I’ve published an article by Linette Treasure, of Buchan, in the Alpine Community Forum (no longer available) regarding process implications in local government. This will interest everyone who’s concerned about the loss of democracy in Victorian councils since the so-called Kennett reforms and subsequent changes by the Labor Government. The only true democracy in local [...]
Alpine Shire and Greenhouse emissions
A large chunk of the agenda for this month’s Alpine Shire Council meeting is devoted to Greenhouse emissions and climate protection milestones. The agenda confirms that council received funding to employ a Greenhouse Officer. I joked here when the job was advertised that I thought it was a horticultural position. But it’s no joke. Our [...]
Local government taxation
I’m surprised how little debate there is in Australia about the archaic practices of local government taxation. Hopefully the new Howard Government will tackle tax reform in a serious manner, as people like our local MP Sophie Panopoulos have been urging. If this does occur, I would like to see them work with the states [...]
Council Code of Governance
The Victorian Government required all local councils to adopt codes of conduct by January 31, 2004. Alpine Shire has recently advertised a draft code of governance, including a code of conduct, for public comment. I’m very concerned about the draft document and its focus on undermining democratic conventions, particularly the right of public scrutiny. My [...]
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