to humans in the long term, but regardless of the actual extent of harm from EMR, the process by which these facilities are installed, particularly with regard to the Low Impact Facilities often exacerbates resident concern. Unlike other telecommunications facilities, Low Impact Facilities require no Council approval, but can be installed 'as of right' under the auspice of Division 3 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997.

The Australian Communications Industry Forum Code of Practice is a voluntary code supported by all telecommunications providers in Australia. Legislation requires that providers abide by the Code, but two significant issues remain: first, there are no mechanisms to monitor and ensure adherence to the code and second, Low Impact Facilities may still be installed with little or no consultation with local communities.

Mover:  Sutherland Shire Council

That the Australian Standards Board ensure that a unisex accessible toilet be included in any new or upgraded premises that the public or a section of the public is entitled or allowed to enter or use, in adherence with the Disability Discrimination Act.

People with disabilities often have different sex carers. It is therefore highly desirable for a unisex disabled toilet to be provided to enable people, with disabilities, to have the assistance of their carers/partners when necessary.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992 outlines that any premises that the public or a section of the public is allowed to enter or use is to be accessible by people with a disability. This includes:

1. services relating to banking, insurance, superannuation and the provision of grants, loans, credits or finance;
2. services relating to entertainment, recreation or refreshment;
3. services relating to transport or travel;
4. (services relating to telecommunications;
5. services of the kind provided by the members of any profession or trade;
6. services of the kind provided by a government, a government authority or a local government body.

Access to basic amenities such as toilets is a key concern of people with disabilities using public buildings and private facilities that are accessed by the general public.

The Australian Standards Board has produced the Australian Standard AS1428.1 - Design for Access and Mobility. The objective of the Standard is to provide building designers and users (architects, property owners, regulators, and the like) with the minimum design requirements for new building work, to enable access for people with disabilities.

At present this Australian Standard specifies that an accessible toilet must be provided in any new or upgraded premises. However it is at the discretion of the council assessing the development application to stipulate whether an accessible toilet is provided in the male and female block or as a unisex toilet. While it is desirable to have accessible toilets in both male and female blocks these do not provide an adequate solution for many disabled people who require assistance.

Mover:  Macedon Ranges Shire Council

This motion is intended to highlight and seek Federal Government action on the current inequity between metropolitan and rural/regional Australia with respect to the provision of high speed broadband telecommunications.

Metropolitan and major regional centres in Australia currently have easy access to high speed, broadband telecommunications. Whether it is through fibre optic cable, hybrid cable, copper wire, wireless or satellite mechanisms the areas serviced by these forms of infrastructure have an enormous competitive advantage over those regions with out the infrastructure.

Business is utilising the many services and advantages that high speed broadband telecommunications has to offer. Rural and regional decline will be exacerbated due to this inequality.

Rural and regional health and educational services are also being severely compromised by the inequality. In fact many residents have to undergo strenuous and expensive trips to major cities hospitals, when video conferencing and digital diagnosis are possibilities if the telecommunications infrastructure is in place.

In the education sector access to worldwide libraries, renowned education institutions, international classrooms etc all require high speed, broadband telecommunications. Rural and regional students will languish behind their counterparts from major cities; this in turn only reinforces the negative perceptions about Australia having two distinct social classes. One where major cities are well resourced and the poorer under resourced rural cousins.

The federal government must make a commitment to ensuring that rural and regional areas are not left behind, but rather these areas have the same access as the major cities counterparts. Otherwise social and economic inequality will flourish and that rural and regional decline will worsen.

Mover:  Darwin City Council

To clarify the role of local councils and to ensure appropriate liaison and communication is established between councils, state governments and the Commonwealth Government.

Since September 2001, the emergence of terrorism has highlighted the need to protect essential infrastructure.

As a part of the review of counter-terrorism arrangements post September 2001, and the Bali bombing, all states and territories are reviewing their critical infrastructure in accordance with a set of national principles, which have been agreed in consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney General.s Department (AGD). There has been some additional consultation between the states and territories to ensure consistent approaches, assisted by several workshops conducted by Emergency Management Australia.

