The following document provides a summary of resolutions (and actions taken on them) from the National General Assembly of Local Government held in Alice Springs, Northern Territory 3 - 6 November 2002.
In total, 105 motions were submitted for consideration from local councils and state/territory local government associations across Australia.
Category: A
Mover: Composite
Australia's local government leaders move, with deepest sympathy, sincere condolences to the families and friends of victims of the Bali atrocity.
Local government leaders, gathered in Alice Springs, condemn in the strongest possible terms terrorism in all its forms and call upon our counterparts from all parts of the world to join with us to strengthen our commitment to an inclusive and tolerant society and to do all possible to counter terrorism and protect our communities.
Category: B
Mover: Whitehorse City Council, Victoria
That this General Assembly reaffirms its commitment to pursuing constitutional recognition for local government and urges ALGA and all member state associations to lobby the Local Government Minister and government in their jurisdiction to achieve this goal. Further, that this General Assembly calls on all political parties to affirm their commitment to the principle of constitutional recognition.
Action taken: Constitutional recognition for local government is an explicit objective of ALGA, state associations and local government over decades. A referendum is required to amend the Australian Constitution. To this end, local government needs to convince the government that the matter should be put before the Australian population. To date local government's efforts in this respect have not been successful, other than the referendum which failed in 1986.
As part of the lead up to the next federal election, ALGA is developing an election strategy which is designed to ensure bi-partisan support for the key objectives for local government. ALGA has been lobbying the major political parties regarding the policies for the next federal election. It is also hoped that all Councils will also pursue this matter at the local level in the lead up to the next federal election to ensure that all federal members of Parliament understand the importance of this issue to local government and their communities.
ALGA Executive has referred the resolution for action to state associations and, further, re-affirmed its commitment to pursue this matter in the context of the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Cost Shifting on to Local Government. This Inquiry is due to report later this year and ALGA has been lobbying to ensure that the report will address the issue of Constitutional recognition.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the federal government to review the effectiveness, efficiency, responsiveness or the adequacy of the current three-tier system of government, with a view to structural reform, by calling for a national convention of mayors and elected members of the state territory and federal parliaments to review the structure of the 1901 constitution.
Action taken: The issues of effectiveness, efficiency, responsiveness or the adequacy of the current three-tier system of government are under active consideration by all spheres of government, and are extremely important to the future of the Australian system of government. ALGA has canvassed the possibility of such a constitutional convention, but Commonwealth and State representatives have indicated their preference to pursue these important matters through the existing arrangements established under the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) framework.
Under the framework, COAG comprising of the Prime Minister, Premiers, Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association provides a whole of government oversight of a continuous improvement of the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of the three spheres of government.
In 2001 COAG undertook a comprehensive review of ministerial councils and implemented a number of changes to increase the efficiency and the effectiveness of these arrangements. Accordingly, ALGA will continue to work within the COAG and ministerial council framework to advocate local government's interests.
Notwithstanding, ALGA believes that there may be opportunities to pursue this matter in the context of the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry into Cost Shifting on to Local Government. It is expected that this inquiry will raise serious issues about the roles and responsibilities of local government, the funding arrangements for local government and a range of matters related to general intergovernmental arrangements that impact on local government as a whole. ALGA looks forward to receiving the report and will explore every opportunity to progress the issue of improved intergovernmental arrangements and review or reform the current three-tiered system of government.
Category: C
Mover: Town of Port Hedland, Western Australia. Pilbara Regional Council
That the Association requests the Commonwealth government to allocate grant funding under the provisions of the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995 on a full horizontal equalisation basis, including the removal of the per capita basis for interstate allocations.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports the principle of distribution of financial assistance on a full horizontal equalisation basis. To the extent that it addresses the question of interstate distribution, ALGA cannot comment on this motion, as it is ultra vires under the ALGA Constitution.
This issue is being pursued by respective state and territory associations in the context of a number of Parliamentary inquiries, including the Senate Inquiry into Tax Sharing and the Federal Inquiry into Cost Shifting on to Local Government.
Mover: Town of Port Hedland, Western Australia. Pilbara Regional Council
That the Association requests the Commonwealth government to abolish the 'minimum grant' provisions of the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995; in the event of this occurring, additional funding will be sought from the Commonwealth to compensate councils disadvantaged by the implementation of this resolution.
Category: C
Mover: Western Australian Local Government Association
That ALGA pursue with the federal government an increase to the Financial Assistance Grants pool to take into account the increasing impact of charitable purpose rate exemptions on local governments revenue raising capacity.
Action taken:The matter of taking into account the increasing impact of charitable purpose rate exemptions on local government's revenue raising capacity will be pursued in the context of a broader ALGA agenda on financing of local government, including reforms to the Financial Assistance Grants.
Category: C
Mover: Melbourne City Council, Victoria
To investigate the changes necessary to review and improve the exemption provisions of the relevant state rating legislation (in Victoria the Local Government Act 1989, Section 154) to improve the equity of the rating system throughout Australia, and to investigate the adverse impact on rates income and the ability of other levels of government to exempt themselves from rates.
Action taken: While it is acknowledged that there may be benefits from a national approach to address this issue, due to limited resources and competing strategic priorities, ALGA will approach the federal government minister to seek support for the conduct of this work.
Category: C
Mover: Composite / Local Government Association of New South Wales
That this Assembly:
Action taken: In consultation with state and territory local government associations, ALGA has prepared a comprehensive submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFaT) on the issue of the General Agreement on Trades in Services (GATS). This submission has been prepared with due consideration to the principles outlined in your resolution. ALGA is also maintaining close liaison with representatives of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the DFaT to ensure that local government issues are given appropriate consideration in all trade and international agreements.
Category: C
Mover: City of West Torrens, South Australia
That an amount of 1 cent per cigarette stick of the taxation currently collected on cigarettes, be allocated to a fund to provide for community projects aimed at improving the environment and that some of this funding be allocated to the education of smokers as to their responsibility to appropriately dispose of cigarette butts.
Action taken: The ALGA Executive full supported the objective to reduce the impact of inappropriate disposal of cigarette butts. ALGA will canvas this proposal in the context of work being conducted by the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council on waste, litter and the protection of waterways.2
Category: C
Mover: Moreland City Council, Victoria
That ALGA establish a working party to address the issue of adequate remuneration for mayors and councillors across local government in Australia in order to advise state and territory associations and consequently state and territory governments, with a report to be provided to General Assembly in 2003.
Action taken: While it is acknowledged that there may be benefits from a national approach to address this issue, due to limited resources and competing strategic priorities ALGA will approach the federal government minister to seek support for the conduct of this work.
Generally the matter of remunerations is a question for state/territory jurisdictions.
Category: B
Mover: City of Onkaparinga, South Australia
Action taken: While it is acknowledged that there may be benefits from a national approach to address this issue, due to limited resources and competing strategic priorities ALGA will approach the federal government minister to seek support for the conduct of this work.
Generally the matter of remunerations is a question for state/territory jurisdictions.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the federal Minister for Family and Community Services to urgently provide additional funding for the Special Needs Subsidy Scheme (SNSS) to facilitate equity, access and integration to children with high ongoing support needs in licensed child care facilities.
