Macquarie Lawyers and Strategists has been conducting training for Council staff and Councillors for more than 10 years. We regularly hold practical and infomative 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 2010
 
Conflicts of Interest 
                 
                  Venue:    Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
                  Date:      Wednesday, 15 September 2010  
                  Time:      10:00am - 1:00 pm (to be followed by a light lunch)
                  Cost:      $375 (inclusive of GST)
 
                  REGISTRATION FLYER
 
Terry Bramham and Georgie Cahill are conducting this workshop looking at the soon to be enacted Local Government & Planning Legislation Bill 2010.
 
A new category of conflict of interest is being introduced and modifications are being made to some of the existing categories, including the receipt of applicable gifts.
 
In addition, the provisions relating to assemblies of Councillors (and the requirement to disclose conflicts of interest) are being altered.
 
The changes will result in
  • one type of direct interest;
  • six types of indirect interest;
  • conflicting personal interests
  • interests generally; and
  • conflicts of interest (separate from the above) for Council staff.
The following documents will be provided at the workshop -
 
  • "The eight necessary questions to identify a conflict of interest"
  • Conflict of interest flowcharts;
  • Easy to understand summary of conflicts of interest.
 
All course materials and refreshments will be provided including lunch.
 
 
  
Report Writing to Council
                   
                   Venue:     Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
                   Date:       Wednesday, 29 September 2010
                   Time:       10:00am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
                   Cost:        $375 (inclusive of GST)
 
                   REGISTRATION FLYER
 
One of the toughest challenges faced by Council staff members is the preparation of meaningful officer reports for Council and senior management consideration.
 
Terry Bramham and Georgie Cahill are conducting this highly relevant workshop designed to assist Council staff of all levels in the preparation of officer reports. This workshop is guaranteed to provide officers with a practical understanding of what is required in order to prepare meaningful reports. 
 
In addition to considering relevant examples of reports (both good and bad) the workshop will explore the following topics- 
 

  • Report Content;
  • Report Style;
  • Defamatory and Inflammatory Comments;
  • Third Party Considerations;
  • Objectivity & Officer Professionalism;
  • Conflicts of Interest;
  • Relevant & Irrelevant Inclusions; and
  • Providing Recommendations.
All course materials and refreshments will be provided including lunch.
 
 
 
 
Contract Management 
                 
                  Venue:    Manningham Function Centre, 699 Doncaster Road, DONCASTER
                  Date:      Wednesday, 13 October 2010
                  Time:      10:00am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch)
                  Cost:       $375 (inclusive of GST)
 
                  REGISTRATION FLYER
 
Given the Ombudsman's recent interest in this area, Terry Bramham and Georgie Cahill are conducting this practical and informative workshop designed specifically for Council staff involved in contract management.
 
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, the workshop will also explore the following themes, including-
 
  • Contractor Meetings;
  • Taking Minutes;
  • Show Cause Notices;
  • Suspension & Termination of Contracts;
  • Proactive Contract Management;
  • Relevant Documentation & Policies;
  • Strategies for Effective Contract Management AND MORE.
All course materials and refreshments will be provided including lunch.
 
 
 
 
Charter of Human Rights and Council Decision Making
                   
                   Venue:    The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road, IVANHOE
                   Date:      Wednesday, 20 October 2010
                   Time:      9:30am - 1:00pm (to be followed by a light lunch) 
                   Cost:      $375 (inclusive of GST)
 
                  REGISTRATION FLYER
 
Peter Lucas is conducting this important workshop which will be of relevance to all local government officers. It is designed to provide participants with a practical understanding of the followin aspects of the Charter which impact on a Council's decision making process -
  

  • Overview of the Charter;
  • The Charter and Parliament;
  • The Charter and Councils;
  • The Charter and Courts;
  • Rights protected by the Charter;
  • Interpreting rights;
  • Limitations on rights;
  • Remedies.
A 'surprise' Queens Counsel member of the Victorian Bar - specialising in presenting human rights cases before the Courts - has been invited to also speak at this workshop.
 
All course materials and refreshments will be provided including lunch.
 
 
 
We are always looking for new workshop topics. Email us your ideas via the contact page