Daniel Barraclough

The Community Affairs Legislation Committee has just published the joint submission I have co-authored with my friend and NDIA co-design colleague, Uli Cartwright, on the NDIS Bill. Our submission addresses: - The lack of co-design for major changes to the primary legislation according to Article 4(3) of the UNCRPD - Destruction of the golden thread between funding, goals and aspirations for a life worth living on an equal basis with others - Parallels with Robodebt culture in the participant experience and the further risks this Bill imposes - Legislating NDIA accountability to participants - Legislating NDIA, DSS and Government accountability in co-design - Our vision for the co-design commitment we need This submission was made independently of our roles as NDIA Participant Reference Group members. However, in light of the following statement published on the DSS website last night regarding NDIA co-design, we wish to set the record straight: “Since the Government introduced proposed changes to the NDIS Act, the NDIA has been working closely with Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs), our Independent Advisory Council (IAC) and Participant Reference Group (PRG) to improve their approach and confirm the next set of priority topics for co-design.” We do not know who drafted this FAQ, but we do not believe “working closely” with the PRG is a fair or accurate representation of a one hour briefing the day after the Bill was tabled, a two hour Q&A for us to give our feedback on the proposed legislative changes, and a two hour meeting on the NDIA’s already-formed, already-drafted co-design approach and proposed topics. At this meeting, we asked the NDIA to ask us what we can contribute and how much work we can take on, not to assume we are not up to the task. We go much further in our submission: We ask the Government, DSS and the NDIA to “assume that we can” contribute much more, and to invite people with disability to lead these reforms, including drafting of amendments (or indeed, re-drafting) of this Bill.

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Build baby build! Well done to Auckland and Christchurch for improving their rental housing stock! Who would have thunk liberalising planing rules would help housing supply…. BUT with building consents dropping like a stone all the hard work will be undone. We can not waste this property price down-turn and need all levers to be pulled. (Also if the Govt is actually keen to defeat inflation, this would be their #1 policy as rent is what is keeping it up). Time to prop up the building industry as it goes through this downturn and quash any NIMBYs blocking of housing developments.

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It’s been terrific to work alongside the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Housing Taskforce as we prepared a comprehensive paper for the State Government’s engagement process to inform a Plan for Victoria. When tackling significant challenges, setting ambitious goals can be a valuable strategy in devising solutions. In preparing a Plan for Victoria it's crucial for the Victorian government to leverage the expertise and insights of councils to address the housing crisis effectively and foster sustainable communities in the long term. The MAV Housing Taskforce submission builds on the previous papers prepared by the Municipal Association of Victoria late last year in partnership with SGS Economics and Planning, ‘Shaping Metropolitan Melbourne ’ and ‘Shaping Regional & Rural Victoria.’ This submission by the MAV Housing Taskforce is informed by an evidence base prepared by RMIT Centre for Urban Research and focuses on the recent housing targets and the need for a comprehensive statewide Housing Strategy. Our recommendations highlight additional factors requiring attention and emphasise that growth must enhance liveability. This involves actively engaging councils in planning processes and ensuring all levels of government invest in local amenities and infrastructure to meet community needs. The MAV is committed to strengthening partnerships between local, state, and federal governments and the private sector to collaboratively tackle Victoria's housing challenges. I extend my gratitude to all MAV Housing Taskforce members for their timely engagement in this critical work. Together, we can shape a future where everyone can thrive in vibrant, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods. Libby Porter Rob McGauran Harriet Shing Sonya Kilkenny Patrick Fensham Planning Institute of Australia Dan Hill 🗺 Bonnie Shaw Kat Panjari James McLean Carmel McCormack Jane Keddie Council of Capital City Lord Mayors Australian Local Government Association Linda Scott (GAICD) Andi Diamond Kelvin Walsh Ron Torres Evan Counsel Evan King Scott Barber Andrew McMaster Stephen Wall Helen Sui Brett Luxford Rebecca McKenzie Rachel Dapiran Emma Appleton Johnathan Guttman Stephen Swart Luke Connell Celia Haddock Sanjay Manivasagasivam MAICD Tennille Bradley-Ow Rachel Sarah Lunn MRICS Dr. Marjan Hajjari Jacqui Weatherill

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The relationship between local and central government is make-or-break for successful policy implementation. However, over the past decade, the central-local relationship has become increasingly strained. A new government offers a chance to rebuild and reset this relationship. In the final part of our Prioritising Public Services series, we explore how central and local government can work together to achieve this. While collaboration sounds simple, it's far more complex in practice. Our experience shows that effective bridge-building is essential. By fostering trust and understanding between partners, and focusing on real people, rather than just processes, bridge-builders can help create the conditions for successful public service delivery. To read on about resetting the relationship between central and local government, including harnessing the power of bridge-building, download our short overview: https://lnkd.in/g3eY9tRj For further insights into our six priorities for public service reform, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eYygY85V #NewGovernment #PrioritisingPublicServices #CentralGovernment #LocalGov #Community

