LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (14:42): My question is to the Minister for State/Local Government Relations on the topic of Local Government Management Association Excellence Awards. Can the minister provide information on the state government's commitment to the financial sponsorship of the Local Government Management Association's 2013 Excellence Awards?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:43): I thank the honourable member for his very important question. I am delighted to advise that I have recently approved financial sponsorship for the LGMA 2013 Excellence Awards and, in particular, for the Management Challenge Award and the Partnership Growth Award, and jointly (with the Office for Women) for the Advancing the Status of Women in Local Government Award. The state government will be providing full financial sponsorship for two awards, being the Management Challenge Award for $6,500 and the Partnership for Growth Award for $6,500. I am pleased to advise that my agency will be providing joint sponsorship with the Office for Women for the Advancing the Status of Women in Local Government Award to the amount of $3,250.

The LGMA (SA) represents professionals working in local government in South Australia. Most local government chief executives and a number of senior managers are members of the LGMA in South Australia. As a membership-based organisation, the LGMA's main roles are to encourage professionalism and involvement in policy decision-making, provide a forum for discussion and networking between managers, and pursue the educational and professional development of members. The LGMA provides a range of professional development activities and support services for its members, including training and development, conferences and newsletters.

The LGMA Leadership Excellence Awards recognise outstanding and innovative leaders, managers and their councils in addition to emerging leaders. The program recognises excellence and contributes to the advancement and improvement of local government as a sector. The overall aim of the program is to raise the standard and quality of local government leadership and management across local government in South Australia; create public awareness of the level of expertise and excellence in local government; and recognise excellence demonstrated by individuals, teams and councils. I would like to congratulate the LGMA for their ongoing work, and I am pleased to have the opportunity once again to support the LGMA Leadership Excellence Awards.