Notice of Meeting · That the SAROC Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July...

ECM 643242 Local Government Association of South Australia

Notice of Meeting

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) Committee will be held on

Wednesday 28 September 2016 at 3.00pm

(Rescheduled from 21 September 2016)

Boardrooms at Local Government House

148 Frome Street, Adelaide

Matt Pinnegar

Chief Executive Officer

22 September 2016


SAROC Committee Members

Chairperson Position vacant

Region Representatives and Proxies

Central LG Region

Mayor Peter Mattey (Chairperson) Goyder

Mayor Ray Agnew OAM (LGA Board) Yorke Peninsula

Mayor Denis Clark (LGA Board) Northern Areas

Deputy Member: Mayor Allan Aughey Clare & Gilbert Valleys

Deputy Member: Mayor Sandra Wauchope Mount Remarkable

Mr David Stevenson Executive Officer

Eyre Peninsula LGA

Mayor Bruce Green (President) Port Lincoln

Deputy Member: Mayor Sam Telfer Tumby Bay

Mr Tony Irvine Executive Officer

Limestone Coast LGA

Mayor Erika Vickery (President) Naracoorte Lucindale

Deputy Member: Mayor Richard Sage Grant

Mr Dominic Testoni Executive Officer

Murraylands & Riverland LGA

Mayor Dave Burgess (President & LGA President))

Mid Murray

Mayor Peter Hunt* (Vice President & LGA Board)

Berri Barmera

Mayor Neville Jaensch (LGA Board) Coorong

Deputy Member: Mayor Leon Stasinowsky Loxton Waikerie

Mr Peter Bond Executive Officer

Southern & Hills LGA

Mayor Bill Spragg (President) Adelaide Hills

Mayor Ann Ferguson OAM* (LGA Board) Mount Barker

Deputy Member: Mayor Keith Parkes Alexandrina

Mr Graeme Martin Executive Officer

Spencer Gulf Cities

Mayor Sam Johnson (Chairperson) Port Augusta

Deputy Member: Mayor John Rohde Port Pirie

Ms Anita Crisp Executive Officer

Observer

LGA Immediate Past President Mayor David O’Loughlin Prospect

*LGA Vice Presidents


Agenda

Item Page

1. Election of SAROC Chairperson 4

2. Welcome, Present & Apologies

2.1 Present

2.2 Apologies

3. Minutes of Previous Meeting

3.1 Minutes of the meeting held 20 July 2016 5

3.2 Resolutions and Actions from previous meetings 12

4. Invited Guest Speakers

Nil

5. LGA President’s Report 15

6. Regional Executive Officers’ Meeting

7. Items for Discussion

7.1 LGA Governance Review Update 17

7.2 457 Visa Holders 20

7.3 Automated Fire Danger Signs 24

7.4 Conflict of Interest 46

8. Confidential Items

Nil

9. Any Other Business

10. Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 16 November 2016 at 4.00pm at Mid Murray Council, 49 Adelaide Road, Mannum.

11. Close

2016 Meeting Dates Remaining 16 November (Regional location - Mid-Murray Council)

SAROC Committee Agenda - 28 September 2016 - of 47

Local Government Association of South Australia

1. Election of a SAROC Chairperson

Election of Chairperson

From: David Hitchcock, Director, Infrastructure

Key Initiative: K.I 1 Leadership and advocacy

Strategy: 3A Lead by example

Meeting: SAROC Committee Date: 28 September 2016

ECM: 641883 Attachment: Nil

Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee elects a Chairperson to hold office for a period of 12 months commencing 28 September 2016.

Discussion

Rule 110.5 of the LGA Constitution reads:

“The committee (SAROC) must choose a chair for a period of up to 12 months from members who are also Board Members. When the chair is absent from any meeting, an acting chair for the purposes of that meeting must be chosen from the Board Members present”.

Mayor Erika Vickery was previously elected as SAROC Chairperson on 18 March 2015.

Due to the effluxion of time the position is vacant and an election for the position is required at the commencement of the meeting.

The Returning Officer for the election is the LGA Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer may appoint a Deputy Returning Officer to conduct the election.

Mr David Hitchcock, Director Infrastructure will open the meeting in capacity as appointed Deputy Returning Officer.

Nominations for the position of SAROC Chairperson will be then invited by the Deputy Returning Officer. Following which the new Chairperson will commence the meeting.

If more than one nomination is received, an election will need to be held at the meeting. All voting members of the SAROC Committee are entitled to a vote.