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These lessons are a great refresher for all public servants. 👉

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💡A thought provoking piece of work has recently released been released called ‘Are industry good organisations good for industry? A reimagined future: finding the #CommonGround ' 💡 the joint piece of work by AGMARDT (The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust) & KPMG New Zealand is intended to stimulate debate and discussion. NZ is so lucky with the resources housed within our industry bodies, CRIs, cooperatives and others that support the sector. Which other industry provides a complete how-to for anyone entering their sector. Information is certainly not the issue! I think the report certainly highlights a lot of the frustrations currently held and the opportunity to discuss pathways forward. 💡Definitely worth a read and the podcasts hosted by Sarah Perriam-Lampp give a great snapshot of the intent and content of the report.

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Free workshops for people affected by the public sector job cuts It is a tough time in Wellington at the moment. There is a lot of uncertainty about what the future holds for many public servants. I see you. Like many who have worked in and with the public service, I know how talented and committed its people are to doing great work and improving the lives of everyone in New Zealand. Like many who have worked in and with the public service, I want to help. So, I'm offering free workshops to people who have been affected by public service redundancies. I have two workshops available in May, with more to come (depending on demand and venue availability), limited to 15 per workshop (Wellington only): 💡 17 May: Great advice - learn the tools and tricks to ensure you give useful advice that drives action 💡21 May: Designing policy for better social outcomes - the increased focus on measuring and improving social outcomes means we need a new set of tools to give ministers (and others) useful advice These workshops suit anybody working in or looking for advisory roles, and can be great networking opportunities, too. If you are interested in one or both of these workshops, get in touch at contact@insighttoaction.co.nz You can find out more here at https://lnkd.in/gXdcubDz

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Victoria needs more public housing. We are in the middle of a housing crisis, a cost of living crisis and people need help. Demolishing public housing is not the answer. https://lnkd.in/gTz4a82h

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In a significant development on our progress towards how we approach First Nations justice issues, Victoria Legal Aid is establishing a stand-alone First Nations Directorate. This will help us address systemic racism and disadvantage through the delivery of services and initiatives that are led by the expertise of First Nations peoples. https://lnkd.in/gXA7xXvx Bill Jaboor Robbie Campo Andrew Jackomos psm Andrew M Saunders Tal Karp Llewellyn Prain Clare Morton Courtney McGann Peter Noble Rowan McRae Joanna Fletcher Kate Bundrock Cam Hume Daniella Calkoen #firstnations #firstnationsleadership #selfdetermination

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🚨 Public comment draft 🚨

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#Housingtargets won't solve the #housingcrisis. In a recent conversation with Federal MP Peter Khalil, we discussed how the politics of scapegoating contributed to the housing crisis and erodes confidence in residential investment, particularly in Victoria. Peter and I discussed a range of other solutions to the housing crisis, including: * Federal government financial guarantees for new developments meeting affordable housing targets * Federal incentives for meeting infrastructure delivery and to encourage construction on sites with approvals * The need for leadership in working with State utilities (water / transport / power) to facilitate efficient delivery * The need for more consistency in the States' Planning & Building legislation The figures attached to housing targets will not solve any of these (or many other) foundational issues. If all levels of government were serious about delivery and not politics, they would do better. Anthony Albanese Jacinta Allan Harriet Shing Sonya Kilkenny Department of Transport and Planning David Hayward RMIT University https://lnkd.in/gtfp_rxe

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Across Australia, there are thousands of low-wage temporary migrant workers employed in food production. Since a Four Corners investigation in 2015 shocked audiences in exposing migrant exploitation on farms, there has been sustained scrutiny of the sector by federal enforcement agencies and the media but issues continue to arise. During this time, the PALM scheme has risen to prominence with over 30,000 Pacific workers now employed across Australia, largely in seasonal agriculture and (non-seasonal) meat processing. These workers join an estimated 50,000 backpackers in food production and possibly between 60,000 – 100,000 undocumented workers. Many of these workers are deeply vulnerable to forced labour and other modern slavery offences due to a number of interlinked factors. Join us for a discussion on this urgent topic!

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How do we improve independent scrutiny during policy reform? Independent scrutiny is critical to sound public policy governance, but how do we get the most out of it? 1️⃣ Who commissions the review matters! 2️⃣ Choose truly independent consultants. 3️⃣ Ensure a direct line to decision-makers. 4️⃣ Protect confidentiality. ➡️ Learn how to fix your reviews for better policy-making in my latest article: https://lnkd.in/gGzy-4Xm #PublicPolicy #Governance #PolicyReview

