Commitment Response Form for Political Parties ALP RESPONSE

Transcription

1 Commitment Response Form for Political Parties ALP RESPONSE The MAV has prepared a Call To Parties document which outlines the commitments and actions sought from all political parties by local government prior to the upcoming election on 29 November. The MAV will be publicly releasing all party responses received to assist Victorian councils and voters to make an informed choice in this election by better understanding how you will work with local government to address these important community issues. Please forward your party s response by no later than Monday 21 November to the MAV at GPO Box 4326, Melbourne 3001 or by to rspence@mav.asn.au. SECTION 1: STATE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 1. Respect the autonomy of local government, and the role of democratically elected councillors to determine their own budgets and make decisions on behalf of the communities they represent. Labor respects the autonomy of Local Government within the broader democratic framework and legislative structure and within the broader context of Labor s announcement that we seek Councils to show restraint in their rate settings. Rates would be capped at CPI and any increase above that benchmark would be subject to review by the independent umpire the Essential Services Commission (ESC). Given recent announcements by the Federal Liberal Government, the factors will now include: 1. Federal Liberal Government cuts to Local Government grants and their impacts. 2. Cost shifting from Commonwealth and State Governments, such as the imposition of additional taxes or levies or increased statutory responsibilities. 3. Any extraordinary circumstances (e.g. natural disasters, new functions). 4. Other sources of income available to the Council and their overall financial position. 5. The continued maintenance of essential Council services, including infrastructure maintenance & asset management. Councils will only be able to increase rates above the CPI with the approval of the ESC. Labor will work with councils, MAV, VLGA, relevant unions and the ESC to get this right. 1

2 2. A review of section 154 (2)(e) of the Local Government Act to determine the continued relevance of rating exemptions for mining land. Labor has indicated that it will undertake a complete review of the Local Government Act, which will involve the peak bodies of Local Government and the Australian Services Union, and would be subject to broad community consultation, so that a comprehensive Local Government Act provides guidance to the Local Government sector and the community. 3. More respectful partnerships and genuine collaboration to be achieved through a whole-ofgovernment commitment to honour the 2014 Victorian State-Local Government Agreement signed by the Premier and the MAV, including by consulting with local government and taking into account any cost and resource impacts on local government when considering new, revised or expanded legislative or regulatory roles for councils. Labor established the Victorian State Local Government Agreement and, as indicated in an earlier response, would be cognisant of further transfers of responsibilities to Local Government. 4. Joint State-MAV advocacy, where appropriate, to the Commonwealth Government to secure better ongoing funding arrangements that provide financial sustainability for the Victorian local government sector. Labor is deeply concerned at the unprincipled decision of the Abbott Government to freeze financial assistance grants to Local Government across Australia. This effectively means a cut of many millions of dollars straight to the bottom line of Local Government. Labor has and will continue to consistently advocate for a better tax share of financial assistance grants to Local Government, particularly for the smaller rural councils, who have a significant dependence upon external grants from State and Commonwealth Governments for their budgets. 5. Partnership funding to enable the MAV to dedicate full-time staff resources to activities which will encourage councils to increase their employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Labor believes that Local Government has a crucial role to play as a promoter of practical reconciliation in Victoria. Some Councils are exemplars of best practice and we will continue to support Reconciliation Victoria, which are directly focused on the Local Government sector as a crucial forum for both discussion of reconciliation and practical programs. 2

3 SECTION 2: REGULATORY AND SELF REFORM 1. State Government to strengthen the performance monitoring framework for local government by: reducing the initial number of performance measures that councils are required to report on under the new performance reporting framework to ensure that data are high quality and comparable agreeing to review the performance management framework after the first year and periodically thereafter to ensure the costs do not outweigh the benefits, and to further refine measures where data are of poor quality or indicators are not meaningful agreeing to move the performance measures from regulation (currently prescribed in the Local Government Planning and Reporting Regulations 2014) Labor will work with Councils to reduce the number of performance measures that Councils are required to report on to ensure data is both meaningful and not a significant impost. 2.State Government to work in partnership with the MAV and local government to plan for the advent of joined up digital government in the next decade. Labor would seek further information about the scope of this project before providing any further comment. 3. State Government investment in a project partnership with the MAV to roll out Patchwork to all relevant public and private sector agencies across Victoria as a whole-of-government response to the Vulnerable Children s Strategy. Funding of $800,000 for each of 2015 and 2016 ($1.6 m in total) would also support development of new critical features such as a client log-in and phone app for clients and parents. Labor will undertake discussions with MAV regarding implementation of Patchwork. 4. State Government to further invest in the MAV Step Planning Program development fund. With contributions from Step members, the Fund would be used to create web-based tools and templates improve customer service. Labor would seek further information about the scope of this project before providing any further comment. 3

