Registrations are now closed for LGAT’s Annual Conference 2024. We can't wait to see you soon!
Brought to you by MAV Insurance, the LGAT Annual Conference is taking place on 4 and 5 September 2024 at the Grand Chancellor in Hobart, featuring a range of keynote speakers, workshops and much more. The theme for this year is Navigating a Shifting Landscape.
As the main event for the local government sector, the Annual Conference is a great opportunity to network with your peers and learn from a range of speakers like Saul Eslake, Lisa Denny, Lara Giddings, Frank Barta, and more.
We will also be announcing the winners of the 2024 Awards for Excellence and the 2024 Service Awards.
Where: Grand Chancellor, Hobart.
When: 4 and 5 September 2024.
Further information about the event is below.
If you’ve got any questions, please get in touch with our Events Coordinator at events@lgat.tas.gov.au.
Proudly brought to you by:
The following information is provided for planning purposes only and is subject to change.
 | Jane Longhurst – Master of Ceremonies Jane Longhurst is an award-winning actor, broadcaster and voice artist. She has worked extensively in theatre, television and radio since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts. Jane has a long list of credits, ranging from Rosehaven and Neighbours, all the way to working with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra presenting concerts to toddlers and school children. You can also occasionally find her on ABC Radio where she works as a fill in presenter. |
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Saul Eslake Saul Eslake worked as an economist in the Australian financial markets for more than 25 years, including as Chief Economist at McIntosh Securities, Chief Economist (International) at National Mutual Funds Management, Chief Economist at the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group from 1995 to 2009, and as Chief Economist (Australia & New Zealand) for Bank of America Merrill Lynch from 2011 until June 2015. In between these last two positions he was Director of the Productivity Growth program at the then newly-established Grattan Institute, a ‘think tank’. In July 2015, Saul started up his own economics consultancy business, operating out of Hobart, and in April 2016 took up a part-time position as a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Tasmania. Saul is a member of the Australian Parliamentary Budget Office’s Advisory Panel; the Australian Taxation Office’s ‘Tax Gap’ Advisory Panel; and is on the Advisory Board of Jamieson Coote Bonds, a Melbourne-based specialist bond investment manager. He is currently undertaking an Independent Review of Tasmania’s Public Sector Finances which will be published in August. |
 | Dr Lisa Denny Dr Lisa Denny is a Workforce Demographer – she helps you better understand the dynamics underpinning your region, industry or organisation in relation to population change, the economy, the workforce and the broader community so that you can make informed decisions. Lisa's expertise centres on providing research, data analysis and strategic policy advice in relation to the inter-connected nature of education and work and the population with a view to achieving long-term, systemic economic and social renewal in the context of population change and other socio-economic scenarios. |
 | Frank Barta Frank has vast experience in finance and governance, working as a senior executive in local government, as an independent consultant and as a non-executive director of both major and small organisations. |
 | Ben Wallis Ben is a director and principal at You Who, an experienced coach, advisor and facilitator with a passion for partnering with leaders to transform their organisations. Along with coaching Ben partners with CEOs, Boards and Executive Teams across a variety of strategy, culture and transformations projects in almost every sector. |
 | Nic Stephen |
 | Matt Balfe Matt is the General Manager Customer and Community at TasWater. He has over 20 years leadership experience in strategy, communications, customer experience, and culture transformation. Prior to joining TasWater, Matt spent thirteen years at Victoria’s largest water business, Yarra Valley Water |
 | Matt Derbyshire Matt is TasWater's General Manager of Sustainable Infrastructure Services. His team delivers technically robust, sustainable and commercially focused strategies and plans, along with supporting all facets of development activities. Matt is a chartered professional engineer with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. His career draws on public and private sector experience gained in Victoria and Tasmania, in dynamic operating environments. |
 | Lara Giddings Lara was initially elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in 1996 and was the state’s first female Premier from 2011 to 2014. During this time, she led a minority Labor-Green government. Upon retiring from politics, Lara joined the Australian Medical Association as the CEO of the Tasmanian branch. |
 | Cath Hughes Cath began her career in politics in 1997 as a Policy Researcher for the Tasmanian Greens during the Rundle Liberal minority government before working directly for Peg Putt in 1998. From 2002 to 2015, Cath was the Chief of Staff and Senior Political Advisor for the Tasmanian Greens, including during the Cath has also taught at UTAS Politics and Media Schools, where she undertook research into the role of news media in attitudes to minority government. Cath is currently a Political Advisor to the Legislative Council Independent Meg Webb MLC. |