Action taken: These important issues have been pursued by ALGA following the adoption of a resolution on a similar topic at the 2001 National General Assembly of Local Government. ALGA wrote to the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone on the issues of childcare and continues to advocate the position outlined in this resolution. ALGA and the state and territory local government associations are currently engaged in a range of discussions with the Department of Family and Community Services and the Minister, the Hon. Larry Anthony, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, including proposed reforms to childcare support broadband redevelopment. These matters are under active consideration and that significant progress will be reported on the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the federal Minister for Family and Community Services to make changes to the current Special Needs Subsidy Scheme (SNSS) payment system, providing appropriate increases to funding for additional staff working with children with special needs when they enter mainstream programs.
Action taken: ALGA has written to the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone on the issues of childcare raised in Resolutions 47 and 48. ALGA will monitor the Minister's response and will continue to pursue this matter in all appropriate fora.
Category: C
Mover: Manly Council, New South Wales
Manly Council calls on ALGA and member councils to provide opportunities for and encouragement of employees to invest their superannuation in an accredited ethical/environmentally and socially responsible superannuation fund.
Action taken: While ALGA recognises the merit of investing in ethical, environmentally and socially responsible funds, we are advised that this matter may constitute the provision of "advice" in relation to superannuation investments. ALGA and state and territory associations regret that we are not able to provide such advice under current federal legislation.
Category: B
Mover: Launceston City Council, Tasmania
That ALGA condemn the banking industries for the lack of commitment to their local communities and express serious concern at the number of bank closures across Australia and the disregard shown by banks to the concerns of the communities affected by closures and that assistance be sought from the federal government and Banking Ombudsman to ensure better consultation and a process to review the appropriateness of closure decisions.
Action taken: ALGA acknowledges the importance of this resolution and has pursued the objective of improved banking services for rural and regional Australia over the past three years. The matter has been taken up directly with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. John Anderson, MP and a number of submissions have been made to relevant federal Parliamentary inquiries.
ALGA will give serious consideration to the outcomes of the most recent inquiry, being the House of Representatives Inquiry into the Options for Banking and Financial Services in Rural, Regional and Remote Areas of Australia and will review our current strategy to progress this matter once the report has been finalised.
Category: B
Mover: Composite
That delegates to the General Assembly seek from the Commonwealth the immediate introduction of a comprehensive reform package to fund and support the role of local government in the Australian system of government and:
Action taken: To prosecute the intention of your resolution, ALGA has produced a supplementary submission to the Cost Shifting Inquiry. The ALGA supplementary submission calls for a five-point plan to address cost-shifting. The Commonwealth should:
The full content of the supplementary submission is available on the ALGA website.
As the Cost Shifting Inquiry draws to a conclusion, ALGA has had regular meetings with the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and the Committee and is maintaining a close interest in the drafting of the final report of this inquiry. It is expected that the inquiry will report to the Parliament towards the end of this year and ALGA will respond to this report in due course.
Category: B
Mover: Lgov New South Wales
That while the concept of integrated transport modes and appropriate funding for this is supported, local government views with concern the possibility inherent in the government's Auslink proposals that there will be a reduction in funding from the Commonwealth for the roads task across Australia. This concern is particularly important in the light of moves towards higher mass limits and the consequent higher costs this will impose on local authorities; and the generally acknowledged previous under-investment in maintenance in all categories of road but particularly on the local road system.
That discussions continue between ALGA and the government in relation to Auslink, but that state associations be fully involved in the process and that no decisions be taken by ALGA without the support and agreement of the Executive.
Further, that it be accepted as a principle in discussion of Auslink proposals, the Roads to Recovery program continue as a separately identified and funded entity, ring-fenced from any other Commonwealth roads funding program.
Action taken: The issues raised in this resolution have been referred to the ALGA Roads and Transport Advisory Committee (RTAC). RTAC is comprised of representatives from each state and territory association to ensure that all maters of state/territory interest are fully considered before advice is provided to the ALGA Executive. President Mike Montgomery is the Chair of RTAC and your representative, your representative, will be able to keep you informed on progress in relation to the matters raised in this resolution and the work of ALGA in this regard.
The matters raised in the resolution will be dealt with in the context of work conducted by RTAC on Auslink and further reports to the ALGA Executive.
Category: C
Mover: Maribyrnong City Council, Victoria
That this General Assembly supports urgent funding of the construction of needed rail and road infrastructure in the areas affected by their proximity to the major ports. The purpose of this funding is to reduce significant freight transport impacts on residents and people who work and live in the affected area.
Action taken: As you are aware, in mid-2002 the Commonwealth government proposed the establishment of Auslink as a vehicle for the establishment of an integrated national transport plan. The Auslink Green Paper released in November 2002 outlined the preliminary thinking of the Commonwealth in regard to the development of a new approach to integrated transport planning and funding, including freight logistics and transport routes to ports.
The Auslink proposals are to be further detailed in the release of a white paper towards the end of 2003 and ALGA will be actively involved in negotiations with the Commonwealth and State agencies in the development of a new intergovernmental agreement on Auslink. The issues raised in your resolution have been noted and will be taken into consideration in ALGA's representation and negotiations on Auslink.
Category: B
Mover: Composite / Moree Plains Shire Council, New South Wales
That the ALGA lobby the federal government for the Roads to Recovery funding to be continued beyond the current four (4) year program.
Action taken: ALGA and all state and territory associations have agreed that the renewal of Roads to Recovery is one of the highest priorities on the national agenda. ALGA has recently launched a campaign for the renewal of Roads to Recovery and details of this campaign and further activity of how your council can be involved in the renewal of Roads to Recovery can be viewed at the ALGA.
Category: B
Mover: Composite / Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria
That the General Assembly seeks assurances from the federal government that:
Action taken: ALGA and all state and territory associations have agreed that the renewal of Roads to Recovery is one of the highest priorities on the national agenda. ALGA has recently launched a campaign for the renewal of Roads to Recovery and details of this campaign and further activity of how your council can be involved in the renewal of Roads to Recovery can be viewed at the ALGA website.
In relation to the deferral of 2002-03 Roads to Recovery program, ALGA has made strong representation to the Commonwealth government in regard to this matter. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. John Anderson MP, has given assurances that there will be no cut in the total quantum of Roads to Recovery over the duration of the program, and that councils will receive their full Roads to Recovery entitlements over the life of the program.
Category: B
Mover: Rural City of Wangaratta, Victoria. North East Victoria Regional Group of Councils
That:
Action taken: ALGA recognises the critical importance of addressing the issue of bridge condition and maintenance and the desirability of a specific program, such as Bridging the Gap. Accordingly, ALGA will take this matter up in the context of the Commonwealth's proposed Auslink framework.
ALGA has made numerous submissions to the Commonwealth in regard to the development of the Auslink framework and is involved in a number of working parties to develop the details of the framework. It is expected that the Commonwealth will release the Auslink White Paper later this year, which will provide some clear guidance on the Auslink program.
Within the context of the Auslink proposal ALGA will seek to ensure:-
Category: C
Mover: Wellington Council, New South Wales
That the federal government work with all state governments to:
Action taken: It was agreed that the issues raised in the resolution will be taken up in the context of work being conducted under AusLink and on performance based standards for heavy vehicles (PBS).
ALGA has made a number of submissions to the Commonwealth in regard to the development of the Auslink framework and is involved in a number of working parties to develop the details of the framework. It is expected that the Commonwealth will release the Auslink White Paper later this year, which will provide some clear guidance on the Auslink program.
