Report of the Canberra Delegation - Prepared by the LGA Secretariat in conjunction with the Delegates that attended the South Australian Local ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Report of the Canberra Delegation
Prepared by the LGA Secretariat in conjunction
with the Delegates that attended the
South Australian Local Government Delegation to Canberra
on 11 & 12 September 2012
93238
1Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................3
1. Continued Engagement................................................................................................3
2. Funding Proposals........................................................................................................3
3. SA Local Government Policy Issues ............................................................................3
BACKGROUND .......................................................................................................................5
AIMS OF THE DELEGATION..................................................................................................5
OUTCOMES OF THE DELEGATION......................................................................................6
1. Continued Engagement................................................................................................6
2. Funding Proposals........................................................................................................7
3. SA Local Government Policy Issues ............................................................................8
APPENDIX (1)........................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX (2)........................................................................................................................22
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 2Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Continued Engagement
1.1. The LGA’s Federal Election engagement strategy has regard for individual
relationships that Councils and regional groupings of Councils have with their
Federal MPs.
1.2 The LGA prepare information and briefing papers to support Councils to engage
locally on issues.
1.3 The LGA, in consultation with Councils, practical South Australian examples,
across the regions, including metropolitan Adelaide, to demonstrate the issues for
which engagement is being sought.
2. Funding Proposals
2.1 Identifying with Councils, Federal program areas that are currently restricting SA
Local Government engagement and where enhancements could be made.
2.2 Through the LGA’s Local Excellence program identify and promote the financial
models that should be taken into account when considering the contributions that
all spheres of government should make to projects in local or regional areas.
2.3 Engaging with the State Government in joint proposals to the Federal
Government.
2.4 Ensuring that the ALGA policy positions and initiatives are considered when
developing election materials.
3. SA Local Government Policy Issues
3.1 The LGA continues to work with the ALGA on the issue of Constitutional
Recognition of Local Government.
3.2 All Mayors and Chairpersons write and meet with their local Federal MPs to
encourage their support for recognition by Local Government.
3.3 The LGA President and Council Mayors/Chairpersons also seek support from SA
MPs.
3.4 Further work be undertaken, with Councils, to identify specific current Federal
program areas that could be enhanced or where new program areas could be
proposed.
3.5 Examples be identified in all regions of the State (in consultation with Councils) to
demonstrate the scope of projects, including funding models and that these
examples be used in all Federal Election materials.
3.6 The LGA work with Councils on the preparation of the LGA’s submission to the
FAGs review and ensure that all election materials continue to raise SA’s issues
in relation to Identified Local Road funding.
3.7 The LGA work with Regional LGAs and the Metropolitan Local Government
Group to identify regional projects and activities that can be promoted in the
Federal Election campaign.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 3Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
3.8. The recommendations in the LGA’s Regional Development discussion paper form
the basis of ongoing work in relation to policy matters put forward in the
campaign.
3.9 The LGA propose, in consultation with Councils, a more detailed proposal for
emergency management planning support and identify specific infrastructure
projects in key regions of the State.
3.10 The LGA review, with Councils and the State Government, preferred funding and
delivery models for immunisation to take to the Federal Election.
3.11 Proposals for the future of HACC funding be included in the LGA’s list of issues in
the campaign, including having regard to progress with the Federal Government
on its review.
3.12 The LGA continue to promote the product stewardship scheme’s enhancements
to take up other priority waste streams.
3.13 The LGA continue discussions on the waste levy as a funding source for joint
programs and explore proposals to put to State/Federal elections.
3.14 Proposals and projects be identified in consultation with Councils to promote
during the election campaign.
3.15 Practical proposals and projects be identified, in consultation with Councils and
regions, and promoted during the election campaign.
3.16 Given the Opposition position is for the removal of the Carbon Tax the LGA needs
to identify programs (in consultation with Councils) that could still be undertaken
to address the objectives of achieving low carbon.