It is essential that local government has input and involvement in this process but it appears that, to date, there has been differing levels of involvement from state to state.

Mover:  Port Phillip, City of

A constructive proposal to close the funding gap within the constraints of the enquiry.s terms of reference and without disadvantage to the states.

In our view, the inquiry established that:

1. There has been considerable cost shifting
2. The cost shifting is at the expense of local government and primarily to the advantage of the states

We estimate the cost shift to be $1.6bn nationally $600m in Victoria as an additional expenditure currently carried by local government.

It is also clear that Federal taxation powers arise directly as a result of the constitutional arrangements. These arrangements impose taxation transfer responsibilities on the Commonwealth as a feature of government financial arrangements.

The central issue is therefore not distribution methods of FAGS to local government. Indeed a strong case can be made out that the present system is ok and indeed that is the conclusion of the Commonwealth Grants Commission. The central issue is the level of financial support.

Mover:  Hervey Bay City Council

The objective of the motion is to endeavour to have all local authorities in all states and territories of Australia treated on the same basis and using the same methodologies for the distribution of Financial Assistance Grants.

Financial Assistance Grants are distributed under the Commonwealth Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995. The Commonwealth Act requires each state and the Northern Territory to establish Local Government Grants Commissions to recommend the distribution of funds. While certain guidelines are established by the Commonwealth, the various State Territory Grants Commissions have adopted their own methodologies which in many cases are difficult to interpret and understand and result in wide variations and inconsistencies when comparing similar councils across the country. It is considered it would be fairer and more consistent to use a standardised formula throughout Australia in accordance with Commonwealth guidelines.

Mover:  Great Lakes Council

To achieve a guaranteed allocation of a share of GST to local government.

The Motion supports the ALGA.s policy position which states that 'Local government seeks a guaranteed real terms share equivalent to 1% of Commonwealth general taxation revenue including GST collections paid directly from the Commonwealth and allocated under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995'. The Federal Government's Cost Shifting Inquiry has highlighted various difficulties in the financial arrangement faced by councils, and a share of GST should be returned to local government.

Mover:  Local Government Association of Queensland

Ongoing financial support for local government in negotiating Native Title outcomes

As at 30 June 2002, 317 claimant applications had been referred to the Tribunal by the Federal Court for mediation - i.e. nationally. Cook Shire Council has twenty-nine (29) current claims - or slightly over 9% of the national total. Of those twenty-nine (29) claims, all but four (4) are wholly within Cook Shire Council's local government area. Combine this with ILUA negotiations, of which council is negotiating 11 outside claim areas, it places an enormous financial burden on the local authority that others do not face.

Statistics about claimant applications:
Based on statistics published by the National Native Title Tribunal, as at 07 July 2003 there were 195 active native title determination applications ('claimant applications') in Queensland and of these 136 were referred for mediation. Of all the active claimant applications in Queensland, 29 (or 14.8%) cover the Cook Shire and of these 21 do not cover another local government area.

At the same date, throughout Australia there were 632 claimant applications (29 representing 4.6%), and of these 330 (29 representing 8.8%) were referred for mediation. The number of applications referred for mediation at any time will vary depending on Federal Court directions made at the regular directions hearings convened for each claimant application.

The provision of financial assistance by the Attorney General in Native Title cases:
The scheme to provide financial assistance to native title respondents was expanded in 1998 and the Attorney General issued guidelines (under the Native Title Act) about the administration of this scheme on 30 November 1998.

Since mid 2002 the administration of this legal assistance scheme has been under internal review. This resulted in delays in the payment of outstanding invoices and also approval of the assistance applications made thereafter.

It has also resulted in a significant reassessment of the application of the Attorney General's guidelines such that work previously funded no longer falls under (and therefore is not supported by) the scheme.

The Attorney General's Department new approach to the legal assistance scheme is much more closely aligned to its administration of the Family Law Legal Assistance Scheme. Given the significant difference between the jurisdictions and the issues involved this does not necessarily result in either 'value for money' or a better outcome. LGAQ has predicted that the contrary may be the ultimate result.

