This edition contains a summary of blog items published by Greg McLean in the previous calendar month. Items cover the areas of local government, energy and water, rail and public transport, international news including trade agreements, privatisation and general public sector matters
The articles all relate to the blog of Greg McLean, ASU Assistant National Secretary
Council approaches to leadership
Good practice approaches to leadership in councils
New ACELG research entitled 'Council approaches to leadership: Research into good practice' explores the elements of successful council-based leadership programs, highlighting key themes for contemporary local government leaders to consider. Councils around the country invest significant resources into staff leadership development initiatives. They want to ensure the effectiveness of such programs and continue to explore ways to keep them relevant, strong and sustainable. Three aspects of a 'good practice approach' to an in-house leadership initiative are highlighted in the research: A leadership ethos that is 'values-based' influences the culture of the organisation. It is fundamental to guiding behaviours, staff wellbeing and organisational potential, and needs championing by senior management to be sustainable and reflect local and sector contexts. A good leadership program will have robust support structures with tailored content and methods of learning that is relevant to the organisational context.
http://www.acelg.org.au/news/good-practice-approaches-leadership-councils
Advice from ACLEG
Local Government Growing Regional Australia - advice from ACELG
ACELG has published new research entitled 'Local Government Growing Regional Australia' that will bring new understanding to the role of local government in growing regional capitals and regions through enhanced governance and leadership. Conducted in partnership with Regional Capitals Australia (RCA), the research identifies the factors contributing to building strong sustainable regional capitals and regions. ACELG Director, Associate Professor Roberta Ryan commented: "The research links strongly with our continuing and keen interest in supporting and recognising the incredible work that regional and rural, remote and Indigenous local governments do in supporting the national economy and local social capital. We welcomed the opportunity to partner with RCA on this important research." The report finds that a new way of thinking about regional economic development focuses on tapping under-utilised potential in all regions to enhance competitiveness.
http://www.acelg.org.au/news/local-government-growing-regional-australia
ACELG has released new research about local councils learning from each other
ACELG has released new research about local councils learning from each other. Variously called inter-council learning, policy transfer or peer learning, this approach to professional learning is important in a rapidly changing local government sector, and as councils increasingly look to each other for solutions to common issues and challenges. The research report, Councils learning from each other: An Australian case study comprises a literature review and unique research data from interviews with local government professionals, including UTS: CLG local government leadership post-graduate participants. It explores motivations for, and facilitators and barriers of, inter-council learning. The study identifies how information, ideas and inspiration is accessed from peers and then taken further and embedded within their own organisations. The 'Councils learning from each other' study continues the support and focus by ACELG on education and training in the Australian local government sector and forms part of the Centre's 'Learning in Local Government'.
http://www.acelg.org.au/news/councils-learning-each-other
Nepal Appeal
Nepali Unions Call for Global Union Support With over 4,000 people confirmed dead, and over a million children said to be ‘severely affected’, Nepal needs our help. Nepali unions are organising immediate assistance and are calling for global union support. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA will work with the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions (GEFONT) and Union Network Nepal Liaison Council (UNI NLC) to provide the immediate following support: Medical treatment for injured temporary tent and housing water and food supply Global union support is very much needed at this time. Every contribution counts in the effort to rebuild the lives of people in Nepal. Donate online today go to One off Donations (option C) and select Current Emergency Appeal.
Public inquiry into electricity prices in Queensland
Deregulation deferred as Productivity Commission conducts power price probe - Queensland
The Palaszczuk Government is rolling out another key election commitment and establishing a Queensland Productivity Commission with its first task to be conducting a public inquiry into electricity prices in Queensland. Treasurer Curtis Pitt said that during the election campaign, Labor promised to deliver an expert independent body to review complex economic and regulatory issues and propose policy reforms to government. Mr Pitt said all of the Commission’s reviews would be undertaken by independent experts through an open and transparent process informed by widespread public consultation. “It will tackle issues such as housing affordability, clean energy, industry and consumer regulation, regional development and Indigenous economic development,” he said. “The resulting recommendations will contribute to the development of new policies aimed at boosting economic growth and delivering higher living standards for all Queenslanders.