 | Dr Michael Lester As a journalist, Michael reported on both the 1989 Field and 1996 Rundle governments. He was also a senior adviser to Jim Bacon from 1998 to 2002. As a public relations consultant and writer of articles for various papers and journals, Michael was a keen observer and sometimes commentator of the 2010 minority government. |
 | Councillor Linda Scott – President of ALGA Councillor Linda Scott JP GAICD is an experienced Board Director, previously serving as the first female Chair of Local Government NSW and currently serving as President of the Australian Local Government Association, which represents Australia’s 537 local governments. Linda was elected unopposed as ALGA’s President in 2020, having served as Vice President since 2018 and a board member since 2017. Linda is also currently serving as a Councillor on the City of Sydney Council, formerly serving as Deputy Lord Mayor. She is the Chair of CareSuper, an award-winning industry superannuation fund, having joined the CareSuper Board in 2018. |
 | Hon. Nic Street MP Nic Street was first elected to the Tasmanian Parliament in 2016 and is the current Minister for Local Government. He is also the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Sports and Events. Previously, Nic served as an elected representative for Kingborough Council. |
 | Vice President of LGAT – Mayor Paula Wriedt Paula previously served as a Member of the Tasmanian Parliament from 1996 to 2009. During this time, she initiated the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women to recognise the significant contribution that women have made to Tasmania throughout history. In 2023, Paula herself was inducted into the Honour Roll. |
This conference is proudly brought to you by our major sponsor:
MAV Insurance provides a range of reliable insurance products tailored to the needs and risks of the local government sector.
Thank you to our main sponsors:
| Since establishing our Public Sector practice in Australia back in 1972, we have remained committed to working in partnership with councils nationwide, listening and collaborating in order to understand their evolving challenges and enabling them to deliver exceptional service to their communities. Our experience and knowledge of the Public Sector market is attributed to our ongoing mission to provide councils the best value risk and coverage advice available. Our vision some 50 years ago was to ensure councils had the very best risk advice and risk transfer options well into the future, at a time when councils were deemed too high a risk for insurers to take. With councils and JLT Public Sector sharing the same cause and standing shoulder to shoulder in the pursuit of the same goal, together we shifted how the insurance market perceived the Local Government sector in Australia. Our 300 dedicated professionals proudly deliver insurance, risk management, claims, and alternative risk transfer solutions to over 500 Councils across Australia. As part of our “client first” philosophy, we place the needs of the Public Sector first. We do this by providing products and services that provide confidence, reduce volatility and that support the unique challenges of the Public Sector over the long term. For more information, visit: https://www.jltpublicsector.com |
 | Simmons Wolfhagen lawyers are specialists in all aspects of local government, planning and development law. We offer pragmatic and practical legal solutions to local government including governance, regulatory compliance, property, enforcement and employment law. With offices in the South (Hobart and Kingston) and North (Launceston), Simmons Wolfhagen are well positioned to provide your Council with expert legal advice. Need local government expert legal advice? Call Simmons Wolfhagen first. Hobart Launceston Kingston Scottsdale Or visit https://ow.ly/jGbj50PBIai |
 | The Environment Protection Authority’s vision is for a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Our purpose is to protect and enhance the island's environment for present and future generations. We play a crucial role in assessing and regulating large industries, and in monitoring, analysing and reporting on environmental impacts to ensure a more balanced coexistence between people and the environment. Our independent and objective assessment and regulatory activities are based on sound scientific and evidence-based principles and, we use the best available science and technology to monitor, analyse, and report trends in environmental quality. The EPA strives to support positive change in industry activities and impacts through regulation, compliance and enforcement activities, and collaborative partnerships. Learn more about the EPA at https://epa.tas.gov.au. |
 | GHD recognises and understands the world is constantly changing. We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation. We are a global professional services company that leads through engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Our forward-looking, innovative approaches connect and sustain communities around the world. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are focused on building lasting relationships with our partners and clients. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 11,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 160+ offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Find out more about us at ghd.com |
