NT Election for 9 August

WA Beating the gas crisis

WA Budget shares prosperity

TAS Paul Lennon resigns

VIC The sporting capital

ACT Record job figures

NT New Cabinet team

TAS Courage brings change

SA Intervention on the lands

...more

Premier Steve Bracks with Diamond Creek CFA volunteers (also ALP members) : Carlo Rizzo-Green, Danielle Green, Member for Yan Yean and Steve Booth. Pic: Anthony Leong.

Premier Steve Bracks and Minister Tim Holding 'enjoying the moment' unveiling the plaque at opening of Diamond Creek Emergency Services Complex. Pic: Anthony Leong.

The Victorian Labor Government’s community cabinets program is a successful mix of individual or small group meetings with ministers and larger community events and activities attended by the Premier and Cabinet.

There is a great opportunity for local MPs to be involved in the development of the program and provide information on the current issues and needs of their communities. This can inform the decisions of major announcements and events.

Through the local newspapers community, members are invited to submit a request for meetings with ministers – these can be individual or group meetings. At the most recent community cabinet, 92 submission hearings were held and this has been as many as 145 in one metropolitan municipality.

Small group forums are chaired by ministers for particular interest groups, such as women, youth, indigenous and business leaders. These provide further opportunities for engagement and informal discussion.

The hosting council has the opportunity to make a presentation to Cabinet on their priorities, and a community reception for up to 200 guests is held at the end of each visit. The Premier addresses the reception and comments on the activities and announcements made by the cabinet ministers during the day.

Community feedback is always very positive and a recent stakeholder survey reported that 95% of respondents would participate in a future community cabinet. Councils have also been remarkably welcoming and hospitable to community cabinet and the local media readily report on the activities of the Premier and ministers.

It is also noteworthy that there is an economic benefit resulting from a community cabinet visit, particularly in the regional areas, as there is an influx of visitors and a policy to always use local caterers for events.

Community cabinet has proven that it can provide something for everyone:

• the community – informal engagement with the decision-makers and formal meetings to address their issues
• the council – advocacy directly with ministers on the most significant issues.
• the Premier – opportunity for local announcements and informal contact with the community and council.
• ministers – firsthand information on issues relevant to that municipality.
• local MPs – involvement in announcements and events with Premier and ministers.

Further information including newsletters covering past community cabinets can be found at www.premier.vic.gov.au