Within the context of the Auslink proposal ALGA will seek to ensure:-
ALGA and all state and territory associations have agreed that the renewal of Roads to Recovery is one of the highest priorities on the national agenda. ALGA has recently launched a campaign for the renewal of Roads to Recovery and details of this campaign and further activity of how your council can be involved in the renewal of Roads to Recovery can be viewed at the ALGA website.
Further, ALGA and state and territory associations are working closely with the NRTC through a project on roads classifications in the context of PBS.
Category: C
Mover: Moree Plains Shire Council, New South Wales
That bridges constructed on the same alignment as a previous bridge and the construction of gravel pits for providing materials for rural roads be exempt from Environmental Impact Statement provisions.
Action taken: ALGA and state and territory local government associations are cognisant of the financial and resource implications of the requirement to conduct Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). However, in discussions on this important matter the Executive agreed that a modified EIS should be established to take into account the nature of the work and the sensitivity of the site, rather than the abolition of the EIS, where existing infrastructure is being replaced. The matter has also been referred to the Roads and Transport Advisory Committee (RTAC) for appropriate action at the state level.
Category: B
Mover: Composite / Broken Hill City Council, New South Wales
That ALGA lobby both the state and federal governments to continue providing a solution to the enormous problem faced by councils, community groups and individuals from the ever increasing insurance costs.
Action taken: The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: Singleton Council, New South Wales
That urgent representations be made to the Commonwealth government to constitute a high level working party with formal local government representation to develop options for an appropriate insurance policy to provide public liability cover to community groups which are unable to access the limited covers now available.
Action taken: The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. I am pleased to report that this matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and President Mike Montgomery strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: Whitehorse City Council, Victoria
That this General Assembly:
Action taken: The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: C
Mover: City of West Torrens, South Australia
That ALGA lobby the federal government to adopt a National Fault Free Compensation Scheme like that used in New Zealand since 1974.
Action taken: Unfortunately, there was in insufficient understanding and agreement across state/territory associations of the New Zealand National Fault Free Compensation Scheme to reach consensus on this matter. However, it was agreed that the issue be taken up in the context of our work on public liability and insurance issues more generally.
The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon state and federal governments to urgently introduce legislative changes to tax and such other changes as are necessary to implement the use of structured settlements for personal injury compensation. Further, the General Assembly endorses targeted claims costs reductions which will protect volunteers, community and appropriate sporting organisations from actions by broadly based tort reform such as the New South Wales Civil Liability Bill 2002.
Action taken: The matters raised in this resolution have been taken up in the context of our work on public liability and insurance issues. The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: C
Mover: Flinders Ranges Council, South Australia
That ALGA, recognising that heritage railway operations contribute significantly to the economy of many rural and regional communities, call on the federal and state governments to take the immediate steps necessary to ensure that public liability insurance is available to those operations at reasonable costs.
Action taken: It was noted that the issue raised in your resolution was highly specific and was symptomatic of a higher order policy issue that is confronting local government, community groups and the Australian community as a whole. It was therefore agreed that rather than deal with this specific issue, it be taken up in the context of our broader work on public liability and insurance issues.
The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem.
Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues over time.
The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: City of West Torrens, South Australia
That the General Assembly supports the introduction of a national motor vehicle licensing system to ensure consistency across Australia in particular the age at which a drivers licence can be obtained and the provisions regarding probation periods for newly licensed drivers.
Action taken: This is an ongoing issue for the National Road and Transport Commission (NRTC) and ALGA will inform the NRTC of the above resolution for their further consideration.
Category: B
Mover: Western Australian Local Government Association
That ALGA requests the Commonwealth government to:
Action taken: The matters raised in this resolution have been the subject of detailed negotiations between the Commonwealth and state/territories and has been discussed at the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. The Commonwealth has assured all jurisdictions, including ALGA that it will meet its full obligations under the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) extension. Further, the Commonwealth have argued that as NHT funding is to be matched by state and territory governments, Commonwealth funding will flow in accordance with the bilateral agreements between the Commonwealth and state/territories.
Category: B
Mover: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria
The General Assembly calls on the federal government to revise the criteria for the Natural Heritage Trust Funds to enable local government to apply for direct funding of council environmental projects at a local level.
Action taken: ALGA has raised these issues through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council and is actively seeking opportunities for Local Government to gain optimal access to NRM initiatives in all relevant forums. Further, ALGA's submission to the Federal Treasurer for the 2003-04 Federal Budget, has sought the following:
Category: C
Mover: Western Australian Local Government Association
That the federal government be requested to provide funding support for a full implementation of the Biodiversity Toolbox across rural, regional and urban fringe local governments. Specifically, the government is requested to call for expressions of interest for implementation of the Project's next stage at the regional and sub-regional NRM levels.
Action taken: ALGA has raised these issues through the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council and is actively seeking opportunities for Local Government to gain optimal access to NRM initiatives in all relevant forums. Further, ALGA's submission to the Federal Treasurer for the 2003-04 Federal Budget, has sought the following:
Category: C
Mover: Broken Hill City Council, New South Wales
That ALGA seek commitment from both state and federal governments to consult with respective local government authorities before proposing/implementing decisions which may have important effects on, or implications for, the volume of the water supply for that particular local government catchment area.
Action taken: To prosecute the intention of your resolution, ALGA has made a submission through the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council Community Advisory Committee (CAC) on the Living Murray initiative. Central to the Living Murray initiative is the consideration of volumes of water that remain in a catchment. In its submission, ALGA called on state and federal governments to more comprehensively consult with local government on these matters.
In addition, through its membership of the CAC, ALGA has also been informed that the consultation period for the Living Murray is likely to be extended, allowing more comprehensive consideration raised by all stakeholders.
Further, at the last Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting national water reforms were discussed and it was subsequently agreed by senior officials of COAG to establish a high level senior officers group to examine the acceleration of water reforms. The Water Group is comprised of senior officials from all jurisdictions including ALGA and will report to the next COAG meeting in August 2003.
Throughout this process ALGA has maintained regular liaison with state and territory local government associations and has strongly advocated the need for state and territory governments in particular, to consult directly with local government on all relevant matters.
Category: C
Mover: City of Mitcham, South Australia. City of Whyalla, South Australia
That ALGA support a call for a national referendum on altering the Constitution of Australia, giving responsibility to the Commonwealth government for the management of water resources within the Murray Darling Basin, together with a head of power to deal with other environmental issues of national significance, or issues that cross state boundaries when it comes to determining interstate environmental flows and associated land clearing practices that impact on the long term health of this interstate river system.
Action taken: The Executive agreed that the resolution should be supported, with qualifications, and considered in the context of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) proposed water reforms.
While ALGA supports the principles involved in this resolution, we believe that implementation should only occur when adequate assurances have been given by the Commonwealth that it would exercise its responsibilities within an agreed framework of best practice river management, to achieve appropriate social, economic and environmental outcomes.
For your information, a proposed framework for national water reforms was discussed at the last Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting. Subsequently, senior officials of COAG agreed to establish a high level senior officers group to accelerate water reforms. The Water Group comprises senior officials from all jurisdictions including ALGA and will report to the next COAG meeting in August 2003.