 | ReadyTech is a leading provider of mission-critical SaaS for the government, justice, education and workforce management sectors. In the government sector, our customer-centric integrated software provides software solutions for a variety of Local and State Governments. Through our Ready Community solution, you can provide your community around-the-clock access to services such as payment processing, customer requests, rates, planning applications, licensing and permitting and other online services. Change the way you work and achieve unparalleled community service by providing a single-entry point for community members to easily interact with Councils and Government. To learn more about ReadyTech’s customer-centric approach to technology, please visit readytech.io/government. |
 | The Regional Tech Hub offers free and independent advice and support, helping Australians in rural, regional, and remote areas navigate often confusing phone and internet options and technical issues. To find out more visit our website – https://regionaltechhub.org.au/. The Regional Tech Hub is an Australian-funded program, run by the National Farmers’ Federation. The Regional Tech Hub offers a valuable service for your members and stakeholders. We would appreciate your help in promoting our services, so people with phone and internet connectivity issues know to visit the Regional Tech Hub website https://regionaltechhub.org.au/, call the hotline: |
Thank you to our trade sponsors:
 | Adroit Creations provides technology and support to the local government sector. They understand the challenges, frustrations, constraints and real impact of the local government environment and have embarked on a mission to make it better. |
 | Australian Payments Plus was created when Australia’s domestic payments companies – BPAY Group, eftpos and NPP Australia – came together in 2022 to shape the future of payments. Our purpose is to unite people and technology to power better experiences. We have a clear vision. To deliver more innovation to Australia’s payments ecosystem – so that Australian businesses, government and consumers experience more benefits, in more ways. AP+ payments systems and schemes are subject to RBA oversight under the Payments Systems (Regulation) Act. Eftpos and the NPP are also regulated as Critical Infrastructure under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act. AP+ is a member-owned organisation operating in the public interest, with all profit reinvested into the further innovation of Australia’s payment ecosystem. |
 | Bentleys Tasmania is a Tasmanian owned and operated advisory, accounting, and audit firm who have been supporting the growth and development of our clients since 1998. We offer a number of carbon accounting, advisory, and auditing solutions to help you measure, manage, and report on your GHG emissions. We’re passionate about sustainability and want to help the local government sector to embed sustainability into their business practices and meet their ESG goals. Our solutions can help councils to stay ahead of evolving stakeholder expectations and build more sustainable communities. Find out more: https://www.bentleys.com.au. |
 | Commonwealth Bank is Australia’s leading provider of integrated financial services. Our purpose is to improve the financial wellbeing of people, business and communities across Australia. We are committed to local governments, by partnering to deliver customised financial solutions that recognise the valuable role councils play in the community and the pressures to deliver more from limited resources. With our forward-looking approach, we’re continuing to transform and improve services and achieve efficiencies through technologies for better decision making and customer experience. See more: https://www.commbank.com.au/ |
 | eWorks are driven by our passion to improve eLearning experiences for learners both in Australia and globally. Since 1998 eWorks has been recognised as industry leaders in the eLearning space for their learner-centred approach to curating digital content and supporting the user experience. The team of expert learning design specialists, project managers and technical consultants work cohesively through the learning, multimedia, and assessment components of eLearning to help your business. For more than 25 years eWorks have created thousands of hours of high-quality eLearning content, providing immersive and impactful learning experiences. |
 | Kernow has provided Environmental Health and Immunisation Services to local Councils for more than 25 years. We are proven to be reliable, competent, and innovative in the way we deliver core regulatory services. We are the leaders in this space and are the largest employer of Environmental Health Officers in Australia. Tasmanian Councils have been impacted by Rate Capping, COVID and have been consulted over the ‘Future of Local Government’ review. You are now considering how to address the impacts of workforce shortages , particularly in Environmental Health, and are considering the best ways to meet the future needs of your communities while providing a reliable value for money service to the community. Kernow has solutions for Councils to improve service performance, accountability, risk mitigation and can operate a service better than most in-house services. We have solutions to develop capacity in your region with a shared service. Come talk to us about your current service and we’ll tailor an approach to meet your individual needs OR discuss the development of a shared services arrangement with likeminded Councils. |