Voting Members are:

• the Presiding Member or the Deputy Presiding Member of a Regional LGA;

• in the absence of the voting Member (e.g. Presiding Member or Deputy Presiding Member) of a Regional LGA, the Proxy Member for the Regional LGA; and

• the Executive Officer of a Regional LGA.

If an election is required, the meeting will need to determine the manner in which this is to be conducted. It is suggested that a secret ballot would be appropriate.



3.1 Minutes of the Meeting held 20 July 2016

Minutes of Previous Meeting

From: Jacqui Kelleher, Manager Executive Services


ECM: 641885 Attachment: 640814

Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July 2016 as a true and accurate record of the proceedings held.

Discussion

The draft minutes of the SA Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) Committee meeting held on 20 July 2016 are attached.

Attachment


ECM 640814 Local Government Association of South Australia Page 1 of 7

South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC) Committee Meeting Draft Minutes

Meeting held Wednesday 20 July 2016

4:00pm

Boardrooms

Local Government House

148 Frome Street, Adelaide

DRAFT



4.00pm prior to the commencement of the meeting, LGA Director Infrastructure, Mr David Hitchcock called for nominations of a Chairperson for the meeting in the absence of SAROC Chairperson, Mayor Vickery.

Mayor Mattey nominated Mayor Ferguson, who accepted the nomination.

There being no other nominations, Mayor Ferguson took the chair of the meeting.

1 WELCOME, PRESENT & APOLOGIES 4.02pm Mayor Ferguson assumed the role of Chair and welcomed members to the meeting. She acknowledged that the meeting was being held on the land of the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region.

Mayor Ray Agnew OAM Central Local Government Region

Mr Peter Bond Murraylands & Riverland LGA

Mayor Denis Clark Central Local Government Region

Mayor Ann Ferguson OAM Southern & Hills LGA

Mayor Peter Hunt Murraylands & Riverland LGA

Mr Tony Irvine Eyre Peninsula LGA

Mayor Neville Jaensch Murraylands & Riverland LGA

Mayor Sam Johnson (from 4.15pm) Spencer Gulf Cities

Mr Graeme Martin Southern & Hills LGA

Mayor Peter Mattey Central Local Government Region

Mr David Stevenson Central Local Government Region

Mayor Bill Spragg (from 4.17pm) Southern & Hills LGA

Mr Dominic Testoni Limestone Coast LGA

Mayor Keith Parkes (Proxy) Southern & Hills LGA

Mayor Richard Sage(Proxy) Limestone Coast LGA

Mayor Sam Telfer (Proxy) Eyre Peninsula LGA

LGA Secretariat:

Kathy Jarrett Executive Director Corporate & Member Services

Lisa Teburea Executive Director Public Affairs

David Hitchcock Director, Infrastructure

Stephen Smith Director, Policy

Robert Drusetta Director, Corporate Services

Skana Gallery Senior Policy Adviser

Astrid Crago Administration Coordinator

Jamie-lee Mahoney Customer Service Officer

DRAFT



1.1 Apologies

Apologies and absences were noted:

Mayor Dave Burgess Murray lands & Riverland LGA & LGA President

Ms Anita Crisp Spencer Gulf Cities

Mayor Bruce Green Eyre Peninsula LGA

Mayor David O’Loughlin LGA Immediate Past President (Observer)

Mayor Erika Vickery Limestone Coast LGA

Mayor Allan Aughey (Proxy) Central Local Government Region

Mayor John Rohde (Proxy) Spencer Gulf Cities

Mayor Leon Stasinowsky (Proxy) Murraylands & Riverland LGA

Mayor Sandra Wauchope (Proxy) Central Local Government Region

2 Minutes of Previous Meeting

2.1 Minutes of the Meeting held 19 May 2016

Moved Mayor Agnew OAM Seconded Mayor Hunt that the SAROC Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2016 as a true and accurate record of the proceedings held.

CARRIED

2.2 Resolutions and Actions from the meeting of 19 May 2016

Moved Mayor Hunt Seconded Mayor Clark that the SAROC Committee notes progress with resolutions resulting from the 19 May 2016 meeting and outstanding resolutions from earlier meetings.

CARRIED

3 Invited Guest Speakers This item was dealt with at 4.25pm after Item 5.

3.1 John Phalen, Director of Engagement, Department of Premier & Cabinet

Mr John Phalen, Director of Engagement, Department of Premier & Cabinet (DP&C) and Dr Geordan Graetz, Community Engagement Advisor, DP&C, spoke about the Nuclear Fuel

DRAFT



Cycle (NFC) and give an overview of the engagement process for the NFC Royal Commission. Mr Phalen and Mr Graetz answered questions from members.