3.17 LGA continue to monitor the policy direction of the Liberal Party in relation to
carbon reduction schemes.
3.18 Proposals for enhancing current Government programs (in consultation with
Councils) in the light of a continuing carbon tax with a returned government be
explored and examples put forward.
3.19 The LGA continue to cost a proposal for a future program for funding of CWSM.
3.20 The LGA continue to lobby for a Murray Darling Basin Plan that incorporates the
views of Local Government and ensures that SA communities are consulted and
protected.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 4Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
BACKGROUND:
In 2008 the (then) Prime Minister Kevin Rudd invited Mayors and Shire Presidents from
across Australia to attend a Local Government Summit in Canberra. More than 550 Local
Government representatives attended the summit. The event, although considered a
success, was only conducted one further time by Minister Albanese.
In light of the upcoming Federal election, the LGA State Executive Committee requested the
Secretariat coordinate a delegation of South Australian Mayors/Chairpersons and CEOs to
visit Canberra and meet with Federal MPs and Senators from all political parties including
Independents.
Councils who registered interest in attending the delegation put forward the following list of
issues for discussion:
Carbon Tax;
Regional Development;
Infrastructure;
Water Security including the Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan;
Waste Management;
Financial Assistance Grants including SA’s Identified Local Roads; and
The NBN Rollout.
The program was finalised in late August and on 11 and 12 September 2012 the LGA
President hosted a delegation of 25 Mayors/Chairpersons and CEOs in Canberra. Please
refer to appendix (1) for a list of the delegates.
AIMS OF THE DELEGATION:
The aims of the delegation were to:
raise issues of importance to SA Local Government in the lead up to the Federal
election;
seek an early audience with key Federal MPs and Senators from all political parties to
discuss these issues and gain feedback and engagement;
demonstrate to Federal MPs and Senators that the LGA of SA and its members are
keen to engage in policy development; and
meet specifically with South Australian MPs and Senators.
Meetings were held at Parliament House with Labor, Liberal, Greens and Independent
Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Secretaries and Senators. Please refer to appendix
(1) for a copy of the program and appendix (2) for a copy of the post delegation press
release.
Comprehensive briefing papers were prepared by the LGA Secretariat and circulated to LGA
SA delegates as well as Federal MPs and Senators prior to the delegation arriving in
Canberra. The finalised topics were:
Recognising Local Government in the Australian Constitution
Infrastructure
Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs)
Regional Development
Emergency Management – Disaster Resilience
Immunisation
Waste Management – Product Stewardship
Commonwealth Energy Efficiency Programs
Climate Change Adaptation
Managing Carbon
Community Wastewater Management and Recycling
Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 5Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
OUTCOMES OF THE DELEGATION:
This section of the report discusses and makes recommendations on:
the importance of ongoing engagement with Federal MPs and Senators in the lead
up to the Federal Election;
refining approaches to the Federal Government for funding in light of fiscal
constraints; and
the key issues that were addressed during the delegation plus areas for further work.
Also included are recommendations for consideration at the LGA’s AGM on 26 October
2012 shown in italics.
1. Continued Engagement
Delegates felt that engagement at the Federal level was worthwhile and that a further
delegation may be required in the latter part of the LGA’s campaign in the lead up to
the election. A working party, comprising the Mayors and CEOs that attended the
delegation was set up to establish and monitor follow up tasks.
In order to build on the discussions at the delegation and to further establish issues of
importance to SA Local Government continued engagement is necessary and
desirable. This engagement can be undertaken by Councils individually, via their
regional associations, during any already established regular meetings with Federal
MPs and collectively through to LGA.
In terms of continued engagement, the LGA State Executive Committee resolved at its
20 September 2012 meeting:
for the LGA President to write to each representative the Canberra Delegation met
with thanking them for their time and summarising the issues raised;
the LGA President with representation from the working party, where appropriate,
holding follow-up meetings with relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers,
Parliamentary Secretaries, Independent MPs, and minor Parties to present and
discuss the policy documents;
specific meetings occurring with SA Members and Senators; and
the LGA Secretariat preparing a communications plan to guide the approach by the
LGA and Councils in raising issues in the lead up to the Federal Election to be
endorsed by the Senior State Executive Committee.