The future cost and quality of Child Care
Nannies Announcement Raises More Questions Than It Answers - Media Release
Jenny Macklin MP Shadow Minister For Families & Payments Shadow Minister For Disability Reform Acting Shadow Minister For Early Childhood Member For Jagajaga Scott Morrison continues to keep Australian families guessing about the future cost and quality of their child care, with his latest child care announcement raising more questions than it answers. Instead of dripping out crumbs and thought-bubbles through the media, the Government must end the uncertainty for Australian families and be upfront about its full proposal for changes to child care. Australian families are anxious to find out what the Government’s child care package means for them and who will be worse off. This is a government that has cut $1 billion from child care and is pressing ahead with changes to Family Tax Benefits that will see low and middle income families $6000 a year worse off.
Public feedback shows 'strong interest' in HACC
Public feedback shows 'strong interest' in HACC
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/3033679/public-feedback-shows-strong-interest-in-hacc/?cs=80
International Workers' Memorial Day April 28
Stand for safety on International Workers’ Memorial Day - April 28 #StandForSafety
Every year on 28 April, people around the world mark International Workers' Memorial Day. It's a time to remember those who have not returned home due to work-related deaths, those who have been injured or made ill as a result of work and, importantly, to remember that we have to remain vigilant and fight to prevent work-related death and injury in the future. Sobering statistics make it clear why International Workers' Memorial Day is an important day to mark. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 2.34 million people die each year from work-related accidents and diseases. In Australia, there were 17 deaths in 2013, which has risen to 28 in 2014. Even one death is unacceptable.
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/ohs/150427-stand-for-safety-international-workers-memorial
Inaugural Country Labor National Forum
Inaugural Country Labor National Forum
In order to win the next election, we will need to build support for Labor across Australia. That means we will need to build our support outside the capital cities too. Labor has a rich tradition in rural, regional, provincial and remote Australia. The Nationals and Liberals take people living in rural and regional Australia for granted. The Abbott Government has made life harder for those in country areas by increasing the petrol tax, making it more expensive to go to the doctor and $100,000 degrees. Now is the time for Labor to offer a better alternative, and we will. To do so, we will need your thoughts, ideas and participation. Please join me, Labor Leader Bill Shorten and many other Labor members in Casino in the NSW Northern Rivers on September 26 to be part of the Inaugural Country Labor National Forum.
You can email Sandra.Crowe@aph.gov.au to express your interest
Australia Aid
We need you to interrupt Joe Hockey. He’s writing the budget right now. Last year, the government announced massive cuts to Australian aid over the next four years. Joe Hockey is expected to announce the first cut, of $1 billion, on Budget night (12 May). If he goes ahead with the cuts, it will be the biggest cut in Australian aid history and make Australia the least generous we’ve ever been. It’s extremely unfair to the millions of people living in poor communities, working hard to break down the barriers of poverty. Don’t let Joe jeopardise the amazing progress we’ve made.
ARA Supports QLD for Federal Funding
ARA supports Queensland’s call for federal funding
The peak body for the rail industry, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), welcomed yesterday’s significant milestone on the $1 billion Moreton Bay Rail line, with Minister for Transport Jackie Trad inspecting the first train lines being placed down on the important piece of new state infrastructure. Chief Executive Officer of the ARA, Bryan Nye OAM, commended the efforts of the local, state and federal governments, who all contributed funding towards the construction of the line, and echoed Ms Trad’s call for further Federal investment in other passenger rail projects. “The construction of this rail line is symbolic, because it represents more than just decreased city congestion, efficient public transport services and a safer way to travel; it represents a time when the Federal Government worked with the State’s to build the infrastructure this country needs, which is on the railway networks of our biggest cities,” said Mr Nye.
Corporate Member Updates IDEXX Laboratories Brochure
April Edition of Words is now available to download from their website
Corporate Member Updates IDEXX Laboratories Brochure - Detection systems and services that make testing easy Smart Water Research Centre Brochure - A Course in Wastewater Treatment Pond Design 4-6 May 2015 Smart Water Research Centre Brochure - Activated Sludge & Biological Nutrient Reduction Course 6-10 July 2015 Coming Events/Opportunities Delegate Registrations for the Queensland Conference to be held at the Clive Berghofer Centre, Toowoomba on 17 & 18 June are now available from our website Call for Papers for the Victorian Conference to be held at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, Bendigo on 2 & 3 of September are now open.
Australian Unions & ME Bank
Did you know that, as a union member, you get access to a whole range of special deals from ME Bank? ME Bank is not like other banks. They were created by industry super funds, to help members of funds and unions get access to fairer, more customer-oriented banking. That’s why ME Bank runs a dedicated program of offers just for members of unions and industry super funds. Here’s a taste of what ME Bank currently have on offer for you: Want A Better Home Loan Deal? ME Bank will waive the fee of the Member Package for the first three years (total saving of $1,185) if settled by 31 July 2015.
