Victorian Gambling Loss Figures Released
VLGA releases results of first ever Victorian Councillor Census
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has today launched the results of the sector’s first ever Victorian Councillor Census . The Census has provided invaluable insights into the overall experience of a councillor across the duration of their four-year term. The Census looked to address the opportunities and barriers for councillors, their motivations for standing, any factors influenc
VLGA welcomes report following inquiry into local government funding & services
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) has welcomed the release of a report by the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee, following its Inquiry into local government funding and services in Victoria earlier this year. The Inquiry found rising infrastructure and service delivery costs are outpacing growth in grant funding with some services already being reduced or sto
VLGA calls on sector to do more to bridge the gender gap
The push to increase the number of women councillors elected at the 2024 Victorian local government elections has failed to achieve gender equality. The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is now calling on the sector to work in partnership with them to bridge the gender gap. VLGA CEO, Kathryn Arndt, said while the good news was the sector now has more female councillors in total, it als
Partnerships vital to success of local government housing targets
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) acknowledges Victoria’s housing affordability crisis and its impact on households and local communities across the state. As the leading voice of Victorian councillors, the VLGA hears daily from members about the need for more and better housing options for Victorians. This week’s announcement of new housing targets for individual council areas off
Australian first research highlights unique experience of women councillors
“I’ve got to work out a way that I have the life balance to run again” – next phase of Australian-first research into women’s longevity in local government to be launched this week. The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is an industry partner working with researchers to present Australian-first, internationally published and peer-reviewed research to shine a light on the unique experie
VLGA calls for State Government funding to create safe work environments for women councillors
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) points to the latest research paper produced as part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project which is being undertaken by the VLGA in partnership with LaTrobe University and the University of Melbourne – ‘ Women in Local Government: Understanding their Political Trajectories ’. The paper by Professor Andrea Carson (LaTrobe Universit
Intimidating democracy undermines good governance, but protecting safety is paramount
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is aware of a number of incidents that have occurred during council meetings involving groups of people attending for the purposes of disrupting proceedings. The VLGA is also aware of recent council events that have been disrupted or threatened with disruption by similar groups and individuals. Local government is the most accessible level of gover
The VLGA Calls for Action on Council Culture
The VLGA notes with concern recent reports of conduct issues in Victorian councils. “Local councils, as the arm of government closest to the people, are responsible for the delivery of a vast array of services and facilities that support the health and wellbeing of their local communities. Over the past two-year period and throughout the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, this essential service
New Leadership Program to Get Casey & Whittlesea Locals ‘Stepping Forward’
New Leadership Program to Get Casey & Whittlesea Locals ‘Stepping Forward’ Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the VLGA’s new program, ‘Stepping Forward – Council Influence Incubator’. Specifically designed for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds in the City of Casey and City of Whittlesea, Stepping Forward is a unique program for young people who want to be actively involv