The LGA will progress these recommendations, however it is considered valuable to
work with all Councils on the next phase of the campaign. It is therefore recommended
that:
1.2. The LGA’s Federal Election engagement strategy has regard for individual
relationships that Councils and regional groupings of Councils have with
their Federal MPs.
1.2. The LGA prepare information and briefing papers to support Councils to
engage locally on issues.
1.3. The LGA, in consultation with Councils, document practical South
Australian examples, across the regions, including metropolitan Adelaide,
to demonstrate the issues for which engagement is being sought.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 6Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
2. Funding Proposals
It was clear that in all of our discussions with Federal MPs and Senators, regardless of
what political party was before us, that there was concern about the availability of funds
for new programs.
The Government provided the clear message that funding is tight and the Opposition
communicated a similar understanding.
It is therefore appropriate that any proposals that South Australian Local Government
puts forward, consideration be given to:
repackaging programs to meet new and emerging needs;
defining where it is appropriate for local communities, through their rate
contributions, to be funding collaborative activities with other Councils and/or other
spheres of government;
defining the proportion of funding that should be contributed by Local Government
to a collaborative project alongside other spheres of government;
discontinuing some programs in order to create other more targeted arrangements;
and
better financial relationships which may include reference to GST payments.
It is recommended to the sector that in our next phase of the Federal Election
campaign emphasis be given to:
2.1 Identifying with Councils, Federal program areas that are currently
restricting SA Local Government engagement and propose changes.
2.2 Through the LGA’s Local Excellence program identify and promote the
financial models that should be taken into account when considering the
contributions that all spheres of government should make to projects in
local or regional areas.
2.3 Establish the models for engaging with the State Government in joint
proposals to the Federal Government.
2.4 Ensuring that the ALGA policy positions and initiatives are considered
when developing election materials.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 7Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
3. SA Local Government Policy Issues
Set out below (in shaded areas) are each of the issues that the LGA Delegation raised
for discussion in Canberra in September 2012. Also included are the broad
recommendations made to support discussions. Included under each issue are further
proposals for activities to take into the next phase of the delegation.
Title: RECOGNISING LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE AUSTRALIAN
CONSTITUTION
Issue: Deciding on timeframes to give a referendum the best chance of
success.
Recommendations:
Support be given for an open debate about the timing of a referendum which takes into
account the costs and incorporates as far as possible, views regarding indigenous
recognition and have confidence in the ALGA managing our interests with the Australian
Government on this matter.
Since the delegation the Federal Government has announced that the recognition of
Aboriginal Australians in the Australian Constitution will not proceed at the next Federal
Election as further preparation is required.
The ALGA Board has called on the Federal Government to establish a Parliamentary
Committee to commence more formalised consideration of the issue particularly in light
of the recommendations for recognition of Local Government, by the Federal
Government’s Panel. These recommendations in effect support the proposal of the
ALGA, which is financial recognition.
It was also clear to those participating in the delegation that more work needed to be
done to garner the support of South Australian MPs and Senators.
It is therefore proposed that as part of the LGA’s ongoing Federal Election campaign:
3.1 The LGA continues to work with the ALGA on the issue of Constitutional
Recognition of Local Government.
3.2 All Mayors and Chairpersons write and meet with their local Federal MPs to
encourage their support for recognition by Local Government.
3.3 The LGA President and Council Mayors/Chairpersons also seek support
from State MPs.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 8Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Title: INFRASTRUCTURE
Issue: Sustainable Management of Local Government and Community
Infrastructure in South Australia
Recommendations:
Regional Airports
A specific infrastructure fund be introduced (that can be matched with funds from Local
Governments and in some cases State Government) for regional airports or reshaping
current infrastructure funding programs to include a specific stream for regional airports.