In summary LGAQ has already strongly expressed concern that the (currently diminishing) funding available to native title respondents will be less equitably distributed between all Queensland councils and overall local government will have access to less assistance in the future (and pay more for this than is currently the case) whilst the level of native title work increases as claims move through the system.

Mover:  Flinders Council

Equity in funding local government by the rural sector and recompense for lost earning potential.

The Indigenous Land Council funded by the Federal Government is shielded by legislation from payment of rates and charges levied by local and state governments.

The council purchases and operates rural holdings as commercial activities but makes no contribution to the publicly funded services available.

The council, or operators of the rural unit, compete with farmers who pay rates and charges in the market place. The avoidance of rates and charges is inequitable.

Mover:  Alice Springs Town Council

To update the Remote Area Zone Taxation Rebate, including a one-off increase to reflect the higher cost of living and the introduction of annual indexation to maintain the value of the rebate in real terms.

Increased Zone Allowance would encourage people to live and work in the regional and remote regions. This would help with the problems of skill retention and population turnover that all these towns have.

The cost of living is higher in regional and remote areas and this would compensate people living here and make it more attractive for new residents.

In places where they have a large fly in/fly out population (Mt. Isa, Kalgoorlie, Broken Hill) that utilise the town's resources but contribute nothing to its budget, the rebate would only be available to residents and so encourage people to live in the towns.

This matter has been discussed within the Inland Towns Alliance group which was formed as a result of a successful motion at the 2002 National General Assembly.

The Inland Town's Alliance consists of:

• Alice Springs Town Council
• Katherine Town Council
• Tennant Creek Town Council
• City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder
• City of Mount Isa
• Shire of Longreach
• Cobar Council
• Broken Hill City Council
• Corporation of the City of Port Augusta
• Central Darling Shire Council

Mover:  Maroondah City Council

The motion will seek to address the inequity in paying contribution tax twice on superannuation contributions for Defined Benefit Schemes any where in Australian local government.

The recent call for 'top up' of the shortfall of the Victorian Local Authorities Superannuation (LAS) Defined Benefits Scheme has also required Federal superannuation contributions tax to be paid on the fund shortfall. The Scheme closed to new members in 1993. Contributions tax has already been paid on the regular ongoing contributions made by Scheme members.

The current taxation rules require the tax to be paid as the shortfall is treated technically as a contribution rather than a financial payment due to under performance of the Scheme's fund. The tax is a further impost that councils are required to make. Given the unusual circumstances, the Federal Government could be asked to alter the tax rules or waive the contribution tax amount.

Mover:  Geelong City, Greater

While a number if issues raised were specific to the Victorian legislative framework, the most preferred options focussed on Rates being linked to income. However, this is outside the current legislative framework within Victoria and impacts on the Federal taxation system.

The 2002 property revaluation process saw significant movements in property values across the municipality. In the City of Greater Geelong this was particularly evident along the waterfront, coastal fringe areas and the growth area of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Because the current rating model used in Victoria is valuation based (in Geelong's case Capital Improved Value), the dramatic increases in property values have resulted in significant shifts in the rate burden across the municipality.

There were isolated cases of properties that had incurred increases of almost 300 per cent.

However, increases in property values were not linked to people's ability to pay the increased rate bill. The average rate bill is equivalent to two weeks of a couple's pension and just over three weeks of a single person's pension.

Significant increases in the council rate charge appears to have had its greatest impact on those ratepayers on fixed incomes and in a number of instances placed them in a unique class of being 'Asset Rich and Cash Poor', many of whom appear to be on pensions.

A number of residents in this situation have expressed the stress and financial hardship they have been placed in, given their desire to pay their rates and avoid a debt being created on their property. Some residents are under the impression that the only course of action now available is to sell their house and move into another location.

Many in the community felt the rating model used was no longer equitable and needed to be reviewed.

Whilst it is acknowledged that there are practical difficulties in achieving a local government rating system based on income or ability to pay, the support of the ALGA is sought in approaching the federal government to seek support for the concept.