4 SECTION 3: PLANNING 1. Acknowledgement that local government is best placed to ensure community engagement and input into policy decisions at a local level. Local councils are best placed to ensure community engagement and input into policy decisions on the range of issues affecting local councils. 2. A period of stability, without major planning reform initiatives, to enable policies and changes to be effectively implemented and linked. This also requires support by all parties to the essential elements of Plan Melbourne and the regional growth plans to provide stability for the planning system beyond the political cycle. Labor believes that there is a need for a period of stability to enable policies and changes to be effectively implemented and linked. While Labor supports the essential elements of Plan Melbourne, there will be some changes to reflect criticisms including those made by five of the six authors of the report who resigned after the draft plan was re-written by the Planning Minister. This includes the unjustified imposition of the dud East-West Tunnel into the Plan. 3. Establishment of a biennial State-local government planning forum to identify planning priorities, monitor outcomes and performance, and trial new or modified planning provisions. Labor will gladly participate in a biennial State-local Government planning forum. 4. Strengthening the clarity and purpose of the Metropolitan Planning Authority including: Endorsement of the MAV/MPA Partnership Agreement Revision of the MPA s governance structure to ensure adequate local government experience Clarification of the circumstances in which the MPA will be made planning or responsible authority for a site or precinct Labor is supportive of the MPA, measures to support the purposes of the MPA and of measures to strengthen the relationship between the MPA and local councils. In the context of this commitment Labor will gladly consider endorsement of the Partnership Agreement, revision of the MPA's Governance Structure as you have suggested and will work with the MAV to clarify when the MPA is made planning or responsible authority for a site or precinct. 4

5 5. Provide greater certainty for councils to fund and resource their core planning service functions through: Release of the Regulatory Impact Statement for Planning Fees and the commencement of indexation for planning fees Adherence to the intentions of the VSLGA, including a process for assessing the impact on local government arising from any new or amended State planning policy, provisions or system changes and appropriate funding support Continued support from State Government to ensure councils planning schemes are amended to give effect to recent reforms Retention of funding, allocated in the 2014 State Budget, to continue the Rural Council Planning Flying Squad for the coming four years to assist rural councils with strategic planning and other initiatives. Labor will work with Councils to ensure that Victorians are provided with the services they need. 6. Reconsideration of referral authorities for wind farms to ensure appropriate technical assistance to councils, and commitment to assist with monitoring and compliance. Labor will work with the MAV to improve assistance including technical assistance to councils. 5

6 SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENT 1. Clarification of State and local government adaptation roles and responsibilities. 2. Provision of legal immunity for councils where coastal planning decisions are made in accordance with State planning controls and the council has acted in good faith. 3. State funding for capital works that address coastal inundation risks identified by councils and catchment management authorities. 4. Additional funding for partnership projects that promote climate-resilient Victorian communities and improve collaboration between councils and with the State Government. Party Response (1 4) Labor will work in partnership with the MAV and local government with respect to the adaptation of roles and responsibilities. Labor will also work with councils on coastal inundation and promotion of climate resilient communities. 5. Provision of long term funding to councils to cover the ongoing costs of regional roadside weed and pest management activities. Labor will continue to support partnerships with councils in relation to weed and pest management activities. 6. The establishment of a funding program from the landfill levy for the rehabilitation of closed landfills, particularly in rural and regional areas. Labor will review the way in which the landfill levy is currently utilised to ensure it is reaching its goal of rehabilitating landfills. 6

7 7. Clarification of roles and responsibilities in relation to integrated water cycle management and onsite domestic wastewater management, and provision of funding to enable councils to fulfil obligations set by the State. The Napthine Government have wasted years, consumed with their discredited water agency, Office of Living Victoria, instead of developing a sustainable water system for Victoria. Denis Napthine's flagship water agency the Office of Living Victoria has collapsed, under investigation for siphoning tens of millions in taxpayer dollars to fund dodgy contracts to National Party members. Labor will provide an integrated approach to planning and water quality along the entire Yarra. This will improve water management, integrate planning and deliver a better, cleaner river and a cleaner bay. 8. Continuation of the current moratorium on all coal seam gas exploration and extraction until independent and authoritative advice on the environmental and health impacts of such activity has been obtained and published to inform a government response. The current moratorium on coal seam gas exploration and extraction has been put in place as a direct result of calls from the Labor Opposition for such a moratorium while a Parliamentary Committee conducted a comprehensive inquiry. At the time, the current Coalition Government rejected Labor s calls outright. It was only later that they implemented the moratorium, albeit without any Parliamentary inquiry. If Labor forms Government after the state election, we have pledged to conduct a detailed parliamentary review, including thorough consideration of scientific evidence. Labor is committed to a consultative, transparent review process, drawing on robust scientific evidence before any decision can be made. Labor will not lift the moratorium unless the science shows that unconventional gas exploration and mining is safe for communities and there is broad community support for lifting the moratorium. 7