3.2 Stuart Peevor – Manager Pricing and Access, Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA)

Mr Stuart Peevor gave an overview of ESCOSA and spoke about an inquiry being conducted into small scale water, sewerage and energy retailers and how the inquiry relates to Local Government.

4 President’s Report Ms Kathy Jarrett, Executive Director Corporate & Member Services, addressed the meeting regarding the process the LGA is undertaking in regard to the issue of City of Marion’s LGA membership.

Moved Mayor Telfer seconded Mayor Agnew that the SAROC Committee:

1. noted the passing of Jim Pollock, previous Mayor of Whyalla and strong advocate of regional communities; and

2. requests the LGA Secretariat to send a letter of condolence to his family.

CARRIED

4.15pm Mayor Johnson joined the meeting.

Mayor Agnew commended the LGA’s rates campaign.

4.17pm Mayor Spragg joined the meeting.

Moved Mayor Hunt Seconded Mayor Telfer that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

5 Regional Executive Officers’ Meeting Mr Peter Bond gave a verbal update on the Regional Development Australia workshop held earlier in the day.

4.25pm the meeting moved to Item 3.

6 Confidential Items Nil.

DRAFT



7 Items for Discussion Received from SAROC Committee members and the LGA

7.1 LGA Reviews Update

Ms Kathy Jarrett, Executive Director Corporate & Member Services, addressed the group to seek feedback on the role and structure of the LGA.

Moved Mayor Agnew OAM Seconded Mayor Clark that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

7.2 Collaboration in Delivery of Road Management Services

There was general discussion.

Moved Mayor Mattey Seconded Mayor Jaensch that the SAROC Committee:

1. notes the report; and

2. endorses a funding application being submitted by the EPLGA to the LGA Research and Development Scheme to facilitate development of suitable local government local road service standards.

CARRIED

7.3 Rubble Royalties

Moved Mayor Clark Seconded Mayor Hunt that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

7.4 Local Government Reform Project

Moved Mayor Telfer Seconded Mayor Agnew OAM that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

7.5 Federal Election Strategy

Moved Mayor Clark Seconded Mayor Agnew OAM that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

DRAFT



8 Late Items

8.1 Regional Procurement Initiative

Moved Mr Bond Seconded Mayor Clark that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

9 Any Other Business

9.1 Special Local Road Funding Applications

Mayor Agnew spoke to the recent Special Local Road Program Funding recommendations made by the Local Government Transport Advisory Panel (LGTAP).

9.2 457 Visa Holders

Mr Dominic Testoni raised his concerns about Visa holders and proposed childcare costs.

10 Next Meeting The next meeting of the SAROC Committee will be held on Wednesday 28 September 2016 at 4.00pm to be held in Local Government Association Boardrooms, 148 Frome Street, Adelaide.

11 Close The meeting was declared closed at 5.51pm.

………………………………………..

Chairperson

28 September 2016

DRAFT



3.2 Resolutions and Actions from Previous Meetings

Minutes of Previous Meeting

From: David Hitchcock, Director, Infrastructure



Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee notes progress with resolutions resulting from the 20 July 2016 meeting and outstanding resolutions from earlier meetings.

Discussion

The attachment shows progress of resolutions from previous meetings of the SAROC Committee.

Attachment



20 July 2016

4 President’s Report

Moved Mayor Telfer seconded Mayor Agnew that the SAROC Committee:

1. noted the passing of Jim Pollock, previous Mayor of Whyalla and strong advocate of regional communities; and

2. requests the LGA Secretariat to send a letter of condolence to his family.

CARRIED

Completed

7.1 LGA Reviews Update

Ms Kathy Jarrett, Executive Director Corporate & Member Services, addressed the group to seek feedback on the role and structure of the LGA.

Moved Mayor Agnew OAM Seconded Mayor Clark that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

Ongoing

7.2 Collaboration in Delivery of Road Management Services

There was general discussion.

Moved Mayor Mattey Seconded Mayor Jaensch that the SAROC Committee:


2. endorses a funding application being submitted by the EPLGA to the LGA Research and Development Scheme to facilitate development of suitable local government local road service standards.

CARRIED

The EPLGA has submitted an application to the LGA Research and Development Scheme. Limestone Coast LGA assisted in the application process.



7.3 Rubble Royalties

Moved Mayor Clark Seconded Mayor Hunt that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

Central LGA have met with CC&AA and reached some principals of agreement that will be further explored with DSD and the Treasurer.