Mover:  Blacktown City Council

The cost savings of streamlining government in Australia to two-tiers is likely to be in the order of $20 to $30 billion per annum according to postgraduate research conducted at the University of Canberra. The Commission would produce a report with a validation of the national cost savings achievable through vertical rationalisation of Australia's system of government.

The Productivity Commission is best placed to conduct a public inquiry into the economics of streamlining of government functions in Australia. It has the necessary expertise in economic modelling to produce accurate estimates. Such an inquiry is long overdue. The proposed Productivity Commission would follow the Federal Government's cost-shifting Inquiry. Essential service sectors and national infrastructure are under severe financial stress. Micro-economic reform needs to focus on reform to government structure to ensure that Australia remains competitive in an increasingly global economy.

Mover:  Shire of Christmas Island

Equitable political rights in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT's)

The IOT's are non-self governing external territories of Australia.

The Commonwealth has exclusive jurisdiction over the IOT's.

There is no territory government. The Commonwealth has responsibility for all Commonwealth, state and local government services.

Most Commonwealth responsibility for the IOT's rests with one Federal Minister, the Minister for Territories.

The Commonwealth is the largest landowner in the IOT's.

'State' government responsibilities of the Commonwealth are delegated to public servants of the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS).

The Commonwealth has applied the laws of WA to the IOT's to provide comparable treatment to mainland communities. This contrived and indiscriminate legal system is seriously flawed: the laws often lack any practical effect; give rise to conflicts of interest and the potential for abuse of power by the Commonwealth, and is insensitive to local needs.

IOT residents vote in Federal elections in the Northern Territory. They don't have any state voting rights.

The only democratic level of government in each IOT is local government. The Shires are expected to operate 'like a local government in WA' without any of the WA systems, policies or programs available to WA local governments. WALGA is limited in what it can do to support IOT issues.

The situation in the IOT's is undemocratic and unfair. Nowhere else in Australia suffers this level of Commonwealth political and bureaucratic control over local matters. There is no Commonwealth policy to support territory government for the IOT's.

Mover:  Wollongong City Council

The Daily Telegraph on 31 July 2003 included an article regarding the refusal by the National History Museum in England to return the remains of Aboriginal people. The reason given for the refusal was that it was against British law to do so and the remains are used for research purposes. However, it is noted that the museum in Manchester, England, has released four (4) skulls which are being returned to Victoria.

Mover:  Great Lakes Council

To ensure that the proposed US . Australia Free Trade Agreement is openly discussed and debated through the parliamentary process.

Great Lakes Council has put forward this motion due to concerns in relation to the impact on Australia of the proposed US . Australia Free Trade Agreement. Council is particularly concerned at the potential impacts on regional areas and supports a more open process for determining Australia's position on the Agreement. The potential regional impacts relate to the fact that some regional economies are very reliant on a small number of producers of particular commodities or products. Any negative effects as a result of a Free Trade Agreement can therefore be much more concentrated in regional areas.

Council is aware that there are potentially positive and negative outcomes of a Free-Trade Agreement with the US. Areas which can be impacted upon by such an Agreement include:-

• Effect on the economy.
• Foreign investment controls.
• The treatment of essential services as traded goods and the potential erosion of Government powers to regulate these services to ensure equitable access.
• Media ownership and local content rules.
• Food labelling regulation to identify food containing genetically modified organisms.
• Quarantine standards.
• Local preference in government purchasing.

Given the potentially far reaching impact of a Free-Trade Agreement with the US, Council believes that such an Agreement should only be entered into after it has been debated and decided by the Australian Parliament.

Mover:  Yarra City Council

This motion seeks to achieve a humanitarian resolution to the situation for a long-term asylum seeker community, reflecting a local government commitment to human rights.

There are approximately 600 East Timorese asylum seekers living within the City of Yarra, and more than 1650 East Timorese asylum seekers living throughout Australia.

Most East Timorese asylum seekers arrived in Australia in the early and mid-1990s escaping persecution under the Indonesian regime . they arrived in this country as refugees.