Throughout this process ALGA has maintained regular liaison with state and territory local government associations and has strongly advocated the need for state and territory governments to consult directly with local government on all relevant matters. All councils involved are encouraged to make representations on these reforms will take up the issues raised in your resolution.
Category: B
Mover: City of Mitcham, South Australia. City of Whyalla, South Australia
Action taken: To prosecute the intention of your resolution, ALGA wrote to all Councils in the Murray Darling Basin seeking their comments on the Living Murray initiative. Over 25 submissions were received, which covered a very broad range of issues. ALGA prepared a summary of these issues, including the principles outlined in your resolution and presented an initial submission to the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at its February 2003 meeting.
For your information, at the last Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting national water reforms were discussed and it was subsequently agreed by senior officials of COAG to establish a high level senior officers group to examine the acceleration of water reforms. The Water Group is comprised of senior officials from all jurisdictions including ALGA ad will report to the next COAG meeting in August 2003.
Throughout this process ALGA has maintained regular liaison with state and territory local government associations and has strongly advocated the need for state and territory governments in particular to consult directly with local government on all relevant matters. All councils involved are encouraged to make representations on these reforms will take up the issues raised in your resolution.
Category: C
Mover: Composite / Manly Council, New South Wales
In light of the recent concerns from the national and international community regarding the outcomes from the World Summit on Sustainable Development, held recently in Johannesburg. Manly Council calls on ALGA and member councils to:
Action taken: The matters raised in your resolution were supported. Accordingly, they have been taken up in all relevant forums including in particular:
On the specific issue of the ratification of Kyoto you, will be aware that at the National General Assembly resolution 90, which also addressed the matter of ratification of Kyoto was lost. Accordingly, ALGA does not believe there is sufficient clarity or agreement about ratification of Kyoto to support this specific policy position.
Category: C
Mover: City of Darebin, Victoria
That the General Assembly, in recognition that the greenhouse effect is the most serious ecological threat to our planet and in acknowledgment of the concerted level of co-ordinated action necessary to address this threat, call on the Commonwealth government to demonstrate national leadership and international goodwill and collaboration by signing the Kyoto protocol and by further supporting the endeavours of many local governments across Australia in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, that ALGA request the Commonwealth government to:
Action taken: The matters raised in your resolution were supported. Accordingly, they have been taken up in all relevant forums including in particular:
On the specific issue of the ratification of Kyoto you, will be aware that at the National General Assembly resolution 90, which also addressed the matter of ratification of Kyoto was lost. Accordingly, ALGA does not believe there is sufficient clarity or agreement about ratification of Kyoto to support this specific policy position.
Category: C
Mover: Melbourne City Council, Victoria
Noting the adoption by the local government session of the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, this General Assembly supports the Melbourne Principles for sustainable cities as a framework in Australia.
Action taken: This resolution was supported in principle and will be pursued through ALGAs work in the review of the National Greenhouse Strategy and the NRM Ministerial Council and Environment Protection and Heritage Council.
It should also be noted that concerns were expressed in relation to the applicability and relevance of the adoption of "Melbourne" principles on a nationwide basis. It was therefore agreed that 'the Melbourne principles' should be treated as potentially a best practice model and be promoted as such through ALGA networks.
Category: C
Mover: City of Port Phillip, Victoria
ALGA notes the increasing emphasis of local government on environmental sustainability in Australian communities. ABS data confirms that local government expenditure in environmental management exceeds both state and federal government contributions.
However, as sustainability requires a national commitment, ALGA calls on the federal and state governments to:
Action taken: The matters raised in your resolution were supported. Accordingly, they have been taken up in all relevant forums including in particular:
Category: C
Mover: Newcastle City Council, New South Wales
We note that whilst significant progress has been made in the implementation of Local Agenda 21, that environmental quality has continued to deteriorate, social inequities have worsened, and the disparity between rich and poor continues to widen. Therefore, Local Agenda 21 implementation needs to be accelerated and the time has come for a more concerted move from commitment to action.
ALGA call on the Australian Minister for Environment, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP, to organise and fund the National Forum he promised to consider during meetings at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The agenda to at least include:
Action taken: The matters raised in your resolution were supported. Accordingly, they have been taken up in all relevant forums including in particular:
The matter has also been taken up at meetings of Local Leaders for Sustainability as follow-up to the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, September 2002.
Category: C
Mover: Moreland City Council, Victoria
ALGA calls for the Australian Building Codes Board to increase the scope of its review to include a national standard for building energy efficiency that relates to building design and performance (such as First Rate) rather than feature based model and that this standard be set "five stars" in line with the Victorian Government's requirement.
Action taken: While supporting the intended outcomes, some state and territory local government associations were concerned that, given the legislative differences, the adoption of Victorian requirements in all states may not be appropriate.
This is a matter also being pursued by ALGA in the context of the review of the National Greenhouse Strategy.
Category: C
Mover: Douglas Shire Council, Queensland
ALGA support the following:
ALGA express concern at the current short term (12 month) excise regime and production subsidy and call on the government to introduce a long term arrangement that will foster investment.
Action taken: While supporting 10% levels, ALGA is concerned that recent research and discussion at Ministerial Council level has raised questions as to the detrimental effect of ethanol in fuels to motor vehicle engines and vehicle performance. In addition, significant environmental emissions concerns have been expressed by the Environment Australia and health officials. These matters are under active consideration by the Ministerial Council.
Before the adoption of this resolution for mandatory requirements, further work must be completed on the emissions and health implications of fuels with high ethanol content. Whilst supporting the exploration of the utilisation of alternative fuels, careful consideration of the environmental/health impacts should be given. Further considerations need to be given to consumer protection, including labeling provisions.
Category: C
Mover: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria
The General Assembly calls on the federal government to link Australian Greenhouse Office subsidies, with state and territory government natural gas infrastructure incentives to gas distribution companies to ensure the broadest availability of environmentally sustainable and affordable heating and energy.
Action taken: This resolution has been supported by ALGA and a letter has been sent to the Minister for the Environment, Hon. Dr David Kemp.
Category: C
Mover: Pine Rivers Shire Council, Queensland
That the Hon Dr David Kemp, MP, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, be requested to consider the production of detailed national guidelines for recycling treated wastewaters and biosolids.
Action taken: ALGA supports the resolution and the matter is being taken up in the context of our continued work on the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council.
It should be noted that the Ministerial Council is working on the publication of guidelines for sewerage systems - biosolids management. Interested paries can monitor developments in this regard through the Environment Protection and Heritage Council website.
Category: B
Mover: Brisbane City Council, Queensland
That ALGA institute a review of the performance of the Packaging Covenant and National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM) from local government's perspective.
Action taken: In 2003-04 the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council will review the National Packaging Covenant. ALGA, through its membership of this Ministerial Council, will be part of this review. In addition, ALGA, and its member state and territory local government associations, have sought funds from the National Packaging Covenant Council (NPCC) to instigate an independent local government review of the NPC. Details of this review will be reported through state and territory local government associations and notices will be included in ALGA News.
Category: C
Mover: Manly Council, New South Wales
Action taken: There was insufficient agreement among state and territory local government associations to pursue this resolution. However, the matter of CDL is under consideration by the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council in the context of a review of the National Packaging Covenant.
Category: C
Mover: Lgov New South Wales
That in light of the federal government's unwillingness, and the lack of support from most states, to introduce effective policies which will ensure the economic and ecological sustainability of recycling (such as container deposit legislation), and true extended producer responsibility, local government consider a gradual scaling down of kerbside recycling services, to a stage where only those materials that are collected where returns cover the cost of collection and where environmentally acceptable markets exist.