7.4 Local Government Reform Project

Moved Mayor Telfer Seconded Mayor Agnew OAM that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED

No further action required.

7.5 Federal Election Strategy

Moved Mayor Clark Seconded Mayor Agnew OAM that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED


8.1 Regional Procurement Initiative

Moved Mr Bond Seconded Mayor Clark that the SAROC Committee notes the report.

CARRIED


19 May 2016

7.5 Fire Safety Requirements for Buildings

Moved Mr Testoni Seconded Mayor Hunt that the SAROC Committee:


2. recommends the LGA Board request the LGA secretariat to engage with the appropriate agency to seek support for amendments to legislation that will reduce the cost burden to impacted community groups in complying with the regulations under the National Construction Code and Australian Standard 2419.1, any building over 500m2 in floor area.

CARRIED

Ongoing

The LGA has initiated discussions with DPTI and will formally write to the Minister for Planning.



5. LGA President’s Report

Report from the LGA President

LED street lighting

The LGA has seconded a staff member from Salisbury Council on a part time basis to build a business case around councils purchasing and running LED lighting. Early estimations to be confirmed by the business case suggest this could save councils as much as $250 million over a twenty year period. Other benefits might include increased technology choices, transparency in costs, accountability in providing services, and the ability to capitalize on Smart City initiatives. The proposed system may require legislative changes to implement, and we are working through this with the Government. I would like to thank Salisbury Council for their support with this project, and also acknowledge the funding provided for the business case by MLGG.

Waste Levy

The recently announced increase to the State Government’s Solid Waste Levy came into effect on 1 September, increasing from $62 to $76 a tonne in metro areas (the Levy is half this amount for regional councils). This increase alone will collectively cost councils $3 million this year, and the amount paid by our sector through the Levy will almost double from last year to 2019/20. We have written to the Treasurer and asked for the increases to be delayed until next financial year, but have not received any commitment nor indication this is being considered. It is disappointing that $85 million in revenue collected through the Levy remains unspent in the Waste to Resources Fund, with this amount projected to grow to $145 million by 2019. We’re also concerned that the Government is pushing for legislative changes which would allow this money to be used for purposes other than for what it was collected. The LGA will continue to advocate for the release of money in the Waste to Levy Fund for projects which will generate environmental and employment outcomes for our communities. We will also continue to draw attention to every dollar councils are being forced to collect from their ratepayers on behalf of other spheres of Government.

Rates campaign

While the Opposition’s rate capping Bill was voted down in Parliament, the Liberal party have confirmed they will be taking the policy with them to the next State election. Having seen the impact it has had on communities interstate, the LGA is committed to fighting the implementation of rate capping in SA, and will run a series of campaigns to support this over the next two years. We recently ran the first of these campaigns, highlighting the broad range of facilities and services councils provide to their communities, while collecting less than 4% of Australia’s total tax. The campaign was run on radio, online, and via social media, with selective regional press advertising. We will continue to run campaigns around rates - and the impact rate capping would have on our communities - until the Opposition drop this retrograde policy.



Communications Strategy

The LGA Secretariat has recently completed work on a draft Communications Strategy, which we are currently consulting on with communications practitioners from our member councils. The Strategy includes two streams: stream one covers the way the LGA communicates with its members, while stream two looks at how the Association communicates with media and the public to promote our sector. As part of the second stream, the LGA will be running “mini-campaigns” to raise awareness and support for a range of issues related to local government. This is a living document, which will be reviewed annually and updated to respond to feedback as well as changes in the local government landscape.

Employee Relations Specialist and Business Analyst positions

We have recently created two new positions within our Secretariat with the aim of driving sector-wide efficiencies. An Employee Relations Specialist – Grant Waldron - has been appointed to improve industrial relations in local government, and started at the LGA on 7 September. Grant comes to the LGA with significant experience in IR/ER, and was most recently Group Manager Human Resources for Regis Aged Care, a top 200 ASX listed company with more than 6,700 staff. We’ve also advertised for a Business Analyst, who will develop and implement benchmarking data across councils which will allow for standardised reporting, and help identify opportunities for continued improvement.

Boundary adjustment reform

The LGA has been working with the State Government to create a more streamlined process for boundary adjustment between councils. A draft Bill to revise the Local Government Act 1999 on potential council boundary changes and structure reform is now out for public consultation. A key element of the Bill is creating a position of independent commissioner to undertake the initial assessment of proposals and make recommendations to the Minister. We believe this position should sit with the Local Government Grants Commission. The LGA is also advocating for there to be no costs charged to councils for the investigation or assessment of applications. The Bill is expected to be introduced in the spring sittings of Parliament.