Roads and Transport Corridors
Permanent funding arrangements be determined to enable Local Government to facilitate
and ensure a well managed and sustainable transport system with appropriate access and
levels of service for all communities.
Delivery of NBN to Regional South Australia
A coordinated approach to National Broadband Network Extension applications be
established through engagement with Local Government and regional development
structures (such as RDAs).
Waste Water/Storm water Opportunities
Support for stormwater harvesting and re-use projects in South Australia be enhanced.
The above recommendations were provided as examples of the types of infrastructure
challenges in SA. They were not presented as the only areas where support would be
required.
During discussions on the general issues of infrastructure there was considerable
discussion regarding funding. It is clear that innovative solutions will be required,
including with the private sector. There was also discussion regarding the reshaping of
current programs and the value of continuing some programs.
It would appear that storm water infrastructure funding linked to water recycling and the
challenges of the Murray Darling Basin is a fruitful area for further work to be
undertaken and policy proposals put forward.
The Federal Minister for Regional Development & Local Government also highlighted
his interest in working with Councils to consider recommendations resulting from the
Ernst & Young Report into Infrastructure 2012, for more information please refer to LGA
Circular 39.9.
It is therefore proposed that as part of the LGA’s ongoing Federal Election campaign:
3.4 Further work be undertaken, with Councils, to identify specific current
Federal program areas that could be enhanced or where new program areas
could be proposed.
3.5 Examples be identified in all regions of the State (in consultation with
Councils) to demonstrate the scope of projects, including funding models
and that these examples be used in all Federal Election materials.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 9Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Title: FINANICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS (FAGs)
Issue: South Australian Councils are seeking resolution to the
inequitable funding allocation of Identified Local Road Grant
funding to SA which is a component of the FAGs
Recommendations:
That current supplementary Identified Local Road Grant allocation to South Australian Local
Governments be institutionalised within the Australian Government FAGs program.
Review of the equity and efficiency of the total current funding of the FAGS program should
ensure that the distribution of this funding is based on the relative needs of Local
Government in States and Territories for local roads rather than the current historical share.
Following release of the briefing papers the FAGs Review was announced by the
Federal Minister for Local Government. The LGA is preparing a submission to the
Review (refer LGA Circular 36.8).
3.6 The LGA work with Councils on the preparation of the LGA’s submission to
the FAGs review and ensure that all election materials continue to raise
SA’s issues in relation to Identified Local Road funding.
Title: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Issue: Developing criteria and processes for working in regions.
Recommendations:
The Australian Government work with Local Government and regional structures in South
Australia to develop the criteria and processes for determining when a program or issue will
be dealt with through a regional development structure or Local Government. It is anticipated
the project methodologies could then be applied to other States.
It is clear that under the current government RDAs will continue to play a role in
commenting on proposals from Councils and communities in relation to the Regional
Development Australia Fund. Since the delegation the Federal Government has
entered into an MOU with the LGA and State Government and the Mayors of the Upper
Spencer Gulf Region (Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Whyalla) to generate economic and
social growth. This MOU should also support the Councils in surrounding areas
benefiting from economic growth in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The LGA’s discussion paper on Regional Development has now been finalised and
endorsed by SAROC and MLGG and will be distributed to relevant Federal politicians
with particular emphasis on the recommendations related to Federal Government
engagement.
3.7 The LGA work with Regional LGAs and the Metropolitan Local Government
Group to identify regional projects and activities that can be promoted in
the Federal Election campaign.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 10Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
3.8 The recommendations in the LGA’s Regional Development discussion
paper form the basis of ongoing work in relation to policy matters put
forward in the campaign.
Title: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – DISASTER RESILIENCE
Issue: There is inadequate funding at the Federal and State levels to
allow realistic implementation of strategies to support disaster
resilience in communities
Recommendations:
Greater allocation of funds to conduct emergency management planning.