On 25 March 2002, the Minister for of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) announced that decision-making on protection visa applications lodged by Timorese asylum seekers would resume after more than a decade of indecision by successive Federal governments. During the visa application process there has been no official 'minimum safety net' in place. The East Timorese have never had access to Centrelink support and may have even had their Red Cross Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme (ASAS) payment removed during the visa application process. There has also been the threat of people losing work rights and access to Medicare.

The visa application process has now been underway for more than eighteen months and the rate at which East Timorese are becoming ASAS-ineligible (ie: lose income) is faster than the rate receiving an outcome by Ministerial intervention. The stress for the families in terms of keeping-up with rent payments, pharmaceutical needs, health care, and other basic household requirements is huge. In June 2003 Minister Ruddock made a commitment in Parliament that he intended to intervene in the majority of East Timorese cases however to date only 80 East Timorese asylum seekers have actually received permanent residency.

Mover:  Johnstone Shire Council

To have local government represented at the Gallipoli ANZAC service each year.

This year Johnstone Shire Mayor, Cr. Barry Moyle attended the ANZAC service at Gallipoli, Turkey. The intention was to lay a wreath on behalf of the Johnstone Shire. After getting in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to organise the wreath, the Department advised that only national organisation were eligible. However with the threat of SARS and terrorism it may have been possible for the Shire to lay a wreath. Contact was then made with the CEO of the ALGA asking if it was possible to lay a wreath on behalf of the ALGA. This request was consented to and arranged.

ANZAC 2003 was the first time local government had been officially recognised at the ANZAC Day service in Turkey. Apart from laying a wreath, other benefits such as being invited to be part of the official party, invited to the Embassy function on the evening of the 24th, and being part of the official motorcade provided wonderful networking opportunities. ANZAC Day celebrations around this country would not be as significant as they are without the involvement and support of local government.

Given the large numbers of Australian representatives that annually attend the Gallipoli services and the likelihood that Australian local government would have a potential representative present, a selection criteria could be established. Preference could be given to members with ANZAC connections eg. descendants of Anzac's/ WW I veterans.

Caution also needs to be taken that this wonderful opportunity doesn't become or be seen as a junket for elected members.

Mover:  Brisbane City Council

This motion supports Item 27 from the 2002 National Agenda . People and Community: that local government acknowledges the valuable role of young people in our society and has resolved to support and foster community organisations and programs focussing on youth.

This motion proposes a focused emphasis on meaningful activity for young people in recovery from illicit drug use. It is acknowledged that meaningful activity such as work assists with relapse prevention and the associated costs to the community.

In both the developed and developing countries there are signs of an association between unemployment and drug abuse . Unemployment and drug use can forge a particularly vicious circle. (World Drug Report, 1997). As a nation 84% of all government spending on the problem of illicit drugs goes to law enforcement, only 6% goes to treatment and only 10% to prevention and research. Despite this, more drugs are available with an increase in injecting drug users, rapid spread of Hepatitis C amongst injecting users, and a rapid growth in drug- related crime, drug overdoses and deaths.

"The lord mayors of Australian capital cities acknowledge that illegal drugs are a wide ranging problem for their cities and that a bipartisan approach from all levels of government is needed." (The Lord Mayor's Illicit Drug Taskforce Report, 1999).

Recommendation 50 of the Taskforce stated that an employment program for young people recovering from drug use should be instigated. Starting in 2000, this has now evolved into Working On, an arrangement between Brisbane City Council, a non profit youth agency (Mercy Family Services) and local Drug and Alcohol agencies, to prepare and place 40 to 50 young people in recovery each year into jobs in Brisbane City Council, State Government departments and with private employers in Brisbane. The program sources funds from the Council, the State Government (Department of Employment and Training and Qld Health), the Federal Government and the private sector.