ALGA consider what campaign could be undertaken by the national and state associations to recommend an economically and ecologically sustainable solution for what is a highly valued service by an overwhelming majority of Australian households.
Action taken: There was insufficient agreement among state and territory local government associations to pursue this resolution. However, the matter of CDL is under consideration by the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council in the context of the review of a National Packaging Covenant.
Category: C
Mover: City of West Torrens, South Australia
That a National Container Strategy be introduced, such as currently exists in South Australia, to include a cash refund to encourage the recycling of plastic and cardboard containers, that otherwise are discarded or find there way into land fill.
Action taken: There was insufficient agreement among state and territory local government associations to pursue this resolution. However, the matter of CDL is under consideration by the Environment Protection and Heritage Ministerial Council in the context of a review of the National Packaging Covenant.
Category: B
Mover: Sutherland Shire Council, New South Wales
That the federal government introduce appropriate legislation requiring manufacturers of computers, whitegoods, etc to receive and recycle/reuse products they manufacture.
Action taken: The issue of waste management of whitegoods is being pursued by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC). ALGA attends all the EPHC Standing Committee of Officials and Ministerial Council meetings and will pursue this matter through these forums.
For further information on this matter please see the Environment Protection and Heritage Council website.
Category: C
Mover: Manly Council, New South Wales
In light of state and local government commitments to a waste management hierarchy that includes avoidance, re-use, recycling and disposal, and the volume of waste paper generated at local, state and federal elections, Manly Council calls on the General Assemby to use its best endeavours to ensure that both the Australian Electoral Commission and State Electoral Offices:
Action taken: There is insufficient agreement across the State Associations for support of this resolution. It was felt that this was a very specific issue and that a broader approach to waste management would be a more appropriate allocation of ALGA resources.
Category: C
Mover: Sutherland Shire Council, New South Wales
ALGA notes the position adopted by the South Australian State Government as to its intention to call a State Referendum on the proposal for a Nuclear Waste Repository in that state. ALGA accepts the principle that Lucas Heights, Sydney, should not be a defacto repository for Commonwealth nuclear waste. The Association calls upon the Commonwealth and state governments and oppositions to adopt a position of opposition to any proposal for an increase in nuclear waste production in Australia until a satisfactory resolution of the waste repository issue has been finalised between Commonwealth and state governments.
Action taken: While there was general support with the proposition, by state and territory local government associations, there was insufficient support for further action on this matter given limited resources.
Category: C
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the federal government to abide by International Atomic Agency regulations and not build a new reactor on an earthquake fault line.
Further, the federal government be requested to conduct an independent inquiry into the adequacy of the risk assessment on the Environmental Impact Statement for a new nuclear reactor and the related licence applications.
Action taken: ALGA agrees that any new reactors should not be built on an earthquake fault line. However, while there was general support for the proposition by state and territory local government associations, there was insufficient support for further action on this matter given our limited resources.
Category: C
Mover: City of Darebin, Victoria
That the General Assembly calls for Commonwealth funding to support a national discussion on population conducted by local governments at the local government level. Specifically, that the Commonwealth provide:
Action taken: ALGA has worked closely with state and territory government to have the issue of population raised and considered at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). However, the Commonwealth Government's current position is not to support a broad discussion on population. As a result, there is no appropriate Commonwealth avenue to seek funding for such a proposal outlined in the resolution.
As a result of state/territory and ALGA's combined efforts, at the last COAG meeting the Commonwealth agreed to at least discuss the ageing Australian population which is one aspect of a broader population debate. All jurisdictions hope that this will provide a context to further engage the Commonwealth in broader discussions on population at a later date.
Category: B
Mover: Brisbane City Council, Queensland
That ALGA call upon the federal government to work closely with local government to develop appropriate responses to homelessness and substance misuse in public places, with particular attention to local government's relevance to the National Homelessness Strategy (including the related initiatives of: National Drug Strategic Framework, National Alcohol Strategy and National Mental Health Plan).
Action taken: ALGA has written to the Minister for Family and Community Services, the Hon. Senator Amanda Vanstone. We will keep you informed when the Minister has responded to our correspondence. With specific reference to the National Homelessness Strategy, the Commonwealth has undertaken a community consultation process through the Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Homelessness (CACH). Several Councils have made submissions to CACH's discussion paper, Working Towards a National Homelessness Strategy.
Category: C
Mover: Alice Springs Town Council, Northern Territory
That the General Assembly call on ALGA to endorse the Youth Communiqué received by the Mayor of Alice Springs. The Communiqué is an outcome of the Year of the Outback National On-Line Youth Muster conducted from the 19 July - 28 August 2002.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports this resolution and congratulate everyone involved in this excellent initiative.
Mover: Yallaroi Shire Council, New South Wales
That ALGA make representations for the states to adopt a uniform approach to juvenile responsibility by introducing a graduated responsibility for juvenile offenders with persons in the 16-18 age bracket having conditions similar to adults apply for their interview and sentencing.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the Minister for Family and Community Services to include Out of School Hours Care in the Centre based and Mobile Child Care Regulations to facilitate adherence to the minimum standards recognised in the Voluntary National Standards.
Action taken: As previously reported on resolutions 11 and 12, this important issue has been pursued by ALGA following the adoption of a resolution on a similar topic at the 2001 National General Assembly of Local Government. ALGA wrote to the Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone on the issues of childcare and continues to advocate the position outlined in this resolution. ALGA and the state and territory local government associations are currently engaged in a range of discussions with the Department of Family and Community Services and the Minister, the Hon. Larry Anthony, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, including proposed reforms to childcare support broadband redevelopment. These matters are under active consideration and that any significant progress will be reported on the ALGA website
Category: C
Mover: Composite / Sutherland Shire Council, New South Wales
That ALGA seek a change to Australian Standard 2890.1 and other relevant standards, to enable the provision of a tiered disability parking scheme, so that different sized disabled spaces could be available according to the needs of people with disabilities, in addition to those utilising wheelchairs, and with accompanying appropriate signage provisions.
Action taken: ALGA supported this resolution with qualifications. In particular, ALGA is mindful of legislative obligations and the possibility of complaints being made against councils to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) in relation to these issues. A number of state territory local government associations believe that there is a lack of evidence that this issue is a major concern for local government nationally, and that prior to implementation, further research would be required, taking into consideration resourcing issues for ALGA, as against core priority work.
Category: B
Mover: Western Australian Local Government Association
That the federal government be requested to allocate Medicare Provider Numbers to rural communities to assist with the recruitment and retention of doctors in country areas.
Furthermore, the new provider numbers have a compliance clause which ensures that the new provider numbers are not transferable from the district for which they are issued.
And that ALGA make representations to the Prime Minister and the Federal Minister for Health to urgently address the ongoing critical shortage of Specialists, Senior Medical Officers and Medical Practitioners with the necessary skills in regional and rural Australia and put in place Medical Practitioner Workforce Planning Strategies (including appropriate incentives) to address this national problem.
Further, that this matter be listed for further consideration at the 2003 National General Assembly of Local Government to consider progress on this issue.