Greater allocation of funds for infrastructure projects.
Discussions in relation to this matter during the delegation focussed on the National
Disaster Resilience Agreement and the focus on resilience rather than “fixing up” after
a disaster and the definition of “essential public assets”. There was also discussion
about the interaction between State and Federal governments in addressing disaster
management issues and the importance of having accurate risk profiles. Early warning
systems were also discussed.
3.9 The LGA propose, in consultation with Councils, a more detailed proposal
for emergency management planning support and identify specific
infrastructure projects in key regions of the State.
Title: IMMUNISATION
Issue: The funding provided to Councils by the Federal Government for
the provision of immunisation services is significantly below that
provided to doctors and as a result some Councils are looking
into discontinuing their programs.
Recommendations:
Local Government in South Australia receives an equitable (to the private sector) funding
model for the delivery of immunisations. This may include being provided with a Medicare
Provider Number for remuneration for immunisation services in the same way as a GP.
It was clear from our discussions that legislative change would be required to enable
Councils to receive a Medicare Provider Number so this proposal is not likely to
proceed. Future proposals, to improve South Australia’s position, would need to seek
changes to the Federal/State Agreement on immunisation funding.
There was also considerable discussion regarding general public health issues,
including the future arrangements for HACC funding that is highlighted in LGA Circular
33.4 and for which discussions are occurring with the Federal Minister.
It was clear from discussions with the Opposition that the HACC program was likely to
continue and there was interest in the views of Local Government in relation to any
program reviews.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 11Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
3.10 The LGA review, with Councils and the State Government, preferred funding
and delivery models for immunisation to take to the Federal Election.
3.11 Proposals for the future of HACC funding be included in the LGA’s list of
issues in the campaign, including having regard to progress with the
Federal Government on its review.
Title: WASTE MANAGEMENT – PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
Issue: The consequences of increasing expectations on Local
Government to collect all waste streams.
Recommendations:
A 10-year program for implementation of a product stewardship scheme be developed that
features a schedule of waste streams to be covered, consultation and implementation
timeframes, and what type of scheme it will be.
The following waste streams be prioritized for product stewardship schemes:
• all e-waste not covered by the television and computer scheme;
• oil;
• tyres;
• furniture (including mattresses); and
• treated timber (including Copper Chrome Arsenate and Creosote).
Co-regulatory schemes be preferred over voluntary schemes in order to ensure
effectiveness.
General discussion was conducted on current container deposit legislation and the
positive outcomes achieved by South Australia in the area of product stewardship.
Discussions on this topic also emphasised issues associated to the changing waste
stream.
The Opposition’s position to abolish the carbon price and the direct implications that
this would have on land fills was discussed. There were also discussions regarding the
land fill waste levy in SA and its collection/use in comparison to other states. General
discussions took place on possible joint State/Federal/Local proposals linked to the
income generated from the State waste levy. It was emphasised by the Federal MPs
that the landfill levy is a State issue albeit that it provides a funding stream for joint
collaboration.
3.12 The LGA continue to promote the product stewardship scheme’s
enhancements to take up other priority waste streams.
3.13 The LGA continue discussions on the waste levy as a funding source for
joint programs and explore proposals to put to State/Federal elections.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 12Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Title: COMMONWEALTH ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
Issue: The LGA is concerned by the assessment process used by the
Commonwealth to assess energy efficiency project applications.
The current methodology is considered inappropriate and
perversely penalizes South Australia for generating renewable
energy.
Recommendations:
Regardless of the funding mechanism (carbon price or alternative), the LGA recommends
that Australian Government programs targeted at Local Government are maintained and
enhanced to assist Councils and their communities transition to a low carbon future.
Australian Government energy efficiency funding programs should be assessed using
National Grid Emission Intensity factors so as to provide equitable opportunities between
States to gain funding.