LGA Value Proposition

A recent audit, run with the assistance of a Senior Business Analyst from LGA Queensland, has shown services provided by the LGA to its member councils are worth around $52 million annually. In 2016/17 grants secured through LGA and ALGA advocacy will add another $138 million to this amount, meaning members will receive around $190 million in value, while contributing $2.1 million in subscription fees. We have produced a paper which is available on our website which explains the methodology used, and will present on the value proposition to member councils as we are asked to do so.

The LGA has commenced the process of ensuring that only members can access LGA services. This will take time, money and considerable resources, but we are committed to protecting the value of subscriptions.



7.1 LGA Governance Review Update

Report for Discussion

From: Kathy Jarrett, Executive Director, Corporate and Member Services

Key Initiative: K.I 3 Best practice and continuous improvement

Strategy: 3C Improve LGA governance and operations with a focus on people, finances and our members


ECM: 643087

Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee:


2. notes any further feedback provided during to the meeting to be considered as part of the LGA Governance Review.

Background

In January 2016, the Local Government Association (LGA) Board resolved to pursue a number of key initiatives including the conduct of an LGA Board Governance review.

The review encompasses various matters raised by LGA members over the last 12-18 months. In addition to the individual matters raised, the LGA Board took a strategic approach and identified the project scope as being to undertake an analysis and review of the governance framework required to enable the LGA to adequately fulfil its key functions as outlined in the LGA’s Constitution, namely:

1. To provide leadership for local government in SA;

2. To maintain key relations with the State and Commonwealth governments; and

3. To undertake appropriate business to maintain the economic health of local government in South Australia.

During the course of 2016, broad Sector engagement was undertaken commencing with a President’s Forum held in April just prior to the LGA’s Ordinary General Meeting. Other workshops were held over the ensuing months with the Board, SAROC, MLGG and Regional LGA Executive Officers. Through these forums, the Sector’s feedback on a series of questions was received:

1. What should be the role, purpose and function of the LGA?

2. Who are the members of the LGA?

3. How does this new LGA engage with and respond to the needs of its diverse membership, and in particular the development of new policy?



Key areas emerging from the initial series of workshops included:

The LGA is a facilitator of local government working together as one sector by bringing members together to develop clear policy and at the same time, representing and reflecting the different communities of interest is important.

Strategies and structures for ‘regional’ engagement are critical.

After engagement comes leadership and the setting of strategic direction with the LGA as facilitator.

Putting the leadership and strategic direction into action through:

Advocacy - advocacy and representation with other levels of government, the community and other stakeholders. Strong, quick and clear advocacy, representing the different communities of interest.

Advancing - provision of specialist services and commercial activities

Assisting - provision of frontline support and assistance

Communication is critical - closing the loop – communication back to members. All members need to know about and be able to communicate the achievements of the sector.

Everyone in local government should “feel” like a member of the LGA.

The early consultation confirmed a consistent view was held across the Sector regarding the LGA’s purpose, that being Advocacy, Advancing and Assisting.

This purpose is already well embedded in the LGA Constitution, as well as in the suite of emerging LGA Strategic Plans.

The LGA is currently reviewing the ‘LGA Policy Manual’. This review is highlighting that in order to provide leadership and advocacy, the LGA membership needs to adopt high level policy positions that represent sector wide views and a vision for the State – from a local government perspective.

In order to develop a suite of high level policy positions that informs leadership and advocacy activity, structures that facilitate engagement across the Sector are vital – such as the existing SAROC, regional LGA’s and a much needed and reformed MLGG.

Similarly, structures that facilitate sector advancement through the provision of specialist services, commercial activities and frontline support and assistance to Councils are also vital. These structures may however be different albeit under the one LGA Governance framework.

Discussion

With the information outlined above as a backdrop, the LGA’s structure was the topic of a second series of engagements held during August, September and continuing into October. The LGA’s structure, particularly in the context of ‘Advancing’ the sector through the provision of specialist services and commercial activities was also discussed in detail as part of the LGA Schemes Review.

How do we organise ourselves? What is our structure? Who is participating? Are there different communities of interest which need recognition and separate representation? How do we ensure that the different communities of interest have a VOICE? These are/were the questions posed, and some consistent suggestions are emerging:



Annual and ordinary general meetings and showcases are key engagement mechanisms, bringing mayors, elected members and professionals together to debate and set high level policy positions that represent regional and sector wide views, with a vision for the State.

