INSPIRE CONFERENCE 

Conference Sessions

The money matters

Local government activities are directed and shaped by the financial position of council.  Having an understanding of the financial requirements, responsibilities, revenue sources, key expenditures and decision-making can assist every officer to be a better contributor, regardless of their role.  This session will give a snapshot for non-finance professionals to ensure they understand the context in which they are working.

There is no such thing as a free grant

Queensland councils manage large quantities of assets in order to provide needed and desired services to their communities.  These assets can have significant maintenance costs and may need regular updating or renewal.  The grant that council is provided to build a new facility, may come at no or minimal up-front cost but creates an expectation amongst users and an ongoing funding drain on council.  How well councils manage their assets can have a significant impact on the financial position of council and the longer-term delivery of services, so it is valuable for officers to understand the asset management frameworks within which their councils operate.

Who’s setting the rules?

Local government is a creature of legislation.  State Government legislation provides local government with its powers and also lists its responsibilities.  This session will explore the Local Government Act 2009 and associated regulations which dictate how local governments operate and why the obvious solution is not always the permitted solution.

No one-size fits all

This panel of CEOs will share their thoughts on council breadth, responsibilities, structure, priorities and challenges.  Hear from experienced officers as they offer the ‘must know’ guide for local government officers; what they think participants need to know to be high-performers in any local government organisation.

Staying in your lane

As public servants, local government officers are subject to specific legislation which dictates how we conduct ourselves in our working lives and, to some extent, our private lives.  While following your council’s code of conduct might help you stay on the right side of the lines, a deeper understanding of the legislation applying will make sure of it.  This session will unpick the critical elements that apply to every local government officer.

What do all these people do?

Local governments are diverse and complex.  In many cases, officers have limited understanding of the functions delivered across council.  In this session, participants will learn from each other about the functions undertaken across councils to better understand the vast array of opportunities that local governments offer, along with the wide contribution that they make to shaping their community.

Expectations and experiences

This panel session will explore individuals’ perceptions of local government prior to, and after, they have started work for the sector.  The panellists will share their experiences; the expected, the disappointments and the surprises.  Looking through their eyes may give you alternative views of your role and the function of local government.

It’s all about perception

Public perceptions about the role of local government, its responsibilities, its capabilities and its powers often no way correlate with the reality.  To what extent does it matter, does it affect how we do our roles or impact the provision of services to the community?  And is there a role for each of us and our organisations to change the narrative?