Action taken: ALGA has personally taken up this matter and is actively pursuing this and other strategies to achieve improved health services in rural Australia. ALGA is also working with other organisations, such as the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and the National Farmers Federation, to achieve increases in the number of doctors working in regional areas.
While the Commonwealth has been reluctant to adopt geographic Medicare provider numbers, it is now 'bonding' medical students and university medical scholarships to rural service.
In this year's Federal Budget, for example, some 234 additional medical school places have been created, all of which will be bonded to areas of need for a fixed period of time.
While ALGA had argued for a minimum 250 medical school places in our Federal Budget submission, we were pleased to see the Federal Government come close to that figure.
ALGA has also called for an additional 150 GP training places and were pleased that these were funded in this year's Budget and have been targeted to rural and outer metropolitan areas.
Further, ALGA has also called for far-reaching medical workforce changes and an inquiry into why medical workforce planning has left this country with a severe shortage of GPs and a potentially serious shortage of surgeons.
While the measures announced in this year's Federal Budget are welcome, they will only begin to address the shortage of doctors in the medium term. More short term measures are needed as a matter of urgency.
Geographic provider numbers offer a solution, as do other measures such as resourcing local government and workforce agencies to provide lifestyle packages that can attract doctors and other health professionals to areas of need.
ALGA is also advocating the use of nurse practitioners and a substantial differential Medicare rebate for patients of doctors in areas of need.
ALGA will report back on developments through the ALGA website.
Category: C
Mover: Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria
The General Assembly calls on the federal government to initiate the establishment, as a matter of urgency, of a single-name, single telephone number, suicide specific crisis service to support those seeking help during extreme crisis.
Action taken: ALGA notes that this is a very specific action and that some state territory local government associations believe that this strategy should be considered within a broader framework.
For your information, ALGA officers have been working on CommunityLIFE a specific project funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing on suicide prevention. The project involves a wide range of agencies with responsibility in this important area of work and is designed to facilitate a broad based approach to suicide prevention. The matter will be taken up with Commonwealth officers involved in this project.
Category: B
Mover: Composite / Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Ltd; Baulkham Hills Shire Council, New South Wales; Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly:
Action taken: There is unanimous support from state and territory local government associations on this matter. ALGA will pursue this approach in all relevant forums and, in particular, will seek to have the matter specifically addressed at the Local Government and Planning Ministers Council in due course.
Category: A
Mover: Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils. Marrickville Council, New South Wales
That:
Action taken: ALGA was pleased to welcome Mr. Lino Torrezao, Director of Local Administration and Development, as the representative for the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, Senhor Dr. Bin Amude Mari Alkatiri. ALGA wrote to both Senhor Dr. Alkatiri and Mr. Torrezao at the conclusion of the National General Assembly last year expressing our thanks for East Timor's participation on Sunday 3 November 2002.
Category: C
Mover: Municipal Association of Victoria
That ALGA establish a National Network of local governments undertaking activities to help the people of East Timor to realise a sustainable future.
The purpose of the National Network is to:
Action taken: ALGA has supported this resolution with qualifications. In particular, that this is a council led initiative and that there are no resource implications for ALGA.
In relation to East Timor, ALGA was very pleased to welcome Mr. Lino Torrezao, Director of Local Administration and Development, as the representative for the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, Senhor Dr. Bin Amude Mari Alkatiri. ALGA wrote to both Senhor Dr. Alkatiri and Mr. Torrezao at the conclusion of the National General Assembly last year expressing our thanks for East Timor's participation on Sunday 3 November 2002.
Category: B
Mover: Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale, Western Australia
That the General Assembly advises the federal government that it objects to the sale of the final tranche of Telstra and requires that universal service obligations be met.
Action taken: The position outlined in this resolution is consistent with ALGA existing policy approach in relation to Telstra services. This position has been strongly communicated to the Commonwealth and will be advocated in all relevant forums.
Category: B
Mover: Composite / Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
Representations be made to the federal government to amend the Telecommunications Act 1997 so as to provide that telecommunications carriers can only install low impact facilities on mutually agreed conditions with property owners.
To seek amendments to the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997 to resolve concerns with the activities of telecommunications carriers relating to underground cabling and low impact infrastructure in various municipalities around Australia.
Action taken: ALGA's position in relation to telecommunications and have been strongly communicated to the Commonwealth over a number of years. However, the Commonwealth has not been prepared to amend this Act.
ALGA will once again raise the matter with the Minister for Communications Senator Richard Alston, and encourage all interested council to take this matter up directly with the minister.
Action taken:
Mover: Melbourne City Council, Victoria
Category: B
Mover: City of Monash, Victoria
Action taken: ALGA has written to the responsible ministers and look forward to their response. ALGA will report on progress through the ALGA website.
Category: B
Mover: City of Mitcham, South Australia. City of Whyalla, South Australia
Action taken: ALGA will encourage council to monitor development in the relevant matters related to EMR, but given current resource constraints ALGA can only provide a minimum level of monitoring and services in this regard. However, ALGA is pleased to provide internet links to appropriate sites.
Category: B
Mover: Singleton Council, New South Wales
That the Commonwealth government be requested to take immediate steps to provide equality of telecommunications services to all persons living in regional areas of Australia.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports the intention behind this resolution. ALGA is a member of the On-line Council and we will continue to pursue this objective in all other relevant forums.
Category: B
Mover: Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts to make changes to the Broadcasting Services Act to facilitate the broadcasting of digital community television programs.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports the intention behind this resolution. ALGA is a member of the On-line Council and we will continue to pursue this objective in all other relevant forums.
Category: B
Mover: Brisbane City Council, Queensland
That ALGA approach the federal government to establish a working party to explore opportunities for implementing a 'whole-of-nation' solution to facilitate secure electronic transactions.
Action taken: ALGA is a member of the On-line Council and seeks to influence the other spheres of government in achieving a more wholistic approach to "e-infrasructure". ALGA is currently undertaking a project (funded through Networking the Nation) on interoperatibility and integrated transactions.
Category: B
Mover: Sutherland Shire Council, New South Wales
That the federal government fully support the levying of Section 611 telecommunications charges by councils.
Action taken: While ALGA fully supports the objectives outlined in this resolution, the matter is presently the subject of appeal in the High Court of Australia, to be heard on 1 and 2 October, 2003. It is expected that a decision will be made in April 2004. Further action cannot be taken until the result of this case is known. ALGA will continue to advocate for the levying of Section 611 telecommunications charges by councils in all relevant forums.
Category: B
Mover: Alice Springs Town Council, Northern Territory; The Council of the City of Broken Hill, New South Wales; City of Mt Isa, Queensland; City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Western Australia
That the General Assembly call on ALGA to support the establishment of a network of inland councils under the auspices of Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) to further economic growth in the desert regions.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports this resolution and we have noted the development of this important action
Category: B
Mover: Lgov New South Wales
That the General Assembly support the following resolutions of the New South Wales State Assembly 2002:
Action taken: The positions outlined in this resolution have been duly noted and will be advocated by ALGA at all appropriate forums.
Category: B
Mover: Singleton Council, New South Wales
That the strongest representations be made to the federal Minister for Transport to ensure that recent changes to airline ownership do not adversely affect the number or quality of air services to country areas of Australia and further that the representations impress on the Commonwealth government the importance of improving air services to country areas and particularly remote areas.