It seeks partnering arrangements across government, non-government and the private sector to address an issue of great community significance. The link between unemployment, crime and drug use is acknowledged. The costs to the community in policing and managing illicit drug abuse are significant. The continuum of support this program provides underpins the success of this employment model. Relapse into drug use is consistently removed or reduced as young participants are being successfully assisted to have a second chance through gaining meaningful employment and become contributing citizens in their communities once again.

NB. This initiative was recognised in the 2003 National Awards for Local Government as the winner in the Social Development category.

Mover:  Darebin City Council

The motion seeks to prevent the dismantling of the universal nature of health care in Australia.

The Fairer Medicare Package proposed by the Commonwealth government has been an issue of concern for communities across Australia. In particular, the package has caused concern in rural and outer metropolitan areas, and in areas where there is a high proportion of 'working poor'. Government support for co-payments for GP visits for all but welfare beneficiaries is the primary cause for community concern. While co-payments for GP services have become a feature of the health care landscape over the last five years, the 'Fairer Medicare' package will stimulate increased co-payments, making the practice more widespread. Darebin City Council, for example, estimates that some 16,000 low income residents with healthcare cards will be disadvantaged by the package

Local government across Australia should be concerned about the flow on effects of increased co-payments for front line medical services. Darebin's concern that the package will lead to increased presentation at hospital emergency wards is shared by the state governments, General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association and others.

The ALGA response to the Fairer Medicare package has been limited to the 2003/2004 Budget submission. In that submission, ALGA focussed on the need for further measures to recruit and retain doctors and other health professionals in areas where shortages exist. The submission did not canvass the impact of the introduction of co-payments as a significant barrier to resident access to General Practitioners.

Mover:  Brisbane City Council

This motion seeks to ensure that local government's views and concerns are heard and considered by the state, territory and Commonwealth governments in developing a national approach to affordable housing.

The loss of affordable housing in communities across Australia, rising levels of homelessness, and the fall in Commonwealth and state funding for the provision of public housing, has led to an urgent need to re-evaluate housing policy.

In April 2003 the Commonwealth and state housing ministers agreed to investigate a national approach to affordable housing.

While local governments vary in their responses to affordable housing issues, all local governments have a significant influence on the provision of affordable housing through their planning policies, charging regimes, public health policies and their support for local community organisations. In addition to this, many local governments play an active role in the provision of housing for people on low incomes.

The Australian Local Government Association, as the national representative body for local government, has the opportunity to seek a place on ministerial councils. As affordable housing is an issue that affects many councils, it would be appropriate for the ALGA to seek a place on the Housing Ministers Council.

To be fully involved in this process, the ALGA should also be included in meetings of the CEOs and have an officer participating the in the Policy and Research Working Group. If the ALGA is not included at these levels, it will be largely uninformed and disempowered between the annual or biannual meetings of ministers.

This motion may be unnecessary if the ALGA Executive has made the decision at its September meeting. An attempt was being made to have the Executive make an earlier decision in a bid to have local government representation at the Housing Ministers' Council meeting scheduled for October (before the ALGA National General Assembly).

Mover:  Brisbane City Council

This motion seeks to include rent affordability in the national discussion on affordable housing. Currently, the debate is centring around home owner affordability.

The loss of affordable housing in communities across Australia, rising levels of homelessness, and the fall in Commonwealth and state funding for the provision of public housing, has led to an urgent need to re-evaluate housing policy.

In April 2003 the Commonwealth and State Housing Ministers agreed to investigate a national approach to affordable housing. This approach needs to include the ability of people to afford to rent their homes.

The current national debate on affordable housing is centring around home-ownership affordability. Not everyone can afford to buy their own home, and not everyone necessarily wants to commit to buying a home or is able to. The issue is also about people having choice and the stages of life that they might be at. The arguments for housing affordability must include the ability for people to afford to rent and still have enough left for their remaining needs.

In looking at rent affordability, the criteria should allow people to live close to where they work.

The cost of housing should be such, that everyone in the community can either afford to rent or buy appropriate, secure and appropriately located housing. If this objective is not achieved, many in the community will face financial stress, be forced into unsuitable accommodation or face the prospect of homelessness.

