FastTrack is the VLGA's annual conference and the signature event in our councillor leadership development program, bringing together sector leaders for a day of learning and networking. 

Leading with Integrity will explore ways councillors lead responsibly, ensure good governance in decision making, and effectively represent the interests of their communities.

Hear from: 

• The Hon. Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government 
• Cr Nick Reece, Lord Mayor, City of Melbourne
• Marlo Baragwanath, Victorian Ombudsman
• Alison Byrne, CEO, Independent Broad Based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) 
• Jim Magee OAM, former Mayor and councillor, Glen Eira City Council
• Melissa Scadden, Managing Partner, Justitia Lawyers
• Peter Graham, Deputy Assistant Auditor-General, Parliamentary Reports and Services, Victorian Auditor-General's Office
• Kerryn Ellis, Executive Director, Victorian Ombudsman; former CEO South Gippsland Shire Council 
• Noelene Duff, former Chair of Administrators, Casey City Council
• Tony Raunic, Managing Principal, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
• Michael Stefanovic, Chief Municipal Inspector, Local Government Inspectorate

Plus - a keynote address from Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann one of Australia’s most experienced and well travelled comedians and one of the stars of the hit ABC TV Show Utopia.

The full program is available here.

Join us for a day of learning, networking and sharing of experiences with peers and sector leaders.

Networking drinks and canapes will follow from 5pm.

Discounts apply for multiple registrations from the same council. Please contact vlga@vlga.org.au for a registration form. 

Accommodation options at the RACV Club are available here.

Event Sponsor

FastTrack - Leading with Integrity 

Session 1 – Fostering a Strong Councillor-CEO Relationship

This panel will focus on CEO employment in local government across Victoria, covering legal, operational, and governance frameworks. Topics include CEO recruitment and selection, performance management, contracts, and employment terms, as well as separation and succession planning. The session will also explore governance, accountability, and the balance between council oversight and CEO autonomy. Local government professionals will share insights on best practices for effective leadership, helping councillors understand the CEO's role and addressing contemporary challenges. Councillors will gain strategies for ensuring stability, accountability, and good governance in CEO employment matters.

Panellists include:

• Noelene Duff, former Chair of Administrators, City of Casey
• Jim Magee, former Mayor and Councillor of Glen Eira City Council
• Kerryn Ellis, Executive Director Corporate Services, Victorian Ombudsman and former CEO, South Gippsland Shire Council

Session 2 - Integrity in Action: Upholding Councillor Conduct and Accountability

This session will focus on maintaining high standards of conduct and integrity for councillors, exploring ethical frameworks, legislative requirements, and best practices. Key topics include legal and ethical standards, managing conflicts of interest, accountability, and transparency in decision-making. It will also cover disciplinary processes, enforcement, and building a culture of integrity within councils. Experts in local government and ethics will provide practical insights to help councillors strengthen governance practices and improve ethical standards. The session aims to ensure that local government operates with integrity, fostering trust and accountability with the community.

Panellists include:

• John Watson, Former Executive Director of Local Government Victoria, Administrator at Brimbank, Municipal Monitor, Audit and Risk Committee Chair and member at multiple Councils
• Melissa Scadden, Managing Partner, Justitia Lawyers
• Tony Raunic, Managing Principal, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers

Session 3 - Preventing Fraud & Corruption: Strengthening Intergovernmental Collaboration

This panel will focus on the role of collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies in preventing fraud and corruption in local government in Victoria. Key topics include partnering with oversight bodies like IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman, shared responsibility for ethical governance, building systems for fraud detection and prevention, information sharing, and cross-sector training. Representatives from regulatory and anti-corruption agencies will share strategies for enhancing accountability, transparency, and integrity in local governance. The session will offer valuable insights on creating a unified approach to tackling fraud and corruption and improving overall governance.

Panellists include:

• Marlo Baragwanath, Victorian Ombudsman 
• Alison Byrne, CEO, Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC)
• Michael Stefanovic, Victorian Local Government Inspectorate 
• Peter Graham, Deputy Assistant Auditor-General, Parliamentary Reports and Services, Victorian Auditor-General's Office

FastTrack Cancellation Policy