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Research suggests urban green spaces more beneficial than thought - Government News https://bit.ly/3VWB93X This Australian-led study, as highlighted in the article, underscores the significant environmental benefits of urban green spaces, challenging prior assumptions about their inferiority compared to natural ecosystems. Led by Dr. David Eldridge from UNSW, the research compared 56 global urban parks, including major parks in Sydney, to natural environments, revealing surprising parallels in soil health and ecosystem services. Contrary to expectations, the study found that urban green spaces performed comparably well on numerous soil health indicators, and in some cases, even outperformed natural areas in aspects like available phosphorus and water holding capacity. The study emphasises the value of urban green spaces in delivering critical ecosystem services such as soil stability, water regulation, and biodiversity. For Landcare in NSW, these findings are pivotal. They highlight the importance of incorporating diverse plant species in urban planning to enhance the environmental benefits of green spaces. This approach can aid in soil preservation, water management, and carbon sequestration, contributing to urban sustainability and resilience against climate change. The research suggests that investing in and managing urban green spaces can significantly bolster ecological health and human well-being, aligning with Landcare NSW's mission of fostering sustainable land and environmental stewardship, and delivery of services to the NSW Government through its various programs including the Creating Canopies Project. NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW Government NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Paul Scully MP Penny Sharpe MLC

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Research suggests urban green spaces more beneficial than thought - Government News https://bit.ly/3VWB93X This Australian-led study, as highlighted in the article, underscores the significant environmental benefits of urban green spaces, challenging prior assumptions about their inferiority compared to natural ecosystems. Led by Dr. David Eldridge from UNSW, the research compared 56 global urban parks, including major parks in Sydney, to natural environments, revealing surprising parallels in soil health and ecosystem services. Contrary to expectations, the study found that urban green spaces performed comparably well on numerous soil health indicators, and in some cases, even outperformed natural areas in aspects like available phosphorus and water holding capacity. The study emphasises the value of urban green spaces in delivering critical ecosystem services such as soil stability, water regulation, and biodiversity. For Landcare in NSW, these findings are pivotal. They highlight the importance of incorporating diverse plant species in urban planning to enhance the environmental benefits of green spaces. This approach can aid in soil preservation, water management, and carbon sequestration, contributing to urban sustainability and resilience against climate change. The research suggests that investing in and managing urban green spaces can significantly bolster ecological health and human well-being, aligning with Landcare NSW's mission of fostering sustainable land and environmental stewardship, and delivery of services to the NSW Government through its various programs including the Creating Canopies Project. NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW Government NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Paul Scully MP Penny Sharpe MLC

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Research suggests urban green spaces more beneficial than thought - Government News https://bit.ly/3VWB93X This Australian-led study, as highlighted in the article, underscores the significant environmental benefits of urban green spaces, challenging prior assumptions about their inferiority compared to natural ecosystems. Led by Dr. David Eldridge from UNSW, the research compared 56 global urban parks, including major parks in Sydney, to natural environments, revealing surprising parallels in soil health and ecosystem services. Contrary to expectations, the study found that urban green spaces performed comparably well on numerous soil health indicators, and in some cases, even outperformed natural areas in aspects like available phosphorus and water holding capacity. The study emphasises the value of urban green spaces in delivering critical ecosystem services such as soil stability, water regulation, and biodiversity. For Landcare in NSW, these findings are pivotal. They highlight the importance of incorporating diverse plant species in urban planning to enhance the environmental benefits of green spaces. This approach can aid in soil preservation, water management, and carbon sequestration, contributing to urban sustainability and resilience against climate change. The research suggests that investing in and managing urban green spaces can significantly bolster ecological health and human well-being, aligning with Landcare NSW's mission of fostering sustainable land and environmental stewardship, and delivery of services to the NSW Government through its various programs including the Creating Canopies Project. NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW Government NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Paul Scully MP Penny Sharpe MLC

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Research suggests urban green spaces more beneficial than thought - Government News https://bit.ly/3VWB93X This Australian-led study, as highlighted in the article, underscores the significant environmental benefits of urban green spaces, challenging prior assumptions about their inferiority compared to natural ecosystems. Led by Dr. David Eldridge from UNSW, the research compared 56 global urban parks, including major parks in Sydney, to natural environments, revealing surprising parallels in soil health and ecosystem services. Contrary to expectations, the study found that urban green spaces performed comparably well on numerous soil health indicators, and in some cases, even outperformed natural areas in aspects like available phosphorus and water holding capacity. The study emphasises the value of urban green spaces in delivering critical ecosystem services such as soil stability, water regulation, and biodiversity. For Landcare in NSW, these findings are pivotal. They highlight the importance of incorporating diverse plant species in urban planning to enhance the environmental benefits of green spaces. This approach can aid in soil preservation, water management, and carbon sequestration, contributing to urban sustainability and resilience against climate change. The research suggests that investing in and managing urban green spaces can significantly bolster ecological health and human well-being, aligning with Landcare NSW's mission of fostering sustainable land and environmental stewardship, and delivery of services to the NSW Government through its various programs including the Creating Canopies Project. NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW Government NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Paul Scully MP Penny Sharpe MLC

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