Mover:  Melbourne, City of

To ensure that the Commonwealth Government's proposed 10 Year Plan for Tourism delivers benefits to local economies and lifestyles across Australia.

The Commonwealth's green paper on tourism (released in June 2003) has a particular focus on growing tourism in rural and regional Australia. The paper also emphasises attracting international tourists to Australia, particularly to rural and regional Australia.

There is insufficient reference to the role of local government in the green paper. All municipalities play a role in tourism to some extent. All local government authorities have responsibilities for vital infrastructure and amenities. Many others play an active role in attracting and supporting events, providing marketing support and visitor information services.

Local government also provides key networking and facilitation roles and is able to bring various parts of the local communities together to cooperatively support tourism initiatives.

The role of local government needs to be recognised and supported if the assumption is to be realised that all economies will benefit from a Commonwealth strategy for increasing tourism and its yield to local economies and lifestyles.

Mover:  Darebin City Council

The motion seeks to extend the ALGA position on ICT to include support for e-democracy.

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to give citizens better access to governments and provide more openness in existing processes. Governments all over the world have started to use ICT to achieve better policy outcomes, higher quality services and greater engagement with citizens. The concept of e-government is understood as the use of ICTs, in particular the Internet, as a tool to achieve better government OECD 2003. It combines electronic information-based services (e-administration) with participatory elements (e-democracy).

The Australian Commonwealth Government.s National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) was established in September 1997. NOIE.s Government Online strategy was released in 2000 and initially had a focus on placing government information and services online. For example, the Prime Minister made a commitment that all appropriate Commonwealth Government services be online by the end of 2001. The strategy has now moved to the next stage . Better Services, Better Government, which aims at a more comprehensive and integrated application of new technologies to government information, service delivery and application.

Australia does not have a strategy for e-governance at the local government level. However, local governments are well on their way in providing online information and services (e-administration), and a small number of councils have started to pioneer e-democracy initiatives.

The National Agenda acknowledges that it is, time to look at how Local Government can use Information Communication Technologies ICT to improve the range and quality of services that they provide to their communities. This motion calls for Federal support for local government to employ ICT as a tool for improved local governance.

Mover:  Johnstone Shire Council

Each local authority be vested with the authority to authorise and manage the use of place name internet domain names for areas within the local authority.

.au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) is an Australian not-for-profit company vested with the responsibility of operating the .au domain for the benefit of all stakeholders. The organisation was formed in 1999, as the culmination of efforts dating back to 1995 to create an industry body to manage this vital national resource. In December 2000, the Australian Government formally endorsed auDA as the appropriate self-regulatory body to administer the .au domain space. The Government holds reserve powers under the Telecommunications Act 1997. In September 2001, ICANN recognised auDA as the suitable operator for .au and agreed to transfer control of the domain. auDA and endorsed by the National Office of the Information Economy.

auDA has taken control of most Internet place name domains that end with the .com.au, .net.au, and .id.au. These domain names are currently not available for use by any organisation. auDA is also implementing a new domain structure with the format of placename.state/territory.au. These new domain names are to be restricted to community website portals that reflect community interests such al local business, tourism, and special interest groups.

The present situation leaves local authorities with little control over who may secure control over place name domains in the future. Local authorities are charged with looking after the community interests and therefore are best place to know the communities needs and who should use the domain names.

The place name domains would be of great value to the community in promoting their area to the world.

Mover:  Newcastle City Council

The Commonwealth Government (CG) for the first time ever is providing more funding for private schools than universities.

CG is refusing to fund growth in TAFE, thus forcing the states to fund private providers. As a result TAFE has to take measures eg abandoning some courses and shortening others, resulting in deskilling and increasing the casualisation of an already heavily casualised work force.

In universities the CG is emphasising full fee paying students. Five billion dollars have been pulled out of universities, thus forcing universities into user pays ideology and practice.

These cuts impact heavily on communities, reducing opportunities for education, deskilling communities and reducing opportunities for employment. This in turn impacts on the economy and well-being of communities.

