MENU
VLGA Congratulates Daniel Andrews & the Victorian Labor Party on their Election Victory
As the independent peak body for local government in Victoria, the VLGA looks forward to working in partnership with the returned Andrews Labor Government in implementing its election commitments, including:
- An inquiry of its rate capping policy to ensure fairness and equity
- Protecting Melbourne’s green wedges from over development
- Revitalisation and upgrading of parklands and suburban reserves to increase health and wellbeing of residents
- Comprehensive kindergarten services to ensure our children get the best start; and
- Record investments in transport infrastructure including additional level crossing removals in some of our most congested networks.
In addition, the VLGA will continue the work undertaken by the government in the local government sector, including:
- Progressing the Local Government Bill to ensure a contemporary legislative framework for council governance
- Advancing and supporting the Victorian Gender Equality Strategy and continuing our role in encouraging and supporting women to stand in local government elections
- Implementing actions identified in the Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Action Plan
- Enhancing the financial sustainability of rural councils and to protect them against freezing or cut backs of Federal Assistance Grants.
Councils are complex organisations that provide on average 100 services to their community, often on behalf of the other two tiers of government. The responsibilities of councillors are therefore significant and often under recognised.
It is heartening to see several former and current serving councillors elected into parliament to continue to represent the interests of their local communities.
The VLGA also looks forward to working collaboratively with the opposition and members of the legislative council in the 49thparliament. We would also like to extend our thanks to Hon Natalie Hutchins MP, Member for Sydenham, and former Minister for Local Government (as well as Minister for Women, Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) on her tireless efforts across all portfolios. Although we are sad to hear the announcement of her departure from the Cabinet, we wish Ms Hutchins and her family all the best, and look forward to working with her in her capacity as the Member for Sydenham.