The delegation heard the views of MPs on the matter of the Carbon Price with the
Opposition clearly reinforcing their position to remove the ‘tax’.
Discussion took place on the current energy efficiency funding program, specifically the
application of the national grid emission intensity factor which impacts on SA’s access
to funding.
There was also discussion on the large cost of public lighting to South Australian
Councils and the need to assist Councils in transitioning to alternative low energy
technologies.
Liberal party policy on “green army” initiatives were raised as an area where Local
Government would have a clear role and proposals were welcomed.
3.14 Establish preferred proposals for energy efficiency and environmental
management, in consultation with Councils, to promote during the election
campaign.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 13Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Title: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
Issue: Climate change poses a number of significant issues for Local
Government particularly in understanding the long term impacts
and assessing the most appropriate actions to build resilience.
Recommendations:
That the Federal Government considers the establishment of a program to provide funding
for the establishment of Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) studies and the
preparation of regional climate adaptation plans.
This program should include Government support in developing a climate adaptation
community of knowledge in Australia and coordinate and facilitate National research and
policy findings.
This program should facilitate a coordinated National climate adaptation community effort to
respond to key challenges such as addressing barriers to effective climate adaptation.
Local Government in SA was recognised by the Federal MPs as having undertaken
considerable work in this area and in some instances leading the nation on Local
Government issues, responses and research.
3.15 Practical proposals and projects be identified, in consultation with Councils
and regions, that can be implemented to address climate change and
promoted during the election campaign.
Title: MANAGING CARBON
Issue: Local Government is a key stakeholder in delivering Federal
Government policy objectives relating to carbon, particularly in
relation to energy efficiency, renewable energy and land use.
Recommendations:
Regardless of the funding mechanism (carbon price or alternative) it is recommended that
Federal Government programs targeted at Local Government are maintained and enhanced,
and further programs developed to assist Councils and their communities’ transition to a low
carbon future.
The LGA is keen to actively engage with the Federal Government to develop and coordinate
mutually beneficial programs in South Australia that deliver CEF policy objectives.
In a similar way that a small proportion of the South Australian Solid Waste Levy 3 is returned
to the Local Government sector the LGA recommends the Federal Government works with
the LGA to develop funding programs to assist for Local Government in the delivery of low
carbon waste management solutions.
The Opposition maintained their position for the removal of the carbon price.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 14Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Federal Government representatives were keen to be informed of any evidence based
negative impacts of the carbon price and to receive feedback on further options to
minimise these impacts.
3.16 Given the Opposition position is for the removal of the Carbon Tax, the LGA
identify programs, in consultation with Councils, to address the objectives
of achieving low carbon.
3.17 The LGA continue to monitor the policy direction of the Liberal Party in
relation to carbon reduction schemes.
3.18 The LGA identify, in consultation with Councils, proposals for enhancing
current Government programs in the light of a continuing carbon tax with a
returned government.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 15Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Title: COMMUNITY WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING
Issue: Provision of ongoing funding to support South Australian
Councils in the provision of Community Wastewater Management
infrastructure, including reuse rather than disposal).
Recommendations:
South Australian Local Government seeks a funding partnership with the Federal
Government for the “re-use” component of new schemes that are funded under the State
Government program.
Discussions centered around the successful past funding relationship in this area and
the original recommendation seemed appropriate to pursue.
3.19 The LGA continue to cost, in consultation with Councils, a proposal for a
future program for funding of CWSM.
Title: Murray-Darling Basin Plan
Issue: A plan needs to be implemented to ensure the long term
environmental, social and economic future of the Murray-Darling
Basin
Recommendations:
That the Commonwealth Government continue to work with State and Local Government to
ensure that communities in South Australia are transitioned in to and throughout the new
management regime; and
That funding opportunities for South Australian communities are made available to assist
with the transition phase to a new water economy.
The group emphasised the desirability for there to be a plan albeit with adjustments as
it is rolled out.
