Macquarie Lawyers and Strategists has been conducting training for Council staff and Councillors for more than 10 years. We regularly hold practical and informative workshops on relevant local government issues. Details of our upcoming open workshops can be found below.
 
 
Macquarie Lawyers & Strategists In-house Workshops
 
Macquarie also conducts in-house workshops for Councils interested in group training. This allows you to select the most appropriate date and to hold the session on-site. We can also customise the workshop to suit your Council's processes, issues and objectives. Please feel free to contact our office on (03) 9650 6700 if you would like to discuss your training options in more detail.
 
 
Macquarie Lawyers & Strategists Open Workshops -   October to December 2011
 
 

 

  Corrupt Procurement Practices
                   

              Venue:     Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
              Date:       Tuesday, 18 October 2011
              Time:       10:00am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
              Cost:        $385 (inclusive of GST)

 

              REGISTRATION FLYER  

 

This workshop, to be conducted by Terry Bramham and Georgie Ward, will explore how management and audit processes can be improved to identify and discourage corrupt procurement practices.
 
The workshop has been designed for all members of Council staff who are responsible for overseeing procurement expenditure - directly or indirectly.
 
The following topics will be addressed -  

 

  • The recent Victoriran Ombudsman's report - Corrupt conduct by public officers in procurement;
  • The current investigation of corrupt procurement practices in local government by the Western Australia Corruption and Crime Commission;
  • The essential elements for inclusion in the procurement policy required to be maintained by a Council under section 186A of the Local Governement Act 1989;
  • Effective oversight by purchasing officers;
  • Developing a culture that promotes adherence to the conduct principles included in the code of conduct for Council staff required to be maintained by the chief executive officer under section 95AA of the Act;
  • Ensuring that all gifts received are recorded in the gifts register; and
  • The necessity for ongoing staff training.
 
 
 
Rating & Valuation Workshop
                   

           Venue:     Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
              Date:       Wednesday, 19 October 2011
              Time:       9:30am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
              Cost:        $385 (inclusive of GST)

 

              REGISTRATION FLYER
 
This workshop, which will be of interest and relevance to a wide "cross-section" of local governement officers, will examine the rating provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 and the valuation provisions of the Valuation of Land Act 1960. With an emphasis of "practicality", the workshop will take registrants through many of the day-to-day rating and valuation issues which confront local government officers, providing practical advice and suggestions.
 
The following areas will be covered and discussed -   

 

  • What land is rateable? - revisiting the basis;
  • Understanding the "legal relationship" between the Council's budget and the declaration of its general rates;
  • Meaning of "occupation" for rating purposes;
  • Municipal charges;
  • Differential rates;
  • Service rates and service charges;
  • Special rates and special chargnes;
  • Rebates, concessions and payment plans;
  • Some land information certificate issues;
  • Selling land for payment of unpaid rates; and
  • Appeals and reviews.
 
Contract Management Workshop
                   

              Venue:     Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER              

              Date:       Wednesday, 16 November 2011
              Time:       10:00am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
              Cost:        $385 (inclusive of GST)

 

              REGISTRATION FLYER

 

 

 

Given the Ombudsman's recent interest in this area, Terry Bramham and Georgie Ward are conducting this practical and informative workshop designed specifically for Council staff involved in contract managemetn. It will provide participants with an understanding of what is required to properly manage contracts and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

 

In addition to considering relevant case studies as an interative exercise, the workshop will also explore the following topics -

  • Understanding the distinction between procurement and contract management;
  • Fundamental contract management considerations;
  • The importance and function of minutes;
  • Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities;
  • Proactive contract management;
  • Strategies for effective contract management;
  • Non-compliance / non-performance;
  • Show Cause Notices;
  • Suspension & Termination of Contracts;
  • Conflicts of interest (including gifts and hospitality); and
  • Contract variations.
 
 
 
 
 
Land Acquisition & Compensation Act Workshop
                   

              Venue:     Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
              Date:       Wednesday, 16 November 2011
              Time:       9:30am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
              Cost:        $385 (inclusive of GST)           

 

              REGISTRATION FLYER

 

Peter Lucas is conducting this workshopl It will overview the substantive and procedural requirements of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act (and the regulations made under that Act), and the important relationship between that Act and the Planning and Environment Act.

It will also examine the legal principles upon which compensation for interests in land is to be determined. The workshop will be of particular interest to property, planning and infrastructure officers.

The workshop will focus on -

  • Meaning of 'acquisition' and 'land';
  • Statutory exceptions;
  • Compensation;
  • Interactive case studies;
  • Reservation requirements;
  • Acquisition of interests; and
  • Resolving disputes.
 
 
 
 
 
Macquarie Special Rates and Charges Manual - Coming Soon
 
At long last - and by popular demand following many requests from Macquarie's local government clients - the 'Macquarie Special Rates & Charges Manual' will soon be published.
 
Comprising over 100 pages, the Manual benefits from our more than 20 years' experience in this specialist area.
 
Drawing on the relevant legislative changes and VCAT principles, the Manual provides an up-to-date, practical and user-friendly 'companion', designed to assist local government officers to work through the procedural 'maze' and prepare any type of special rate or charge scheme.
 
The Manual will contain all of the documentation required (in the form of Initiating Council Resolutions, Public Notices and Declarations of Special Rates and Charges showing both 'variables' and completed as 'pro-formas') for the following types of schemes -
 
  • Advertising, marketing and promotion of business precincts;
  • Advertising, marketing and promotion of business precincts;
  • Construction of roads;
  • Provision of footpaths; and
  • Drainage of land.
 
The Manual will be of interest and relevance to administration, governance, economic development, engineering and infrastructure officers.
 
The 'Macquarie Special Rates and Charges Manual' will be available in 2011. Advance Expressions of Interest are invited.