Michelle Prior

Jumped on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) this afternoon to discuss the LNP’s housing plan, released today. Also, considered points of convergence between the Labor and LNP plans, both in focus this state budget week. Check it out, hopefully it offers some interesting analysis. https://lnkd.in/gPiqp-RE #StateBudget #BudgetReply #Queensland #HomeMatters #BetterTogether

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Opportunity 

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Today the report from the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria was tabled in Parliament. The report addresses the state’s preparedness for and response to Victoria’s major flooding event of October 2022. The findings and recommendations contained in the final report of the Inquiry, reflect the bipartisan approach adopted by Committee members to glean the truth of the flood event and provide practical and meaningful responses. My hope is that this inquiry report will provide a sound platform for the Committee’s next inquiry into Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation, an opportunity to more thoroughly explore the practical implications for responding to climate change, supporting effected communities, reviewing current initiatives and revisiting the questions identified previously in this minority report. Please see link below to the full report: https://lnkd.in/gizdhBMj

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Tū Ora Compass Health and Health Hawke's Bay continue to strengthen the collaboration between organisations with a shared and supported Communications Team under the Heads of Agreement sign between the two PHOs 6 months ago. The shared resources see those working in the communications team sit as a part of one wider team, with a single professional reporting line. This helps support those working in the two smaller teams to access a wider skill set, share resources and reduce expenses. Tū Ora Chief Executive Justine Thorpe said it’s great to see the Heads of Agreement support and guide collaborative work in other teams across the two organisations. “We are seeing the benefits of our shared Chief Information Officer deepen through integration of some of our systems and teams to maximise the skill and expertise of our staff and reduce back office costs. Our Communications Team has a wide range of skills with various backgrounds, so sharing these skills and talents benefits both organisations greatly” she said. Irihāpeti Mahuika, Health Hawke's Bay Chief Executive said the collaboration helps professionally support the team whilst ensuring costs and resources are effectively managed. “Comms is a vital resource to ensure we reach our communities, and we are excited to have a full-time Advisor join our team. Being able to sit as part of the wider team with Tū Ora means they can access professional support, upskilling and others working in a similar area to share ideas and resources. This will help reduce reinventing the wheel when it comes to similar projects and will streamline our communications approaches” she said. Senior Communications and Engagement Lead Lewis Young said the collaboration between Communication Teams brings a wide variety of benefits to both organisations. “Our team has a wide range of skillsets that we can tap into and support each other with, which can often be a challenge to access without dedicated people to the role. I’m looking forward to working closely with Health Hawke’s Bay and Tū Ora, and how our skills continue to benefit both communities” he said. Tū Ora and Health Hawke’s Bay continue to explore additional opportunities for collaborative ways of working. This collaboration supports 60% of the enrolled population in the central region. The Heads of Agreement look to share ways of working, resources and knowledge to continue the goal of creating a more equitable, accessible, cohesive and people-centred system to improve the well-being of New Zealanders, in line with Pae Ora (Health Futures) Act 2022. As part of the health reforms indicated by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Meso-level organisations are expected to be reviewed during 2024. This collaboration is aligned with the indicated direction of regional alignment and will achieve back-office efficiencies supporting more effective service delivery to our respective communities and networks of providers.

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If you’re looking for a summary and analysis of the proposed changes to the NDIS, hopefully you’ll find our Explainer helpful

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How can we support organisations to prioritise effective Māori engagement and diverse community engagement in 2025? I’d love to hear your whakaaro while I’m home recuperating from COVID-19 round two. In the current economic climate, I’m seeing professional development budgets as a key hurdle for many people wanting to access inclusive communications and engagement training, with tools like AI being given the green light instead. And while I love AI, it won’t help you build effective, long-term relationships to grow your organisation and impact. So help a wāhine out (and the many other incredible facilitators in this space like Sel Leigh and Katerina Kupenga) as I plan for 2025… - What are your organisation’s development priorities for 2025? - What format suits you best for development sessions? Online, in-person, short, frequent sessions, half-day intensives? - How would it benefit your organisation’s leaders and communicators to understand more about connecting with Māori and diverse communities? Kōrero in the comments or send me a message. I’m keen to run more workshops and speak at more events in 2025 to support organisations to be more connected with their communities and benefit from truly reciprocal relationships. So help me kick this brain into gear and make it happen! Keen on learning more in this space on Linked In? I highly recommend following: Tūraukawa Bartlett, Sel Leigh, lisa heald, Katerina Kupenga, James Reti and Frankie Karetai Wood-Bodley [LLM LLB BA].

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Applications are now open for the Active Transport Fund🚵‍♀️ The aim of the program is to encourage an increase in active transport through the upgrade of existing and construction of new bicycle and walking pathways across Australia. The program is an application-based, merit-assessed funding program, open to all state and territory governments and Local Government Authorities (LGAs). Applications must be for bicycle or walking pathways and must directly address at least one of the program’s focus areas which are linked to active transport priorities. The focus areas for the program are: ✅ road safety ✅ reducing transport emissions ✅ active and liveable communities. Applications close on 13 January 2025. More information can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g6Ww8btx 📷 Destination NSW #cycling #walking #activetransport #roadsafety #grant #funding #zeroemissions | Australian Government