The importance of storm water infrastructure being appropriately supported in key
areas was an important issue for Councils in SA and the delegation emphasised this.
3.20 The LGA continue to lobby for a Murray Darling Basin Plan that
incorporates the views of Local Government and ensures that SA
communities are consulted and protected.
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 16Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
APPENDIX (1)
CANBERRRA DELEGATION ATTENDEES AND PROGRAM
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 17Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
LGA CANBERRA DELEGATION
TUESDAY 11 & WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2012
PROGRAM
Meetings with Government Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Opposition
Spokespersons, Minor Parties and Independents
In attendance:
Mayor Kym McHugh LGA President
Wendy Campana LGA Chief Executive Officer
Emily White Director Intergovernmental Relations & Regional Development
Adelaide Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood
Barossa Mayor Brian Hurn OAM
Berri Barmera CEO David Beaton
Copper Coast Mayor Paul Thomas
Grant Mayor Richard Sage
CEO Trevor Smart - apology
Karoonda East Murray Mayor Kevin Burdett
Light CEO Brian Carr
Loxton Waikerie Mayor Leon Stasinowsky
Mitcham Mayor Michael Picton
Naracoorte & Lucindale Mayor Erika Vickery
Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg
Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty
Pt Pirie Mayor Brenton Vanstone
Prospect Mayor David O'Loughlin
Tea Tree Gully Mayor Miriam Smith
Wakefield Regional CEO Cate Atkinson
Wattle Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi
CEO Frank Brennan
Yankalilla Mayor Malcolm Schlein
Yorke Peninsula Mayor Ray Agnew OAM
CEO Andrew Cameron
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 18Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
DAY 1: TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2012
6.30 am. Depart Adelaide to Canberra
8.50 am Arrive Canberra
11.00 am Leave for Parliament House
11.30 am LGA Briefing
12.00 noon Luncheon with SA Federal MPs and Senators
The Hon Mark Butler Member for Port Adelaide; Minister for
Mental Health and Ageing; Minister for
Social Inclusion; Minister Assisting the
Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform
Patrick Secker Member for Barker
Dr Andrew Southcott Member for Boothby
Steve Georganas Member for Hindmarsh
Jamie Briggs Member for Mayo
Rowan Ramsey Member for Grey
Nick Champion Member for Wakefield
Tony Zappia Member for Makin
Amanda Rishworth Member for Kingston
Senator David Fawcett
Senator Sean Edwards
Senator Don Farrell
Senator Alex Gallacher - apology
Senator Sarah Hansen-Young - apology
Senator the Hon Penny Wright
Senator Anne Ruston
2.00 pm Attendance at Question Time
3.30 pm Meeting with Tony Rolfe adviser to The Hon Peter Dutton, Shadow
Minister for Health & Ageing.
