Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by Nick Miller from Hunt & Hunt Lawyers for this week’s panel discussion on the week’s local government news, including new legislation, wards boundaries, an arbiter decision, housing challenges, planning winners and much more. Plus, introducing a new segment with Rhys Thomas reporting on the latest important ha…

On TGU this week, sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, the panel discusses the latest council concerns about funding for state-owned roads; a mayor puts pressure on Melbourne Airport and the government to get serious about an airport rail link; permanent and interim CEO appointments announced; wicked housing problems and collapsing roads; and the neig…

This week the TGU panel looks at sector reaction to the Federal Budget; concerns of a massive loss of open space from the state government’s Big Build; a council’s wicked housing problem; the overturning of Cumberland’s controversial library book ban; a capital city mayor takes issue with her own council’s decision; and much more of the week’s loca…

On TGU this week, the panel looks at sector reaction to the Victorian State Budget; yet another Council has a monitor installed; CEO announcements; waste collection dilemmas; a council’s controversial library book ban creates backlash; turning off Facebook comments; and Jeremy Clarkson upsets his local council again. Support the Show. To learn more…

This week the TGU panel discusses new governance and integrity measures for local government in Victoria; the appointment of municipal monitors to Darebin City Council; plans to remove council planning powers if they don’t meet housing targets; and much more of the week’s local government news. TGU from VLGA Connect is sponsored by Hunt & Hunt Lawy…

This week’s TGU panel discussions looks a sexist newspaper cartoon about a female Council CEO; Ballarat Council’s rejection of a policy on formal positions; the challenges of national standardisation of kerbside bins; falling levels of public trust in government in the UK; a council’s warning about Brazilian Butt Lifts and more! Sponsored by Hunt &…

This week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic are joined on the TGU panel by Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s local government news, including: The release of the municipal monitors’ report for Glenelg Shire Council A councillor under fire for an appearance at a pro-Palestine rally More parks closed due to asbestos contamination CEOs and GMs caught up in…

The TGU panel this week looks at the latest appointment of municipal monitors to the City of Greater Geelong. Plus more suburban parks closed after the discovery of asbestos; a council to stop maintaining state government assets in a push back against cost-shifting; the call for an overhaul of disaster recovery funding to councils; and much more on…

Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect Local Leaders today is the Mayor of Kingston City Council, Cr Jenna Davey-Burns. Hear about Cr Davey-Burns' journey to local government leadership, her dedication as a foster carer, her commitment to fostering positive relationships with other levels of government, and her thoughts on how to tackle the rising inci…

The TGU team is back and taking a walk down memory lane as the sector marks 30 years since the amalgamation of Victorian councils. Also this week, new Council CEOs appointed, another resigns, a rescission motion is lost, and a council Facebook page disappears. Support the Show. To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the V…

On TGU this week, the Lord Mayor of the City of Melbourne announces her departure; a Council CEO moving on to a new role; a new Chair appointed to the Local Government Grants Commission; Geelong returns to the G21 fold; and much more local government news to discuss on the TGU panel. Plus a bonus interview special with Tony Raunic and Scott Hodges.…

On TGU this week, reflections on AI risk management for councils; the state government responds to Operation Sandon and releases new green wedge management plans; a new inquiry announced into the sustainability of local government and much more. Brought to you by the VLGA and Hunt & Hunt Lawyers. Story list with links in Transcript Support the Show…

On TGU this week, a new conduct finding leads to another councillor suspension; a place naming policy becomes controversial in regional Victoria; Yarra’s push to charge owners of large vehicles higher parking fees; Warrnambool expresses its concerns after offshore wind farm announcement; a new mayoral advisory panel announced; and much more includi…

Welcome to the 8th March edition of TGU The Governance Update with the ‘A Team’ of Julie Reid and Tony Raunic, joined this week again by Steve Cooper. TGU is proudly presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association. On this International Women’s Day the Panel discussed the VLGA Event on 5 March to release the 2023 findings of the ARC Linkage…

Joining Chris Eddy on VLGA Connect from London is Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU), to discuss a stark new report on the financial state of the UK local government sector. With a number of UK councils having already declared effective bankruptcy, and more likely to follow, Jonathan reveals the reas…

This week, with Chris Eddy away on a mystery international assignment, regular panellists Julie Reid and Tony Raunic are joined by Steve Cooper to dissect the week’s local government news. The panel discuss the mooted local government conduct changes, VEC ward boundary reviews, emergency management, vandalism of public art, a contentious planning a…