Action taken: Resolution 73 was taken up immediately following the National General Assembly and has been advocated through the Australian Transport Council processes. These include being a member of the Regional Air Service Working Group that reports to the Standing Committee of Officials of this ministerial council. The position outlined in the resolution was also advocated in the ALGA 2002 - 2003 Federal Budget submission to the Federal Treasurer, the Hon. Peter Costello MP.
Category: C
Mover: Composite / Blacktown City Council, New South Wales
The General Assembly calls upon the federal Minister for Local Government and the Treasurer to support the federal government funding Enterprise Zones with a substantial sum each year indexed for 10 years, in order to improve the economic performance of 20 pilot Enterprise Zones spread across Australia.
Action taken: ALGA has advocated this position at the Standing Committee on Regional Development, and promoted Enterprise Zones in our submission to the Regional Business Development Analysis Panel. This Panel was appointed by the the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson MP, as one of the initiatives announced by the Commonwealth under the Stronger Regions, a Stronger Australia statement. ALGA will continue to advocate for the establishment of appropriate support for regional businesses in appropriate forums.
ALGA also noted some concerns expressed by several state and territory local government associations regarding the cost benefits of such a proposal. Accordingly, ALGA would encourage further work to be undertaken by the Commonwealth as a forerunner to the possible implementation of this resolution.
Category: B
Mover: Moreland City Council, Victoria
That ALGA consult with national peak aged care bodies about residential care in order to jointly lobby the Commonwealth government to provide greater financial incentives to:
Action taken: ALGA supports the positions outlined in this resolution. ALGA has taken this matter up in the context of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) work on Ageing of Australia's population. Further ALGA will develop links with peak aged care bodies with a view to collaboration at an appropriate time.
Category: B
Mover: Maribyrnong City Council, Victoria
That the federal government develop a longer term strategy to address the issue of Australia's ageing population and in particular the increasing funding burden being placed on local councils in meeting the service requirements of the frail and elderly. The strategy must be developed in partnership with state and local governments and identify and clearly articulate the roles and financial responsibility of each of the three levels of government.
Action taken: ALGA continues to lobby the federal government on the increasing burden faced by local government from the ageing of the Australian population. This issue has been specifically addressed in the ALGA 2003-2004 Federal Budget Submission.
Further, ALGA has taken this matter up in the context of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) work on Ageing of Australia's population. In this respect a reference will be referred to the Productivity Commission on Ageing of Australia's Population which is expected to report some time next year.
Category: B
Mover: City of Darebin, Victoria
That the General Assembly, in recognition of the vital role of local governments in the development of positive partnerships with Indigenous people, and in line with resolutions 43 and 44 of the 2001 Assembly, seek negotiations with the Commonwealth government to establish a funding stream that will assist local governments in their work with local Indigenous communities. Specifically, that ALGA request the Commonwealth government to establish a fund to:
Action taken: ALGA has written to the Federal Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, the Hon. Philip Ruddock MP on this matter.
Category: B
Mover: Broken Hill City Council, New South Wales
That ALGA continue to lobby the federal government for the introduction of additional funding and financial incentives to local government for the expansion of the current trainee and apprenticeship schemes.
Action taken: The matter has been referred to the Local Government Training Board for appropriate action.
Mover: City of Darebin, Victoria
Category: C
Mover: City of Port Phillip, Victoria
That prior to the 2003 General Assembly, the ALGA Executive convene a broad based series of Working Parties to enable the focus of the agenda of future conferences to progressing strategies in accordance with a previously agreed 3 or 4 longer term Key Policy Areas.
Further:
Action taken: This resolution was not supported by the Executive. However, ALGA has established a National General Assembly Review Committee to consider a wide range of matters related to the National General Assembly and will report to ALGA later this year.
Mover: Local Government Association of New South Wales
Mover: Cooloola Shire Council, Queensland
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA lodge a strong protest with the Prime Minister and the Minister for Transport and Regional Services at the withdrawal of funding from the Roads to Recovery program in 2002-2003 and any moves not to reinstate this funding or further cut the program, and that real terms maintenance apply to the restoration of money deferred.
Action taken: ALGA has taken this matter up strenuously with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. John Anderson MP, and he has assured local government that the Commonwealth will meet its full financial commitments to local government over the life of the Roads to Recovery program.
Category: C
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA request the Australian Bureau of Statistics to amend the Census Form to ensure that persons residential addresses are correctly recorded within the shire and not relying on postcodes.
Action taken: ALGA recognises the importance of accurate data and believes that it is important to develop a system of data and information collection that is compatible and useful for all stakeholders, in particular, the interoperability of data across jurisdictions. Accordingly, the resolution is being considered within the broader context of ALGA's on-line services and, specifically, the local government interoperability project and work with ABS and other data providers.
More generally, ALGA and state and territory local government associations have been exploring a cooperative purchasing arrangement of ABS data. The intent of the resolution will also be pursued in discussions with ABS to ensure that ABS data is more relevant for local government purposes.
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA welcomes the Commonwealth government's Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government and Cost Shifting and calls on the Commonwealth and the Opposition to recognise:
Action taken: The matters raised in this resolution have been taken up with the Commonwealth government and the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, who are conducting the Inquiry in to Cost Shifting onto Local Government.
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA express its strong protest at the rejection by the Commonwealth government of the report of Fuel Taxation Inquiry and in particular the recommendation that would have included local government in the Diesel Fuel Rebate Scheme.
Action taken: The issue raised in this resolution has been duly noted by ALGA and has been taken up with the Commonwealth government.
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA make representations to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care seeking an amendment to Federal Legislation governing the Health Insurance Commission to allow commission agencies to issue funds on Medicare claims.
Action taken: ALGA has written to the federal minister and await a reply to this letter.
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA express its concern to the Federal Ministers' Kemp and Truss, that the requirement to submit NHT projects to an annual approval process produces uncertainty about continuity of funding, and that they be requested to make changes to scheme guidelines which will remove that need, and therefore achieve a higher level of funding certainty.
Action taken: The Commonwealth and state/territory governments have substantially reformed the NHT processes to focus on regional delivery. The position outlined in this resolution has been noted and have been communicated to the federal ministers as requested.
Category: B
Mover: Local Government Association of Queensland
That ALGA advise the Commonwealth government that in the development of its Auslink plan to deliver more strategic Commonwealth transport spending, more private sector involvement and a better deal for infrastructure investment in metropolitan and regional Australia, it take into consideration the following priorities for local government:
Action taken: ALGA and all state and territory associations have agreed that the renewal of Roads to Recovery is one of the highest priorities on the national agenda. ALGA has recently launched a campaign for the renewal of Roads to Recovery and details of this campaign and further activity of how your council can be involved in the renewal of Roads to Recovery can be viewed at the ALGA website.
Mover: Strathfield Municipal Council , New South Wales
That all councils be urged to support the Kyoto Protocol and call on the federal government to ratify and apply the Kyoto Protocol without delay.
Action taken: No further action.
Category: C
Mover: Hawkesbury City Council, New South Wales
That the Home and Community Care National Program Guidelines be amended such that community transport funding be provided to residents of hostels/aged care homes or the like.
Action taken: ALGA and state and territory local government associations noted that the motion focuses on a specific Home & Community Care (HACC) program and that re-directing funds from with the HACC program to focus on community transport may distort the effectiveness of other facets of the HACC program. Accordingly, the issue of funding for community transport should be addressed in a broader context of funding for aged care and significant increases in funding for HACC overall.