Improve Train Management Systems
Cornerstone technology to improve train management systems
The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has welcomed this morning's announcement from the Federal Government, approving a first instalment payment of $15.5 million towards the implementation of the $65 million Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) project. ARA CEO, Bryan Nye OAM, said he was pleased to see the funding announcement, which will enable the roll out of Stage 1 of the ATMS project which will provide significantly upgraded capabilities to the Australian rail industry. "ATMS is designed to improve rail network capacity and reliability, through a communication based train management system that allows network controllers and the train drivers to operate trains in closer proximity than ever before and to be assured that they are doing it safely," said Mr Nye.” It also minimises the need to construct new or upgraded track infrastructure and increases capacity on the existing single-track network that meets industry's need for greater rail capacity on a network.
Quarterly payment of (FAGs) for this financial year
FAGs - Funding our communities
Councils across Australia recently received the third quarterly payment of Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for this financial year. FAGs are an important untied payment to councils from the Federal Government which are invested in essential community infrastructure and services ranging from local roads and parks to swimming pools and libraries. ALGA's 2015 Federal Budget submission called on the Federal Government to reverse its decision to freeze the indexation of FAGs. Importantly, the Federal Budget submission continued the call for the Federal Government to consider the adequacy of the quantum of FAGs and the indexation methodology in the future. ALGA is concerned that the proportion of Federal tax revenue that FAGs represent is shrinking. In 1996 FAGs represented around 1% of total Federal taxation revenue; this had dropped to 0.67%in 2013. Taking into account the indexation freeze that number will drop towards 0.53% in 2017-18.
COAG meeting
Federation and Taxation considered at COAG
ALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard attended the Council of Australian Government's (COAG) meeting in Canberra. The discussions at the meeting around the Federation and Taxation White Papers will include the roles and responsibilities of each level of government, GST and taxation collection and tax sharing arrangements. ALGA is actively involved in both the Federation and Tax White Paper development and will be making submissions throughout the processes. It is important for local government that the White Paper processes help councils continue to maintain the services and infrastructure they have been delivering to communities. Reducing violence against women is also on the COAG agenda. All governments are determined to eliminate violence against women and continued collaboration between the Commonwealth, the states and territories, and local government is crucial in achieving that objective.
Proposed overhaul of disaster funding arrangements
North Qld mayors demand disaster funding answers
A group of north Queensland mayors is demanding the Federal Government reveal its position on a proposed overhaul of disaster funding arrangements. The Government is due to respond to a Productivity Commission report by the end of next month, which recommends the Commonwealth reduce its share of disaster recovery funding from 75 per cent to 50 per cent. The President of the Local Government Association of Queensland, Margaret de Wit, said councils were developing their budgets now and needed certainty from the Government. If the report is adopted the measures would force councils to increase rates or leave damaged areas in ruins for months until they could afford repairs.
Rail R U OK? Day
Minding the conversation gap on Rail R U OK? Day
The Australian rail industry is taking a proactive approach to the emotional wellbeing of its 110,000 employees through the launch of a national campaign aimed at creating a better workplace for rail employees. The inaugural Rail R U OK? Day will see rail companies across Australia hold activities and provide opportunities for staff to engage in conversations about their emotional status by prompting them to answer one simple question: Are you ok? Partnering on this initiative are suicide and harm prevention charities R U OK? and the TrackSAFE Foundation, who want to give rail staff the confidence and capacity to talk about life’s ups and downs and help them feel safe and supported whilst at work. “The rail network is a workplace; train drivers, guards, emergency services and other rail industry employees are the first people on the scene when incidents take place on the network and for them, severe mental,
Government must withdraw from TPP trade talks
Bad deal for Australians: Government must withdraw from TPP trade talks
Australian Unions call for the federal government to stop negotiations on the secret Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. A public forum at NSW Parliament House today will discuss details from leaked documents confirming proposals that could result in higher medicine prices and special rights for foreign companies to sue government over changes in laws or policies, including health, environment and workplace laws. Australian Unions support trade deals with outcomes that are balanced, support jobs, protect the rights of working people and promote a healthy environment this TPP does not do that. Unions in all countries negotiating the TPP are calling for negotiations to be shut down unless there are genuine, transparent, public mandates that put people front and centre not big corporations.