The TGU panel dissects the week’s local government news, including a tweak to existing use rights in Victorian planning schemes; more meetings disrupted over ceasefire calls; a council clean up initiative rubbished in the media; a councillor’s call for a charge on dog waste bags; and councils on the frontline of recovery efforts after more storms a…

VLGA Connect's popular Local Leaders is back for a new season in 2024. First up this year is the four-term Mayor of Horsham Rural City Council, Cr Robyn Gulline, who shares with Chris Eddy her approach to the role as a first-term councillor, thoughts of dealing with conduct issues across the sector, local challenges and future plans. Support the Sh…

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discuss the week’s major local government news, which includes the announcement of structural changes for 39 Victorian councils ahead of elections later this year. Also: monitors start work at Brimbank and finish up at Greater Geelong; conflict in the Middle East continues to impact local cou…

This week on TGU, Chris Eddy and Julie Reid are joined by guest panellist Kendrea Pope to discuss the week’s big local government stories, including: The potential return of sacked former councillors The impact of electoral representation reviews and ward boundary reviews on Victorian councils ahead of this year’s elections A council leads the way …

TGU is back for 2024 with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid discussing some of the latest local government developments, including: Municipal monitors for Moonee Valley; a Darebin councillor suspended for misconduct; a CEO departs the sector for a state government role; a major review of the local government financial model in NSW; and should …

On the final TGU for the year, the panel brings you the week’s big local government stories including a Council meeting that turned ugly; CEO and Councillor appointments, resignations and a sacking; Christmas goes missing in one municipality, and the return of the age-old debate on Christmas decorations. Support the Show. To learn more about the ev…

On the agenda this week, the suspension of Strathbogie Shire and the installation of an interim administrator; a councillor facing a four month suspension after a conduct panel ruling; a new executive team announced sending ripples through three councils and a peak body; plus a damning Ombudsman report into public sector politicisation and a govern…

The TGU team is back to unpack the week’s local government news, including the council position that nobody wants; councillors claim unsafe work environment; council work practices in question; a councillor passes; a CEO appointed and much more. Support the Show. To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local …

In a new episode of VLGA Connect, Chris Eddy welcomes the recently appointed Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel for a conversation about his career journey, and the work that is underway preparing for next year's round of local government elections across the state. Support the Show. To learn more about the events, programs, and trainin…

This week on TGU with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid, new conduct reforms announced for Victorian councils; the OHS implications of war-related motions; Councils fail to maintain quorum; a countback fails; and overseas, an increasing number of ‘neutrality motions’ and court rules guns are allowed in Council meetings! Support the Show. To le…

On the TGU agenda this week - Glenelg monitors revealed; a 30 kph speed limit extension; councils standing up to cost-shifting; the Ombudsman investigates a 7-year building permit saga; the 4-day working week on trial in Victoria and the UK; plus more of the week's local government news with Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid. Support the Show.…

On TGU today, the team discusses Merri-bek Council’s controversial resolution on Gaza; tragedy strikes two council communities; monitors start Monday at Glenelg, but who are they?; Strathbogie Council asked to show why it shouldn’t be suspended; a NSW mayor suspended for serious corrupt conduct; should councils operate mobile speed cameras?; and mu…

Joining Chris Eddy on Local Leaders today is Cr Denise Massoud, a former mayor and deputy mayor at Whitehorse City Council, and the current President of the Victorian Local Governance Association. Denise talks about her passion for community and a story of frustration that led to her eventually becoming a councillor; how long-term councillors can c…

On the TGU menu this week, Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic discuss the pending appointment of municipal monitors to Glenelg Shire Council; a Council CEO responds to inaccurate media reporting on the removal of posters relating to the Israel/Gaza conflict; a Supreme Court rejects a former councillor’s appeal against an arbiter’s finding of misconduct; ma…

Cr Jennifer Anderson is today's guest on Local Leaders. Cr Anderson has been mayor of Macedon Ranges Shire five times, and is the current deputy mayor. She speaks with Chris Eddy about how she manages balancing a busy GP practice with her local government career; how her approach to council leadership has changed over time; and the value her broade…

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Hadi Saab, the Mayor of Kingston City Council. Cr Saab is a Druze first-generation Australian born to Lebanese and Syrian parents. He talks to Chris Eddy about his motivations for getting into local government, the progress made this year on significant issues for the Kingston community, and his commitment to im…

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Dr. Josh Fergeus, the Vice President of the VLGA and a councillor at the City of Monash. Josh has a background in social work and a doctorate in foster care and mental health, and is passionate about social justice and the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children in the child protection system. H…