A Governing Council (as distinct from a board) determining/defining policy detail, with LGA Secretariat translating this detail into a Policy Manual, which in turn informs the LGA Annual Business Plan and other organisational planning documents.

South Australian Regional Organisations of Councils (SAROC) is working well. It provides opportunity for regional councils to support each other, and is a good filter for the Board. It should remain as currently structured albeit with some improvements to how it works.

Regional LGA’s to continue, but with a review of their current constituencies / boundaries.

Metropolitan Local Government Group (MLGG) to take a ‘regional’ approach similar to that adopted by SAROC.

Criteria should be developed to assist members to identify regional boundaries (including within metropolitan Adelaide) based on communities of interest.

The unique role and function of Adelaide City Council to be recognised/considered in terms of metropolitan regions and Governing Council representation.

A professional advisory group(s), ensuring the voice of local government’s workforce and other professional advisors have avenues for input.

An Executive Committee of the Governing Council providing oversight of the Secretariat’s operations.

An LGA Audit Committee in its current form to continue.

Consideration of a commercial enterprise board (perhaps a public corporation), providing oversight of the provision of specialist services and commercial activities.

Next Steps

As mentioned above, engagement on the different structures that may be adopted for the LGA is currently underway. A schematic will be available for presentation during this item at the SAROC Meeting. Opportunity will also be provided during the meeting for SAROC members to provide any further input they may have to the LGA governance review.

Following this current round of engagement, a Leadership Group comprising Mayors and CEOs from both regional and metropolitan, large and small councils will review the feedback received in detail, and refine the structure further. Once refined, Councils will have opportunity for further input to the review of regional approaches and boundaries. This will then be followed by the detailed work necessary to update the LGA Constitution, for consideration at the April 2017 Ordinary General Meeting.

Financial and Resource Implications

This activity has been anticipated in the LGA’s work program and resources are available to progress this work.



7.2 457 Visa Holders


From: Dominic Testoni, Executive Officer, Limestone Coast Local Government Association

Key Initiative: K.I 1 Leadership and advocacy

Strategy: 1A Listen to, and represent members


ECM: 642767 Attachment: -

Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee recommends the LGA Board request the LGA Secretariat to lobby the South Australian government to immediately re-assess the introduction of a fee for families on 457 visa holders.

Discussion

The Education Minister for South Australia, Dr Susan Close has announced that 457 visa workers earning a household income of more than $77,000 will have to start paying school fees of up to $6,100 from next year.

Explaining her reasons, Dr Susan Close said that it was “fair to ask 457 visa holders who make a temporary home here to make a modest contribution to the cost of providing public education…The money will help fund early childhood education, which is one of the most crucial areas of our education system.

The Limestone Coast LGA concerns with the introduction of this charge is that many rural and regional firms rely heavily on 457 visa holders to fill positions such as meat workers, medical officers and labourers to name a few. The inequity between the states will have an impact with neighbouring states becoming more attractive to people looking to immigrate to Australia.

The Regional Australia Institute has published a paper ‘The Missing Migrants’ that shows that 100 small areas have stabilised or grown their population off the back of migration strategies. We also know that backpackers and temporary migrant workforces are crucial to rural industries in many areas.

Jack Archer CEO of the Regional Australia Institute argues that if we really want small towns to overcome population issues, supporting proactive international migration strategies needs to be the top priority.



Proposed changes

From January 2017, newly arriving 457 visa holders will be required to contribute to the cost of educating their children in government schools.

This requirement will then extend to all 457 visa holders from 1 January 2018.

The amount payable would be based on family circumstances and payment would be made when a child or young person is enrolled in a government school.

Students would continue to be allowed to enrol in their local schools (subject to availability).

Contribution fees

The annual contribution payable by a family in South Australia on a 457 visa for 2017 would be: $5,100 for each primary school student $6,100 for each high school student

This amount would be charged for the eldest child in a family, with the fees for all siblings attracting a 10% discount.

The proposed changes would allow parents to elect to pay the contribution: upfront annually per semester per term, or in regular instalments.

Materials and service charges

A separate materials and service charge already applies to all students enrolled in government schools, with the amount charged varying between schools. This charge will continue to be collected by the school that each student attends.

Preschool fees

No separate fees would be charged for children attending preschool, although existing fees charged by individual preschools will continue to apply.

How income affects the contribution

A contribution fee would not be charged unless the holder of the 457 visa and their spouse/partner earns a combined gross income of more than $57,000. Gross income includes salary sacrifice amounts and overtime payments.