 | Libraries Tasmania is comprised of the State Library of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Archives, 45 public libraries, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts and the Office of the State Archivist. They provide modern library and archive services that are accessible and inclusive. Their 45 public libraries are located across the state, from Flinders Island to Geeveston. Discover more: https://libraries.tas.gov.au |
 | Modus Australia makes it easy to deliver public amenity building projects. Since launching in 1999, they have become a national supplier of innovative restroom and public toilet facilities with a unique modular prefab system, offering a range of styles, sizes and configurations to suit a wide variety of uses and environments. Find out more: https://www.modusaustralia.com.au |
 | NBN Co is a state-owned corporation of the Australian Government, tasked to design, build and operate Australia's National Broadband Network as the nation's wholesale broadband provider. NBN's purpose is to lift the digital capability of Australia. The high-speed broadband enabled by the nbn network supports the way Australians work, learn, access health and other services and connect with family and friends. Discover more: https://www.nbnco.com.au |
 | Spirit Super is an Industry SuperFund with close to $30 billion funds under management and over 345,000 members across Australia. We’re here to help hard-working Australians get the most out of their super. We offer low fees, free advice and a history of strong long-term returns*. We take great pride in offering excellent service no matter your life stage or retirement goals. When it comes to super, it all starts with Spirit. *Based on the 10-year return for Spirit Super's Balanced MySuper option as of 30 March 2024. Advice on Spirit Super is provided by Quadrant First Pty Ltd (ABN |
 | Telstra partners with councils, empowering you to meet the rising expectations of citizens through connected infrastructure. From keeping your mobile workforce connected to digital citizen engagement, our experienced, skilled team has a proven track record designing and delivering innovative solutions tailored to the needs of your council and community. And it’s all underpinned by our leading Australian network and enabled by our investment in innovation and security. Come visit our team at the Telstra Stand to learn more. |
 | Terrain Group is all about bringing outdoor spaces to life with our standard and customised bench seats, fountains, shelters, litter bins, bollards and more. We offer high quality, contemporary and environmental design aspects in open space, urban park and public furniture ideas. Our elements range has the magic of transforming urban environments into an accessible, practical and enjoyable experience. Discover more: https://www.terraingroup.com.au |
- Please note this program is subject to change.
| Wednesday 4 September | |
|---|---|
| 8.00am | Registrations open |
| 9.00am | LGAT General Meeting |
| 10.45am | Morning tea |
| 11.15am | Conference welcome |
| 11.25am | Welcome to Country – Todd Sculthorpe |
| 11.35am | LGAT Vice President's Address – Paula Wriedt |
| 11.40am | ALGA President's Address – Linda Scott |
| 12.15pm | Unprecedented times: Projected population change in Tasmania from a local government area perspective Dr Lisa Denny Recent population projections for Tasmania reveal that the state’s local government areas are entering into a period of unprecedented times. While Tasmania’s projected population age structure for 2038 resembles a coffin, Lisa will introduce four other projected population age structure types for Tasmania’s LGAs; the apple core, column, tornado and the middle-age spread. Lisa will explain the causes of these projected age structures and the implications for strategic policy and planning purposes. |
| 1.15pm | Networking Lunch |
| 2.15pm | Workshop Streams: Financial Management – Frank Barta Frank will look at the essential fundamentals of council finances. Lessons learned from navigating our shifting landscape – Matt Derbyshire and Matt Balfe TasWater is at a critical juncture - we have unique assets, our climate is changing, and customer expectations are growing. We need to prepare for an uncertain future and find the balance of price and service that is fair for all Tasmanians, shaping the future of water services in our state. |
| 4.00pm | The outlook for Tasmania's economy and state finances Saul Eslake Saul will outline the prospects for Tasmania's economy over the next few years and detail the findings of the Independent Review of State Finances, with a focus on local government. |
| 5.00pm | Close of Day 1 |
| 6.30pm | Pre-Dinner Drinks |
| 7.00pm | Annual Conference Dinner – Sponsored by Simmons Wolfhagen - including the announcement of the Awards for Excellence and the LGAT Service Awards. |
Please note this program is subject to change.