4.30 pm The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action,
Environment and Heritage
4.50 pm The Hon Tony Abbott MP, Leader of the Opposition, Member for
Warringah
5.00 pm The Hon Anthony Albanese, Leader of the House; Minister for
Infrastructure and Transport
5.30 pm The Hon Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Development and Local
Government
7.30 pm Dinner, including debriefing
Speaker Glenn H Milne - "The state of politics Federally"
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 19Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2012
7.00 am Breakfast and Briefing
10.00 am Senator Barnaby Joyce, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate; Shadow
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water
10.30 am The Hon Warren Truss MP, Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for
Infrastructure and Transport
11.00 am The Hon Nicola Roxon, Attorney-General
11.30 am The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water,
Population and Communities
12noon Lunch and Debriefing (Independents invited to this luncheon)
Tony Windsor MP
Senator Nick Xenophon
2.00 pm Question Time – The Senate
3.30 pm Debrief – “Where to from here”
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 20Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
LGA CANBERRA DELEGATION
TUESDAY 11 & WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2012
LIST OF ISSUES/BRIEFING PAPERS
Meeting Issues
The Hon Peter Dutton MP No 6 - Immunisation
Shadow Minister for Health & Ageing
(Meeting with Tom Fleming or Tony Rolfe –
Advisors)
The Hon Greg Hunt MP No 7 - Waste Management - Product
Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Stewardship
Environment & Heritage No 9 - Climate Action Adaptation
No 8 - Commonwealth Energy Efficiency
Program
No 10 - Managing Carbon
The Hon Anthony Albanese No 2 Infrastructure
Leader of the House;
Minister for Infrastructure & Transport
The Hon Simon Crean MP No 1 - Recognising Local Government in the
Minister for Regional Development & Local Australian Constitution
Government No 4 - Regional Development
No 3 – Financial Assistance Grants
The Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP No 8 Commonwealth Energy Efficiency
Cabinet Secretary; Parliamentary Secretary Programs
for Climate Change & Energy Efficiency; No 9 Climate Change Adaptation
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry & No 10 Managing Carbon
Innovation
Senator Barnaby Joyce, Leader of the No 1 - Recognising Local Government in the
Nationals in the Senate; Shadow Minister for Australian Constitution
Regional Development, Local Government No 3 – Financial Assistance Grants
and Water No 4 - Regional Development
No 11 - Community Waste Water &
Recycling
No. 12 Murray Darling Basin Plan (new
paper)
The Hon Warren Truss MP No 2 - Infrastructure
Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Minister for
Infrastructure & Transport
The Hon Nicola Roxon MP No 5 - Emergency Management Disaster
Minister for Emergency Management Resilience
The Hon Tony Burke MP No 11 - Community Waste Water &
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Recycling
Water, Population & Communities No 12 Murray Darling Basin Plan (new
paper)
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 21Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
APPENDIX (2)
CANBERRA DELEGATION PRESS RELEASE
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 22Report of the Canberra Delegation - September 2012
Media Release
Date: 12 September 2012
Embargo:
Pages: 1
Canberra receives Councils’ message
The South Australian Local Government Association's two day delegation to Canberra has highlighted
common problems, revealed the need to streamline and cut red tape between the spheres of
Government and shown up areas where more research and information needs to be gathered.
LGA President, Mayor Kym McHugh, led the 25 member delegation of Mayors and Chief Executive
Officers, to Canberra to meet with Government, Opposition and Independent Members of the Federal
Parliament to remind Federal politicians of the importance of South Australia to the nation.
"South Australia was well represented on this trip," Mayor McHugh said. "Delegates provided a cross
section of Local Government in SA, small, medium and large Councils, metropolitan and rural.
"Some have the Murray Darling Basin Plan firmly in their sights, others are facing climate change
adaptation management and disaster management issues, others have concerns about the level of
funding for immunisation programs.
"All issues and interests were well represented and we achieved what we set out to do, to showcase
SA Local Government, warts and all, to discuss the space we are in and must continue to occupy, the
issues we are facing and the politics that have to be worked with."
Mayor McHugh said the clear message from both the Government and the Opposition is that money is
in short supply.
"It is very clear that there is no pot of gold," he said. "So we have to look at working smarter and more
efficiently. We have to look at where we can partner with the State and Federal governments and
where we will have to bite the bullet and go it alone.
"This visit has certainly given us a greater insight and understanding of the issues facing the current
and future Federal Government and it was a timely visit, sort of an early intervention into the minds of
our policy makers while political agendas and programs are being put in place for the next Federal
Election.
"Our group approach, has achieved a greater awareness, at the Federal level of our concerns but we
have some work to do as well to gather more and better information to press our case in areas of
waste management, climate change, immunisation and other issues.
"We have been reassured that the Federal door is wide open to us and we are encouraged by the
tremendous hearing we have had and information we have received from the Government, Opposition
and Independent Members that we have met with this week."
For further information contact: Media Officer Mary Ann Stenberg 0428 860 274
93238 Local Government Association of South Australia 23You can also read