Mover:  Knox City Council

This motion encourages local governments to establish and develop systems and structures that ensure local youth population's interests are represented, and that their views are considered in the planning, development, coordination and provision of council services.

Knox City Council, in establishing its Youth Council, undertook research on various 'Youth Council' and 'Youth Participatory' models adopted both nationally and across Victoria. Knox's Youth Council model will encourage increased consideration and consultation across the organisation in dealing with environmental and amenity issues affecting young people.

A key strength of the proposed model is its multiple participatory approach. The model links in with other pre-established youth consultation methods such as;

• Student Information Officers Program (providing a link to the school community)
• Young Leaders Program (a youth leadership program that provides feedback on relevant youth issues)
• Youth Issues Forums (to be run by the proposed Knox Youth Council) (one-two per year)

Consultation with young people is important to ensure service planning and development is reflective of needs. By adopting a multiple participatory approach council is likely to maximise the value of the information collected and yield a richer source of expertise.

By recognising the value of young people and ensuring their voice is represented on matters affecting young people, council is able to reflect a positive image of young people within the broader community.

Mover:  Western Australian Local Government Association

Utilisation of the ALGA's status as the peak Local Government body and the Commonwealth's role as the primary funder of education in Australia to establish consultative frameworks with the states and territories in developing strategies which provide career and financial incentives for retention within regional/rural communities of qualified local government professionals in disciplines such as planning and engineering, finance and management and environmental health.

Local government throughout Australia is required to deliver an increasingly complex range of functions and services, both as a consequence of ongoing responsibility devolution undertaken by other spheres and heightened community expectations.

A consequence of this prevailing climate is that local governments must rely upon qualified professionals having necessary skills, relevant experience and understanding of contemporary issues and legislative requirements in facilitating efficient/effective delivery of functions and services.

Experience indicates that regional and rural Australia suffers from ongoing deficiencies in availability of qualified professionals spanning a range of disciplines, including but not limited to; planning and engineering, finance and management and environmental health. The inability of regional and rural local governments to attract and retain qualified professionals is impacting upon their capacity to fulfil legislative obligations and meet the service delivery expectations of communities. The consequence of such deficiencies on the sustainability of regional and rural local government remains a significant concern.

At a peak body or sector level, scholarship programs implemented in Western Australia and other states have provided the professional/institutional support frameworks aimed at encouraging newly qualified doctors and nursing practitioners to take up opportunities in regional and rural areas. It is considered that similar approaches and initiatives could be explored for implementation on a coordinated, consistent Australia-wide basis, to address deficiencies in the availability of qualified local government professionals.

As the primary and overarching funder of education in Australia, the Commonwealth is urged to collaborate with the states, territories and the ALGA representing local government at an intergovernmental level, in developing strategies to provide career and financial incentives for attracting and retaining qualified professionals in regional and rural local government.

Mover:  Bundaberg, City of

To develop a united position at local government level in dealing with both state and Federal government social policies.

There is a growing need for a united position at local government level in dealing with both state and Federal government social policies. increasing, local government is being forced to accept more and more responsibility, without monetary remuneration, as a result of a lack of both consultation and cohesion between the three (3) levels of government.

The suggested reference group could network using modern communication technology to examine:-

• demographic shift
• ageing and increasing disability
• housing
• social capital
• community engagement

and other issues which might arise from time to time.

Local government is the level of government closest to the people. Such a reference group could provide a partnership, in-principle agreement on social policy issues, and a mechanism for inclusion in policy-setting decisions by other levels of government.

We have committees for national competition policies, the environment, culture. multi-culture and other natural resources. People however, remain our most valuable and threatened resource in regional Australia, and the need for cohesive social policy planning, at national local government level becomes increasingly critical.

Such a reference group would, at least, acknowledge the need and create a starting point for local government involvement.

Mover:  Australian Local Government Association

Procedural motion

Mover:  Fairfield City Council

Mover:  Local Government Association of New South Wales

Mover:  Burdekin Shire Council

Mover:  Moreland City Council

Mover:  Local Government Association of New South Wales

Mover:  Hurstville City Council