Means testing

A means-test would be used, so that a family with one child at school would not pay the full contribution rate until the gross family income reaches $77,000. The threshold at which maximum fees are payable is increased by $10,000 for each additional child.



For example, a family with 3 school aged children would not pay full fees unless gross family income is $97,000 per year or more.

457 visas in Australia

The 457 visa is the most commonly used program for Australian or overseas employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to work in Australia temporarily.

They might be employed for up to 4 years and can bring any eligible family members who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.

Previously, 457 visa holders whose children attend South Australian government schools have only been required to pay the materials and services charge set by their child’s school.

A worker is not entitled to a 457 visa if gross annual income payable is less than $53,900.

It is estimated the new fee requirement will generate more than $11 million in extra revenue for the state of South Australia over the next four years. This move will bring South Australia into line with Western Australia, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

These proposed changes would bring South Australia in line with some other Australian states and territories and how they manage contributions towards public education.

Any family supported by a 457 visa worker, with a household income of $77,000 or more, will have to pay $5100 per year for primary school students and $6100 for secondary students.

In comparison, the average South Australian family pays a basic fee for primary school students of $229 and $303 per secondary student, but schools can set fees higher by a vote of parents.

Sliding discounts will be applied to families earning up to $77,000, after which parents will pay the full fee.

Federal immigration data show Indian workers made up almost 20 per cent of people granted the visas in 2014-15, followed by those from the United Kingdom (15.3 per cent each), China (12.9 per cent), the United States (7.8 per cent) and the Philippines (6.1 per cent each).

The most common occupations filled by these workers at present include meat worker, medical officer or GP, cook, university lecturer, metal fabricator, graphic designer, accountant and massage therapist.

The average 457 visa worker earns a base salary of $90,700, compared to $70,100 for the average fulltime working South Australian.

Determining the contribution fee

Potential contribution fees can be determined by following these steps:

1. Calculate the full fees payable. This will be:

$5,100 for each government primary school aged student

$6,100 for each government high school aged student



Take into account the 10% discount available for second and subsequent children from the same family.

2. Figure out the anticipated annual gross family income (including salary sacrifice and overtime payments) rounded down to the nearest whole $1000.

3. Figure out which threshold applies – for which the full contribution is payable – based on the number of children attending government schools.

for 1 child this is $77,000

for 2 children from the same family this is $87,000

for 3 children from the same family this is $97,000

Increase by $10,000 for each additional child.

4. Where the family income calculated at step 2 exceeds the threshold calculated at step 3, the full contribution calculated at step 1 will apply.

Percentages of full fees

Where the family income is more than $57,000, but less than the threshold calculated at step 3, a percentage of the full fee calculated at step 1 is payable.

The relevant percentage will depend on the number of children attending a government school.

For one child, the contribution percentage payable increases by 5% for each additional $1000 of income above $57,000. The percentage payable on this additional income changes with the number of children.

For example:

2 children by 3.33%

3 children by 2.5 %

Exemptions

Where the family income calculated at step 2 is $57,000 or less, no contribution would be payable.

A full or partial waiver of fees for exceptional cases of hardship would be available.

If persons are on a 457 visa and become a permanent resident they would no longer have to pay the contribution.



7.3 Automated Fire Danger Signs


From: Peter Bond, CEO, Murraylands & Riverland Local Government Association


Strategy: 1B Contribute to state-wide and local policy



Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee recommends that the LGA Board request the LGA Secretariat to lobby for funding by the State Government (Country Fire Service) for the introduction of automated fire danger rating signs in South Australia.

Discussion

Mid Murray Council is currently using a fan shaped fire danger rating sign at Mannum that needs to be physically altered by employees. On occasions, the sign is not altered correctly and this creates a risk for both Council and the community. In addition, the existing fire danger rating sign is dilapidated.

In considering the replacement of the sign or its removal, Council sought information from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria who have been using automated signs since 2013. A copy of that response is attached.

The LED automated fire danger rating signs have the following features: -

• A remotely activated variable LED message display

• Automatic regulation of the display colours to accommodate changing light and

weather conditions

• Automatic update from the CFA webserver every 20 minutes

• A ‘watch dog’ facility which can re-boot the system in the case of communication loss

• Automated alerting of sign tampering, unauthorised opening, theft or low voltage

• The ability to use the LED message panel to provide emergency incident information to the travelling public

• Capacity to include other emerging technologies as they are developed

The Victoria State Government provided $1million, with the CFA and the Victorian Fire Services Commissioner contributing a further $400,000 of funding which covered the original pilot and the roll out of the 56 new signs throughout the State.