8 SECTION 5: TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE 1. A statewide, long term and adequately resourced integrated transport infrastructure plan, including a significant expansion and effective integration of the public transport network and public transport services, and including provision for improved walking and cycling infrastructure. Labor has stated that it will review the Government s Network Development Plan for the metropolitan rail network if it wins this year s election. While Labor accepts the logic for a long term strategy, we don t accept the proposed sequence of projects outlined in the plan. For instance, Labor believes that extending the South Morang Line to Mernda is a priority project that a future Labor Government would get on with straight away. We simply can t wait for years. Labor has also committed to building Melbourne Metro Rail which will double the size of the city loop, build five new stations including in the health and university precinct in Parkville, and provide the additional capacity to run more trains right across our metropolitan rail network. Labor has announced a $122.5 million Active Transport Strategy including a $100 million Safer Cyclists and Pedestrians Fund to invest in new, dedicated paths and routes across Victoria, keeping bikes and walkers away from traffic. 2. Continuation of and increase to the $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Program, the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure program and the $100 million Putting Locals First program for a further four years to provide funding certainty to rural and regional councils. A minimum of $1 billion over eight years will be allocated to repair and upgrade roads and level crossings in rural and regional communities. Legislative changes will be made to lock-in a guaranteed proportion of funding for these communities in perpetuity. Labor will also confirm in legislation the compulsory payment of traffic camera and speeding fines into the Better Roads Victoria Trust Account. 8

9 3. New funding for an outer suburban arterial roads program that adequately addresses the backlog identified by the Auditor General in growth areas. A minimum of $1 billion over eight years will be allocated to repair and upgrade roads in Melbourne s outer suburban and interface communities. In addition, Labor will be removing 50 of Melbourne's most dangerous level crossings, to improve safety and reduce congestion and travel times on suburban roads. 4. Investment in bus services to growth suburbs to provide for minimum 20 minute services from 6am to 9pm weekdays, and at least 30 minute services from 9pm-12pm and weekends, together with improved co-ordination with rail services. The Napthine Government has neglected our bus network. The Auditor-General s recent report tabled in Parliament identified a lack of progress on important work related to the future of our bus network and improving the connectivity of public transport services. These are matters that require significant attention. Labor will invest $100 million to improve Victoria s bus networks, adding more routes, increasing frequencies, restoring cut services and fixing the missing links in Melbourne s growth areas. Labor will: - Introduce new and expand existing services in growth areas across suburban Melbourne and regional Victoria; - Reinstate popular routes that were abolished by the Napthine Government; - Improve the frequency of existing services that are in high demand; - Provide new, dedicated bus connections for university and school students; and - Build new bus shelters and other related infrastructure to support growth. Labor s full bus policy can be accessed at: FINAL.pdf 9

10 5. State Government to work with councils to develop metropolitan and regional freight strategies for local roads and rail freight to better integrate with State freight and road planning. Labor strongly supports ongoing consultation between state freight and transport planners and local government. Plan Melbourne and the Regional Growth Plan should be supplemented by a consolidated transport strategy applying to Melbourne and regional areas. Growth strategies for the regions should be reflected in these transport strategies. Labor believes that local communities need to be better supported to ensure roads that connect primary production to freight hubs are maintained to an adequate standard. An Andrews Labor Government will take a whole of supply chain perspective. Labor will work with industry and councils to lower the cost of doing business, whether this is asset investment, regulation or other facilitation by Government and would engage with fresh consultation with key industry sectors. If elected, Labor would welcome immediate dialogue with the MAV and other key stakeholders from day one. 6. State funding for road and rail upgrades identified through the development of collaborative metropolitan and regional freight plans. Labor have committed $1 billion in funding for the repair and upgrade of regional roads and $1 billion for suburban roads. Labor will prioritise road and rail upgrades that deliver the highest productivity increases and support the creation of jobs. Labor is committed to improving management of our existing freight network and developing new infrastructure to bypass residential streets. Many logistics blocks are quite local issues such as access roads into ports or collector roads during harvest. These could be unblocked with relatively small investments. Labor will pick up the pieces of previous work done by MAV and others and will prioritise regional investment funding to the projects that deliver greatest bang for buck. 10