NCVER Publication
Insight, latest NCVER publication
Insight issue 54, 14 April 2015
Total VET activity and USI offer a fuller picture of VET training NCVER supporting VET reforms: Total VET activity and Unique Student Identifier. Where to with VET research? New research topics for 2015-16. Developing, approving and maintaining qualifications: selected international approaches how do other countries go about developing, approving and maintaining their qualifications? The findings provide some lessons for the way we do this in Australia. Recognising a lifetime achievement in vocational education and training distinguished researcher Berwyn Clayton recognised. Towards more effective continuing education and training a widespread learning culture and acknowledgment of the value of work-based learning is required to enable effective continuing education and training.
If you have difficulty viewing this email, please view the online version.
Jakarta District Court on 24 March annulled the water privatisation
Jakarta court cancels world's biggest water privatisation after 18-year failure
The Central Jakarta District Court on 24 March annulled the water privatisation contracts of Suez (PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya – Palyja) and Aetra, finding that the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) were negligent in fulfilling the human right to water for Jakarta's residents. Click here to read this on the PSI website the court decision is the culmination of many years of resistance by a broad coalition of Jakarta residents, trade unions, and other water justice activists. [1] They were upset not only with the initial, corrupt, behind-the-scenes decision (made under the Suharto regime in 1997) to privatize water supply; they opposed the continuous manipulations of the private operators to increase their profits without improving water services
http://www.asu.asn.au/news/categories/international/150326-court-cancels-failed-water-privatisation
CSG Policy Position
News item strengthens the ASU, CSG policy position; this article further strengthens the ASU position
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-government-csg-stance-questioned-after-predictions-of-gas-aplenty-20150413-1mjs8c.html
http://www.asu.asn.au/blogs/entry/asu-coal-seam-gas-mining-position
Australians will be trapped in long-term unemployment and poverty without investment in proven skills and training programs
Young Australians face long-term unemployment and poverty without government investment
A generation of young Australians will be trapped in long-term unemployment and poverty without investment in proven skills and training programs. With National Youth Week starting today, the ACTU is urging the government to tackle rising youth unemployment by reversing its billion dollars in budget cuts to skills and training. These cuts include the “Tools for your trade” program that helps apprentices pay for their equipment and the “Youth Connections” program to support 14-18 year olds at risk of dropping out of education or work. Instead of investing in skills and training to help young Australians get a job, the Abbott government is trying to punish young unemployed people by making them wait six months before they can receive income support under its ‘learn or earn’ plan.
Labor has today supported former Disability Commissioner
Labor Supports Inquiry Into The Education Of Children With Disability
Labor has today supported former Disability Commissioner, Graeme Innes’ call for an inquiry into the education of children with disability, following shocking and deeply disturbing reports of mistreatment this week. Labor believes all children including those with disability deserve the best education and should be treated with dignity and respect at all times. Labor also believes our schools should be places where all children are supported to learn and teachers are equipped to meet the needs of their students. The education of students with disability must be examined in an open and transparent way, and we believe the Human Rights Commission is the right body to do this. This also highlights the need to re-instate a dedicated Disability Discrimination Commissioner. We need to hear the voice of parents of children with disabilities as well as schools and teachers in such an inquiry.
http://www.news.com.au/national/breaking-news/unions-win-qld-rail-court-case/story-e6frfku9-1227295566267
Workplace Rights for Women
Unions urge PC inquiry to give more rights at work to casuals and women
The ACTU calls for workplace rights to be strengthened for women and millions of Australians in casual and insecure work in its submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry into workplace relations. Australian Unions also call for the minimum wage and penalty rates to be protected as well as greater rights for workers to bargain collectively, including labour hire and temporary workers. Australia’s workplace system is based on fairness, equality, protection of the vulnerable and rewards for hard work. This is a system Australians have demonstrated they want and support. Instead of trying to destroy these foundations as the employer lobby is calling for and as the Coalition Government tried to do with WorkChoices – the Productivity Commission should build on these fundamental principles to ensure workers’ rights are protected and that there is a role for policy intervention to ensure all Australians are paid fairly for their efforts.
APHEDA Newsletter
APHEDA - Solidarity News Letter
Vanuatu Appeal, Support the 2015 Raffle, Vietnam building the campaign to Ban Asbestos, Domestic Workers organising in Timor, Gazans are ‘exhausted, frustrated and angry,’ Burmese Labor Solidarity Organisation student goes to university, Burma: Garment factories workers at Shwepythar industrial zone strike over living wage Ending Violence against Women and Children. News in brief: Cuts to Australian Aid The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) has released its submission to the Federal Government ahead of the May budget, calling for promises on aid to be kept.