ALGA will also pursue this matter in the context of new work being completed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) on the Ageing of Australia's population.
Category: C
Mover: Local Government Association of New South Wales
That the General Assembly recommends to the government, that the impact of the Nelson Report on Higher Education take into account the needs of regional communities.
Action taken: ALGA has written to the Minister for Education outlining the needs of regional communities. Further, ALGA continues to pursue the implementation of a learning communities program to assist with the intent of this resolution.
Mover: Bathurst City Council, New South Wales
Category: B
Mover: District Council of Grant, South Australia. South East Local Government Association
That the federal government be requested to allocate additional capital funding for aged care accommodation to maintain and provide new aged care accommodation and facilities for our communities. Mover: District Council of Grant, South Australia. South East Local Government Association, South Australia
Action taken: ALGA is working with the Office for an Ageing Australia on the development of a mutually beneficial partnership. The matters raised in the resolution will be taken up in our discussions as part of the partnership being developed.
Please note, the Minister for Ageing, the Hon. Kevin Andrews, MP, will be addressing delegates at the 2003 National General Assembly on the Monday afternoon in the concurrent min-plenary on Ageing and Population. Note that at the 2003 National General Assembly, the Department for Health and Ageing is conducting a workshop on Tuesday 25 November, in relation to an ageing Australia. Interested Delegates are encourage to attend these sessions and take the opportunity to raise concerns directly with both the Minister and the Department at this time.
Mover: Fairfield City Council, New South Wales
Category: C
Mover: Cooloola Shire Council, Queensland
That ALGA make representations to the federal and state governments to consider providing local governments with the ability to declare local government areas Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) free in relation to selected crops.
Action taken: ALGA supported this resolution with qualifications. While ALGA supports the intention of the resolution, please note the significant resource implications for councils for the implementation of this proposal. Further work needs to be done about the most effective way to progress the objectives outlined. The matter has also been referred to state and territory local government associations for further consideration.
Category: C
Mover: Shire of Wakool, New South Wales
That the federal government be called on to enact Essential Services Legislation for the compulsory release of water for irrigators to grow grain and fodder to assist in maintaining essential core breeding stock.
Action taken: ALGA agreed to support this resolution with qualifications. In particular, this should have regard to the best management practice for water stocks. Accordingly, ALGA has written to the minister responsible.
Category: B
Mover: Shire of Wakool, New South Wales
That the Commonwealth government give more assistance to rural/remote shires to procure and retain medical practitioners/medical services in small rural towns - especially those emerging towns that do not have infrastructure such as housing and/or surgery facilities.
Action taken: ALGA has taken up this matter and is actively pursuing this and other strategies to achieve improved health services in rural Australia. ALGA is also working with other organisations, such as the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and the National Farmers Federation, to achieve increases in the number of doctors working in regional areas.
While the Commonwealth has been reluctant to adopt geographic Medicare provider numbers, it is now 'bonding' medical students and university medical scholarships to rural service.
In this year's Federal Budget, for example, some 234 additional medical school places have been created, all of which will be bonded to areas of need for a fixed period of time.
While ALGA had argued for a minimum 250 medical school places in our Federal Budget submission, we were pleased to see the Federal Government come close to that figure.
ALGA also called for an additional 150 GP training places and were pleased that these were funded in this year's Budget and have been targeted to rural and outer metropolitan areas.
Further, ALGA has also called for far-reaching medical workforce changes and an inquiry into why medical workforce planning has left this country with a severe shortage of GPs and a potentially serious shortage of surgeons.
While the measures announced in this year's Federal Budget are welcome, they will only begin to address the shortage of doctors in the medium term. More short term measures are needed as a matter of urgency.
Geographic provider numbers offer a solution, as do other measures such as resourcing local government and workforce agencies to provide lifestyle packages that can attract doctors and other health professionals to areas of need.
ALGA is also advocating the use of nurse practitioners and a substantial differential Medicare rebate for patients of doctors in areas of need.
ALGA will report back on developments through the ALGA website.
Category: C
Mover: Shire of Wakool, New South Wales
Support be given to the Premier's recommendation in the New South Wales Government Action Public Liability Insurance paper to have Commonwealth government support and action on the New South Wales tort law reforms.
Action taken: The issue of public liability insurance access and affordability for community groups, councils and individuals continues to be a major concern to ALGA. This matter has been discussed at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and ALGA strongly advocated the need for immediate action to be taken to address this problem. Further, the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, the Hon. Senator Helen Coonan has convened a Ministerial Meeting on Insurance Issues that is comprised of relevant Commonwealth and state ministers and ALGA. This group meets regularly and has developed an agreed framework consisting of a package of tort law reforms, amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974, and will also address other outstanding public liability and insurance issues in the future. The ALGA Executive member on this ministerial group provides regular reports to the ALGA Executive and outcomes and communiqués from these meetings are provided on the ALGA website.
Mover: Local Government Association of New South Wales
Category: C
That following amendment of the constitution of the New South Wales Local Government Association, to provide for full membership of the New South Wales Regional Aboriginal Local Councils, it be noted that this membership extends to participation in and voting on all matters of the General Assembly.
Action taken: The resolution has been duly noted and will be appropriately acted upon.
Category: C
Mover: Alexandrina Council, South Australia
That the General Assembly offer its support and assistance to the board of the Murray Darling Association in the convening of a National Local Government Summit of all councils within the Murray Darling Basin to address the lack of environmental flows throughout the whole river system.
Action taken: ALGA did not support this resolution as no formal proposal was recovered by the ALGA. However, ALGA has been pleased to support activities of the Murray Darling Association and was pleased to present a paper at the Environmental Flows Conference held in Mildura in June 2003.
Category: C
Mover: Shire of Lake Grace , Western Australia
That the Australian government be urged to review the impact of non-standard guage rail systems on the transport of goods between states and as a matter of urgency fund infrastructure improvements to over come any identified impediments.
Action taken: ALGA supported this resolution with qualifications. Accordingly, ALGA has referred this matter for consideration by the ALGA Roads and Transport Advisory Committee to be progressed through the ALGA AusLink strategy.
Category: C
Mover: City of Greater Dandenong, Victoria
That the General Assembly call upon the Commonwealth government to initiate the necessary procedural process to commence an independent, inclusive Australia wide enquiry into the feasibility of reconstituting our existing system of governance from federal, state and local to federal and regional with a view to change if deemed beneficial to all Australians.
Action taken: ALGA fully supports the need for change to the Australian constitution. However, this resolution calls for the establishment of a broad inquiry into constitutional reform that may or may not enhance the primary objective of local government constitutional recognition. At this stage, ALGA is reluctant to support such a diverse inquiry, preferring a more direct review and development of a case for constitutional recognition of local government.
Category: C
Mover: Wollongong City Council, New South Wales. Local Government Association of New South Wales
This conference reaffirms the democratic rights of delegates to protest in an orderly manner during conferences and that questions from the floor be permitted.
Action taken: The matters raised in this resolution have been supported by ALGA with qualifications. The matters raised have been duly noted, and will be addressed in the context of a Review of Business Procedures of the National General Assembly.
For further information on the Resolutions, or other policy matters, please contact:
Australian Local Government Association
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Email: alga@alga.asn.auPublished by:
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