11 SECTION 6: COMMUNITY SREVICES Home and Community Care 1. Bipartisan commitment to a Home and Community Care Victoria Transition Plan and inclusion of a statement of intent between Commonwealth, State and local government about maintaining the unique role local government has in planning, co-ordinating and delivering this community service. As part of the Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, responsibility for funding and managing Home and Community Care (HACC) services for people aged over 65 will transition to the Commonwealth from 1 July Those people under 65 will transition to the NDIS over three years from 1 July As per the Heads of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Victorian Governments on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Victorian Labor will work with the Federal Government and local government to retain the benefits of Victoria s current HACC service system. This includes seeking to receive formal recognition from the Federal Government of the role of local government in the provision of HACC. Victorian Labor recognises the unique role of local government as both a direct contributor to funding and delivering HACC and is committed to working in partnership with local government and MAV, to ensure that we maintain local government s role in planning, co-ordinating and service delivery. 2. State Government to retain its role in coordinating regional assessment services and service system planning with the Commonwealth and local government, and that this role not be taken over by the Commonwealth. Victorian Labor is committed to providing the necessary support so that senior Victorians can age in place and remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. We will work in partnership with MAV to address these issues. 11

12 3. The State to implement an increased price for HACC services to councils in 2014/15. Labor understands that there are cost pressures facing local governments, particularly in respect of the changing environment for Home and Community Care Services. We will work in partnership with MAV to address these issues. 4. Negotiate with the Commonwealth for councils to receive targeted allocation of growth funds each year over three years from Labor will undertake negotiations with the Federal Government to ensure that the best possible support is provided to Victorian seniors. Public Libraries 5. Increased funding support for public libraries in recognition of the shared service responsibility and its benefits to Victorian communities including: Progressively increase recurrent operational funding over four years to boost the total annual State contribution by $10 million per annum $20 million over four years for the extension of the Living Libraries capital program, including future program indexation $1 million per annum for public libraries through the Premier s Reading Challenge. 6. The benefits and costs of proposed changes must be examined and tested before councils are asked to commit to a reformed model of delivering library services. A business case assessment of the Victorian Library concept to be undertaken as a priority next step by the government. 7. A formal State-local government partnership agreement, as recommended by the Ministerial Advisory Committee that conducted the Tomorrow s Library review, to be developed as the mechanism that guides future negotiations on Victoria s public library service. 12

13 Party Response (5 7) Labor will look critically at the completed Ministerial Advisory Committee Project for Libraries and the key recommendations that flow from it. We are strong supporters of the Living Libraries Program and the Premier s Reading Challenge was a Labor Government initiative. Kindergartens and Child Care 8. Joint State-local government advocacy to secure recurrent Commonwealth funding for 2015 and beyond for the five hours operation of universal access preschool programs. Labor understands the importance of the early years and is committed to high quality early childhood education and care and improving outcomes for all children, including those from disadvantaged or vulnerable backgrounds. Labor championed and introduced significant reforms to early childhood education in Victoria and nationally through the introduction of 15 hours of kindergarten, improved qualifications for staff, scholarships and ratios. A skilled and valued early childhood workforce is a key part of achieving quality outcomes for children. We are disappointed that the Abbott Government has only committed to a 12 month extension of the funding for 15 hours of kindergarten, in a cynical move designed only to push this issue off the State election agenda in Victoria, NSW and QLD. Labor will advocate strongly for continued investment by the Federal Government for 15 hours. Labor s plan to make Victoria the education state is evident in our $1.3 billion investment in education that includes targeted support for disadvantaged families through support for school uniforms, glasses, breakfast clubs, camps and school excursions. It also includes a $50 million commitment for new and upgraded kindergartens because we believe that children deserve the best start to life. 9. If advocacy is unsuccessful in securing continued Federal funding, then the State Government to: Commit to maintain 15 hours of preschool for four-year olds in the year before they commence primary school Recognise that families and councils already contribute 35 per cent of total costs for four-year old kindergarten Ensure continued affordability for families by taking over responsibility for funding the government portion of 15 hours preschool. 13