On TGU this week, a call for an overhaul of planning laws in relation to developers; a councillor in court over a fire prevention order; a new homelessness initiative launched in Yarra; IBAC’s new commissioner announced; another councillor resignation; the NT council suspended by the government; deja vu out of New South Wales, and much more local g…

Door Victorian Local Governance Association

Jacqui Weatherill is the CEO of Greater Dandenong City Council, is the most multicultural municipality in Australia. She and her council are passionate about working with diverse and disadvantaged communities. Jacqui talks to Chris Eddy about her career path leading to her taking up the role at Greater Dandenong in late 2022. Her local government c…

Join Chris Eddy, Tony Raunic and Julie Reid for TGU, your weekly rundown of local government happenings from VLGA Connect. Topics for discussion this week include Australian councils reacting to events in the Middle East; the ongoing use of Council prayers; opening briefing sessions to the public; cat curfews; VCAT decisions; sector arrivals and de…

The Mayor of Melton City Council, Cr Lara Carli, joins Chris Eddy on Local Leaders to discuss the challenges and excitement of managing the fastest growing municipality in Australia. Cr Carli says the affordability of housing and the presence of hidden gems like wineries and parks are attracting people to Melton in ever increasing numbers. She emph…

Recorded Thursday , 7th September 2023 Support the Show. To learn more about the events, programs, and training offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), please click here. If you'd like to contact us about the podcast, please send us an email to vlga@vlga.org.au or call us on 03 9349 7999…

VLGA Connect - TGU, 6th October 2023 Julie Reid returns to the TGU panel with Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic to look at the week in local government news. Stories include state government announcements about residential land tax and an extension of an e-scooter trial; a historic joint meeting of three councils in Melbourne’s north; Glen Eira considers …

As a local government CEO, Carl Cowie keeps a low profile in the sector - preferring to focus his efforts on delivering for "the people who pay me." VLGA Connect has secured a rare interview with Carl, who made the move from the private sector to local government originally as CEO of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. He was recently signed up for…

VLGA Connect: TGU, 29th September 2023 Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic unpack the latest local government news, including a change of Premier in Victoria and the likely impact on the sector; more reaction to the government’s housing and planning reforms; a new conduct panel decision leading to a three month councillor suspension; a mistake rectified aft…

Today's guest on VLGA Connect's Local Leaders series is Brett Davis, the CEO of Moyne Shire Council in south west Victoria. Brett has a background in local government and planning, and his planning experience has helped him in his role as CEO. Moyne Shire has implemented innovative initiatives, such as key worker housing in caravan parks, to addres…

"There's a real awakening, especially amongst young people, about the fact that their world is changing and the circumstances in which they're living really need strong and in some cases, dare I say, radical interventions to ensure that their future and standard of living is not only commensurate with those of those of the people who came before th…

VLGA Connect - TGU, 22nd September 2023 It was the week the government unveiled its new housing statement and reforms to the Victorian planning system. How has the local government sector responded? Chris Eddy and Tony Raunic look at the major changes and reactions so far. Also this week, waste charges take the media spotlight, new data shows most …

Today's guest on Local Leaders with Chris Eddy is the CEO of Baw Baw Shire Council, Mark Dupe. Mark has a background in finance and IT, with experience in the private sector before joining local government. He lived and worked in various locations around the world, including Lisbon, Hong Kong, and the United States, before taking up his first local…

On TGU from VLGA Connect this week: The Block pulls out of Hepburn Shire; a new statewide levy short stay accommodation mooted; a council to withdraw fines over a technicality; councils align on regional advocacy and funding programs; a GM’s sacking remains on hold; and do we feed the peacocks? Support the Show. To learn more about the events, prog…

Sitting down with Chris Eddy for today's Local Leaders episode is Cr Karen Foster, the mayor of Moyne Shire Council in southwest Victoria. "There's nothing wrong with being a good and decent person and a kind person. There's nothing wrong with being prepared to listen to other perspectives. It may just shift your own a little bit." Cr Foster is a f…

Today's guest on Local Leaders is Cr Rob Amos, the Mayor of Campaspe Shire Council. "I love what I do. It's very, very busy, particularly this year with the floods recovery stuff. But I absolutely love it." Cr Amos is in his first term as a councillor. He talks about the challenges of learning and adapting to the role, while dealing with challenges…

As part of the VLGA Connect Operation Sandon series, Kathryn Arndt and Chris Eddy are joined by Roberta Ryan, professor of local government at the University of Newcastle. Prof. Ryan was an expert witness during the Operation Sandon enquiry, and gives her perspective on proposed changes to the planning framework and recommendations to bring more in…