| Thursday 5 September | |
|---|---|
| 8.00am | Registrations open |
| 9.00am | Day 2 Welcome |
| 9.10am | Minster for Local Government's Address – Hon Nic Street |
| 9.45am | #youdoyou – "Authenticity": A great place to start, a terrible place to end In a world now described as brittle, anxious, non-linear and incomprehensible (BANI), leaders must adapt in order to succeed. Embracing 'authentic leadership' has been championed as one way leaders can remain effective in this new world. Authenticity, based on individual identity is certainly a powerful place to start. But an even more powerful place to end is possible when authentic leaders recognise it's not all about them. The best leaders are authentic, but they are also willing and able to work effectively with and alongside others in diverse and dynamic teams and organisations. They bring the best out in themselves, and in those around them. |
| 10.45am | Morning tea |
| 11.15am | Panel: Exploring Minority Governments Lara Giddings, Cath Hughes, Dr Michael Lester Moderator: Paula Wriedt Tasmania is no stranger to minority government with around a third of our governments running in minority over the past 150 years. Our panel will explore the good, the bad and the ugly of minority governments. |
| 12.15pm | Close of Day 2 |
| 12.30pm | Lunch |
Registrations are now closed.
Eat
Frank – 5 minute walk from venue
Argentinian style dishes made to be shared https://frankrestaurant.com.au
Telegraph Hotel – 6 minute walk from venue
Pub style food with a roof top bar https://telegraphhotelhobart.com.au
Restuarant Maria – 7 minute walk from venue
Newly opened mediterranean restaurant with a waterfront view https://restaurantmaria.com.au
Peppina – 10 minute walk from venue
Italian style dishes in a beautiful space. Bookings highly recommended https://www.peppinarestaurant.com
Drink
Evolve Spirits Bar – 3 minute walk from venue
Sophisticated lounge bar https://evolvespiritsbar.com.au
Hobart Brewing Co – 4 minute walk from venue
Taproom in the middle of a local brewery https://hobartbrewingco.com.au
Mary Mary – 10 minute walk from venue
Cocktails and spirits in an intimate space https://www.marymarybar.com
The Still – 7 minute walk from venue
A suave yet comfortable whisky and cocktail lounge experience brought to you by Lark https://larkdistillery.com
Explore
kunanyi/Mt Wellington Bus
The best view in town
Travel 1,270 metres above sea level to experience spectacular views over Hobart and southern Tasmania from the top of kunanyi. Departs daily opposite the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. https://mtwellingtonexplorer.com.au
Salamanca Market
Shop til you drop
Are you turning conference week into a long weekend? Salamanca Market is one of Tasmania’s most visited tourist attractions. Open Saturdays from 8:30am. https://www.salamancamarket.com.au
MONA
Set sail to subterranean architecture
Located just up the river from the city, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) houses ancient, modern and contemporary art. Open Fridays to Mondays, catch the ferry from Brooke Street Pier and have an adventure. https://mona.net.au/visit
TMAG
Explore history right across the road
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is the second oldest museum in Australia and cares for almost 800,000 objects from fossils to fine art. Open Tuesdays to Sundays. https://www.tmag.tas.gov.au
We have secured a block booking with the Grand Chancellor. Please book using this link and ensure you scroll down the page and click on "Access conference rates here".
Alternatively, there are other fantastic accommodation options around Hobart:
- Mantra on Collins Hobart – 6 minute walk from venue
- Vibe Hotel Hobart – 7 minute walk from venue
- Zero Davey Boutique Apartments – 1 minute walk from venue
- The Henry Jones Art Hotel – 2 minute walk from venue
- Crowne Plaza Hobart – 10 minute walk from venue
- Movenpick Hotel Hobart – 7 minute walk from venue
Please note, we do not take responsibility for your accommodation. If you need to cancel or amend your accommodation booking, please contact your hotel.
Hotel Grand Chancellor
There is limited parking onsite accessed from Macquarie Street. Please enquire with the hotel directly if you are staying onsite.
Dunn Place Car Park – 1 minute walk from venue
Market Place Car Park – 4 minute walk from venue
Macquarie Point Car Park – 5 minute walk from venue
Argyle Street Car Park – 7 minute walk from venue
Vodafone Central Car Park – 11 minute walk from venue
There are accessible toilets, ramps and lifts throughout the venue. Please note there is no elevator to the lobby from the underground carpark.
If you register and are unable to attend, there will be no charge if you notify us by 5pm on 21 August. We regret that if such notice is not possible, there will be a 50% charge for cancellations received after this date. Cancellation notices must be forwarded to events@lgat.tas.gov.au. If no cancellation notice is received, full payment will apply. LGAT does not accept responsibility for cancellation charges for accommodation. Please check when booking accommodation.
There will be no refunds for non-attendance of this event.