14 Labor recognises and appreciates the contribution that families and local government make in respect of kindergarten programs. This is why we will continue to advocate strongly and loudly for continued investment by the Federal Government for 15 hours of kindergarten per week in the year before school. 10. Work with local government to develop an agreed longer-term plan to guide future State capital funding priorities and rollout of grants for early childhood facilities that meet community needs. Labor recognises the need for continued investment in kindergarten capital infrastructure. The Napthine Government have relied largely on Federal Government funding for infrastructure during the past four years. This is why an Andrews Labor Government will provide $50 million towards new and upgraded kindergartens, as well as integrated children s centres, across Victoria. 11. Joint State-local government advocacy to secure reinstatement of Commonwealth operational funding and eligibility criteria for the Community Support Program for family day care operators. The provision and allocation of child care places, including family day care, is the responsibility of the Federal Government. Victorian Labor will advocate to the Federal Government for the provision of flexible and affordable childcare options. 14

15 SECTION 7: PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. Strengthen and improve the MCH service by: Implementing in partnership with the MAV and councils agreed improvements for the MCH service proposed in the State s Future Directions document released April 2014, ensuring the maintenance of the universal service offered to all families. Ensuring that the output purchase price of MCH in the new Memorandum of Understanding between the MAV and the Department of Early Childhood Development reflects the reasonable cost of providing the service. Doubling annual funding to $33 million per annum to extend the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services to meet the needs of families with children up to two-yearsold. Labor is committed to ensuring that Victorian families have access to quality Maternal and Child Health services. We will undertake negotiations with MAV regarding the new Memorandum of Understanding. 2. Commit new funding towards the primary prevention of violence against women projects, including $100,000 per year for each of 2015 and 2016 for continuation of the MAV s gender equity and PVAW project. Labor has committed to holding a Royal Commission into Family Violence which will provide an opportunity for consideration of responses such as the MAV s project. 3. Introduce statewide smoking bans for alfresco dining areas. Victorian Labor is the party of tobacco reform. Labor banned smoking inside pubs, clubs and workplaces, removed the display of cigarettes in shops and banned smoking in cars with kids. Labor supports moves to ban smoking in outdoor dining areas because it will reduce the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, especially on children and workers. The Napthine Government s intentions for a ban have been unclear. They never released details about implementing this ban, such as what areas will be included or when it would commence. 15

16 It s important that the community, including health experts and the hospitality industry, are fully consulted during the implementation of any ban. 4. Commitment to adequately resource mental health prevention and early intervention initiatives for young people which are accessible and affordable, particularly in areas of poor service coverage. Labor have recently released our mental health policy which can be accessed at: 5. Strengthen the capacity of communities to redress the burden of pokies by: Requiring the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) to consider the social and economic impacts of proposed new gaming venues and increases of gaming machines in venues with new criteria which is relevant and explicable. The onus should be on the applicant to provide evidence that any increase in EGMs will not create a community detriment. Mandating maximum allowable bets on EGMs to $1 per spin with a maximum $120 losses per hour. Working with local government for system reform to limit numbers of EGMs in disadvantaged areas to state average levels or below. Redefining and tightly defining community benefit and proceeds of the Community Support Fund to ensure that real tangible benefits accrue to the communities where losses occur. Labor will release a statement on liquor and gaming prior to the election. Labor envisages an ongoing role for local communities, local councils and VCAT regarding the location of EGM's. and will, as we did in Government previously, work with industry and stakeholders to reduce the incidence of gambling related harm. 16

17 SECTION 8: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 1. Adherence to the principles outlined in the VSLGA, including explicit local government consultation on emergency management legislative reforms and the inclusion of Cabinet impact statements for all proposed reforms that affect councils. Labor will consult with local government as appropriate on emergency management legislative reforms affecting councils. 2. State funding for works on levees that are identified as necessary for community flood protection. At a minimum, a hardship clause should be considered for financially-stressed councils that cannot afford the one third contribution to the flood study and capital works. If elected, Labor will seek advice and consult on this matter taking into account any counterpart federal policy. 3. Introduction of a grace-period in which councils are not responsible for urban levees. During this time further work into design, standards and cost be undertaken. Beyond this period, councils to be granted limited immunity where they have acted reasonably or in good faith. If elected, Labor will seek advice and consult on this matter. 4. A review of Neighbourhood Safer Places legislation. If elected, Labor will consult with the MAV on this matter. 5. A review of the funding arrangements for SES volunteer units and a commitment from the State to adequately fund units including accommodation, equipment and insurance. Labor supports the work of the SES and its volunteers. If elected, Labor will consider funding proposals as part of budgetary processes. 17

18 6. $200,000 per year for two years to continue the MAV Improving Emergency Management in Local Government Program throughout the emergency management reform period. If elected, Labor will seek advice on this program and whether there is continuing funding in the forward estimates. Further funding would be subject to consideration as part of budgetary processes. -Ends- Please send responses to or post to Mr Rob Spence, MAV CEO, GPO Box 4326, Melbourne