The Mid Murray Council wrote to the Ridley Country Fire Service Group requesting their views as to the possibility of the State Government considering funding a similar automated fire danger system in South Australia. A copy of the Ridley Country Fire Service Group’s response dated 2 May is attached.

The Murraylands and Riverland Local Government Association supported the Mid Murray Councils Notice of Motion (NOM) resolving at its July 2016 AGM to submit a proposal to the Local Government Association of South Australia for consideration of funding by the State Government (Country Fire Service) of possible automated fire danger rating signs in South Australia.


This activity is not currently anticipated in the LGA’s work program, but can be delivered within existing LGA resources.

Attachment


MID MURRAY COUNCIL

CONSIDERATION OF AUTOMATED FIRE DANGER RATING SIGNS

MOTION

That a proposal be submitted to the State Local Government Association for consideration of

funding by the State Government (Country Fire Service) of possible automated fire danger

rating signs in South Australia.

Background

Mid Murray Council is currently using a fan shaped fire danger rating sign at Mannum that

needs to be physically altered by employees. On occasions, the sign is not altered correctly

and this creates a risk for both Council and the community. In addition, the existing fire

danger rating sign is dilapidated.

In considering the replacement of the sign or it’s removal, Council sought information from the

Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria who have been using automated signs since 2013. A

copy of that response is attached.

The LED automated fire danger rating signs have the following features:-

• A remotely activated variable LED message display

• Automatic regulation of the display colours to accommodate changing light and

weather conditions

• Automatic update from the CFA webserver every 20 minutes

• A ‘watch dog’ facility which can re-boot the system in the case of communication loss

• Automated alerting of sign tampering, unauthorised opening, theft or low voltage

• The ability to use the LED message panel to provide emergency incident information to

the travelling public

• Capacity to include other emerging technologies as they are developed

The Victoria State Government provided $1million, with the CFA and the Victorian Fire Services

Commissioner contributing a further $400,000 of funding which covered the original pilot and

the roll out of the 56 new signs throughout the State.

The Mid Murray Council wrote to the Ridley Country Fire Service Group requesting their views

as to the possibility of the State Government considering funding a similar automated fire

danger system in South Australia. A copy of the Ridley Country Fire Service Group’s response

dated 2 May is attached.



7.4 Conflict of Interest


From: Tony Irvine, Executive Officer, Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association


Strategy: 1A Listen to, and represent members


ECM: 642797

Recommendation

That the SAROC Committee notes the report.

Officers Comment

In the EPLGA region there has been discussion around the Local Government Act 1999, conflict of interest provisions and how they apply to regional subsidiaries.

One council in particular holds a strong view that all regional subsidiary voting members have a conflict of interest. Others, including the Office of Local Government do not share this opinion. The Office of Local Government responded to the seeking of advice in the following manner:-

“we do not share the view that there is an ‘inherent conflict’ for regional subsidiary members that are council members or employees, that is, a conflict that is caused by reason alone of their membership of, or employment by, a council.

Indeed, if this conflict exists, this would have pre-dated the Amendment Act as the relevant clauses—those defining a ‘member’ for the purposes of conflict of interest (including both an employer and member of a governing body of a body corporate), and the clauses capturing council subsidiaries and committees within the conflict of interest provisions—were transferred from the previous Act unchanged.

However, we do recognise that legal advice has caused some concern amongst regional subsidiaries. We’ve therefore advised the Minister to make a regulation clarifying this matter, so that regional subsidiaries can continue to operate confidently, particularly as there is a need for make regulations on several matters (including informal gatherings).

We’re in the process of finalising these regulations now, and expect them to be made within the next 3-4 weeks.

In the meantime, to meet or not is a decision that needs to be made by each subsidiary. However, in note, a large number of regional subsidiaries—including all regional LGAs—are continuing to operate as normal”.



The EPLGA Board will continue to meet as has normally occurred. If the single member Council chooses not to attend then that is their decision to make. However, the new Regulations should alleviate this fear by the individual Council.

The LGA Secretariat may need to keep a watching brief on the development or amendment to the regulations which will be finalised in 3 – 4 weeks.

Based on the above this report is for information only.


This activity is not currently anticipated in the LGA’s work program, but can be delivered within existing LGA resources.


Notice of Meeting · That the SAROC Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July...

Documents

Transcript of Notice of Meeting · That the SAROC Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 20 July...