When is an offensive word not an offensive word?
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 11:06
The question is really when is an inoffensive word an offensive word?
Last year we had an argument with Canterbury where they asserted that a word like "petite" was unacceptable and a breach of the Code of Conduct. The Council has withdrawn that allegation so now everyone's getting back to business with the usual unacceptable and offensive language that is part of every modern workplace. No real guidance provided by the moral guardians at Canterbury unfortunately.
We know that sometimes the most inoffensive electronic transmissions are intercepted in councils and we know there is a risk every time we send a depaNews or an email and make reference to the BPB CEO. Something we’re not going to do now.
But check out how Alfred Hitchcock and Charles Dickens fared in Virgin Media’s electronic program guide: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2011/dec/19/epg-alfred-hitchcock-charles-dickens
BPB Roadshow starts next month
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 12:22
We all have a pretty good idea about the changes to the certification system that the BPB wants to introduce from March 2013 – to make it more difficult to keep working in doing what you are doing unless you stay where you are now and all based on the idea that because people do full-time "certifying" in all the other states and privately, you lot in local government (even though you do more than everyone else in Australia) need to get with the program.
A program that is antagonistic to the multiskilled local government practitioner as we know it in NSW because the BPB wants national consistency, up you for the rent.
All general managers received a letter dated 21 December advising of a series of forums to be conducted across the State during February and into early March. The Board wants you to have "direct input into the future scope of the certification system in NSW”.
So much more satisfying for them to let you have direct input so that they can ignore your wishes. BPB Chair Sue Holliday made it abundantly clear last year to depa representatives at our usual post Board meeting briefing that these changes would be happening in March 2013 and we had better get used to it.
Still, you should go and tell them what you think. If you think it’s the end of the world as we know it, tell them.
The sessions will be held at the following locations and dates (venues still to be confirmed):
| LOCATION | DATE |
| Ballina | 13 February 2012 |
| Port Macquarie | 15 February 2012 |
| Tamworth | 17 February 2012 |
| Dubbo | 20 February 2012 |
| Katoomba | 22 February 2012 |
| Parramatta | 24 February 2012 |
| Wollongong | 27 February 2012 |
| Queanbeyan | 29 February 2012 |
| Wagga Wagga | 2 March 2012 |
| Sydney | 5 March 2012 |
| Newcastle | 6 March 2012 |
| Broken Hill | 9 March 2012 |
Destination 2036: Government turns a blind eye to local government reform
- Details
- Published on Monday, 12 December 2011 17:24
We are all pretty familiar with the story of Admiral Horatio Nelson famously turning a blind eye to something he didn't want to see. Blinded in one eye early in his Royal Navy career, in 1801 during the Battle of Copenhagen, Nelson was ordered by a less aggressive Admiral giving him the discretion to withdraw. At the time, orders were conveyed by signal flags and Nelson famously lifted his telescope to his blind eye and said "I really do not see the signal" and his forces continued to attack.
When the NSW Government decided to bring together general managers and mayors from across the State they called it Destination 2036 because the talkfest was intended to construct a vision towards a better structured and more efficient local government in 25 years time. What a pity they focused their invitations on the two groups with the most to lose - general managers and mayors.
What a pity Minister Don Page and Premier Barry O’Farrell chose to not see the signal.
If you bother to read the Destination 2036 Outcomes Report you won't be surprised to see that the outcomes are carefully crafted proposals aimed at restructuring employment practices by herding "back office" (and some wag thinks that means the role of the GM) or wages staff or whatever into shared arrangements but leaving untouched the anachronistic and inefficient boundaries of the 152 local government areas in New South Wales.
depa has always been sceptical about the resistance to amalgamation and supportive of larger, well-financed councils that can better provide best practice conditions of employment and pay employees properly so they can attract and retain them in markets where skills are in short supply.
Robbo's pearls...
depa golf day is on again
Is there anything better than hitting a golf ball off the tee, the beautiful sound of the ball launched off the sweet spot of the club, a perfect swing, a perfect follow-through and the pleasure of watching the ball arc into a clear blue sky, down the pristine and lush green fairway and so much further than anyone could have reasonably expected!
Buggered if I know, it's never happened to me but golf builds character. Deepak Chopra reckons if you can play golf with the right attitude you can live life with the right attitude. Nice. A bad shot is only a bad shot, the next could be a ripper.
That’s one of the reasons I love golf and the depa Union Picnic Day golf day is on again this year at Blackheath and you can join me on Metropolitan Union Picnic Day, Friday 9 March. We thank Local Government Super for their continued support.
No commentsIt has been
since Gosford council agreed to undertake a review of its investigation procedures and forward a draft for comment. We're still waiting.
View the full article: Gosford apologises for their conga line of incompetents