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‘Let’s protect our environment’ early public consultation opens soon and runs from 25 October to 8 December, 2024. We have a current plan that guides how we protect our environment, which runs from 2020 – 2030. Since this was created, new threats to our natural environment have emerged. Creating our new plan is going to take several years, so we need to start now to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and ready for Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland by 2030. We are seeking Aucklanders’ views on five key topics before we begin drafting the new plan. The topics we’re seeking feedback on at this stage are: ·        Cat management for threatened indigenous wildlife protection ·        Pest free islands and peninsulas and the regional journey towards Predator Free 2050 ·        Managing exotic caulerpa seaweed and other harmful marine species ·        Reducing the spread and impact of freshwater species that cause harm including freshwater gold clam ·        Addressing the impacts of climate change on our natural environment Aucklanders will also be welcome to let us know of anything else they think we should consider. Sign up for updates on www.akhaveyoursay.co.nz 🌿 🦉 📢

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Coming into a chair role in September this course was invaluable about really exploring and understanding and engaging with: - what is our members reality right now -what was it that didn't make them sticky? on boarding, mis-matched expectations, friction points, offerings. - what is keeping them up at night so we can support and help them -how can we be more specific with our way of supporting our members. - will AI be a factor and if so, how can we embrace it to make our profession more efficient. And the big one - we are always doing alot behind the scenes - but we very rarely convey WHAT we are doing to our members. It was strategy on steriods, and ONZ will be in a much better place strategically to move forward.

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It’s been a big couple of weeks for Government climate policy in the transition to Net Zero with the Net Zero Economy Authority Bill passing the Senate. The Net Zero Authority will include functions to: 💲 facilitate investment 👷‍♂️ support workers impacted by transition 💡 coordinate policy and coherence, as well as, 🏘 build community understanding, confidence and engagement with the net zero transformation. This also aligns with the release of the Climate Change Authority’s review of the Australian Governments technology transition and emissions pathways to reach net zero emissions by 2050. It’s clear from the CCA review that there is significant work to do over the coming years. The review identifies six strategies that can be incorporated in the Net Zero Plan for addressing the challenges and enabling Australia’s transition to a prosperous, net zero economy. Actions include working with local, state and territory governments, businesses, communities and households to build on existing climate change policies, reform development approval processes and address mounting workforce shortages. More information on the Net Zero Economy Authority and the CCA review can be found here: Net Zero Economy Authority | PM&C (pmc.gov.au) and here: https://lnkd.in/dJJ7piKT Catherine Friday Dean Yates Mathew Nelson Emma Herd Meg Fricke

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It’s hard to top work moment like these. Yesterday our team Homes Victoria’s Victoria’s Transforming Government contracts through social procurement. A special event for the maintenance industry, this event starred a lineup of brilliant speakers who showcased the real benefits that social procurement have achieved for businesses and entire communities. A special thank you to our speakers Deirdre Diamante Lionel Dukakis Sally Quinn Radhika Ittiel Will Henderson Rebecca Lee for the impactful work that you do and powerful messages you left with the audience. Our communities are currently experiencing some of the toughest times we have seen in decades. Despite this, social enterprises like Green Collect, Aboriginal businesses like Mob Jobs and organisations like Uniting Vic.Tas Qualify are tackling this head on, providing opportunities to those who need them the most in the most innovative ways. It is clear that if we continue to strengthen the social procurement ecosystem, our society will remain resilient to environmental and economic challenges. To do this: 💪🏽strengthen your collaboration and partnerships early; & 💪🏼make inclusive employment part of your organisation’s ethos. Organisations that approach social procurement with hearts 💕and minds 🧠 will gain the most 🪄 Thank you to Amelia Marks for Kerilee Fry Toni Clark Adele Townsend and @benita harrison for bringing the event to life.

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Change is in the air… after near 12 years of service to the board, members, investors, staff and partners of Australian Ethical Investment, today we announced my retirement as Non-Executive Director. I’m delighted to stay on as a member of the Australian Ethical Foundation board, helping to inform distribution of grants for game-changing benefits to people and planet, including through deep, strategic climate action. https://lnkd.in/gitjP4Xu The visionary people who established Australian Ethical in 1986 had the foresight to invest according to the principles of the Australian Ethical Charter which has withstood the test of time. From $3.8 million in assets under management at foundation, to $190 million by 2002 and around $500 million as I joined the board in 2013, generations of leaders have held true to investing ethically. As I retire, funds under management exceed $10 billion, and AE is recognised as one of Morningstar’s eight global ESG leaders (the only asset manager in Australia). It’s hard to imagine this ride: AE’s impact has scaled from being an exciting idea, to proving that it is truly possible to do good while doing well. The share price has grown from 20 cents when I joined the board in early 2013 to over $4 today. Over the past twelve months, the AE Australian Shares superannuation option has delivered 13.8% returns, and it is rated #1 for returns over the past 10 years according to SuperRatings SR50 Shares Index as of 30 June 2024. A real highlight has been that when I joined the board, the entire investment team was male - we now have a significant and growing female investment team cohort and our flagship Aussie equities fund is led by Portflio Manager Deana Mitchell: how good is that?? The people of AE are incredible. Huge thanks to STEVE GIBBS our Chairman and fellow Directors, Kate Greenhill , Julie Orr and Sandra McCullagh. Also to Phil Vernon who played a crucial role in setting up the business to scale, and the many who went before. Mega thanks to CEO John McMurdo who has built an exceptional team of awesome individuals who we trust for the next chapter of this amazing Australian Story! It has been an incredible ride and I look forward to remaining as an investor and super fund member, because - for sure - the best is yet to come!

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It's been a devastating, exhausting month for survivors of violence and those working to address it.   The deaths of far too many women have broken our hearts and galvanised so many - communities, organisations, advocates, governments - to do everything we can to prevent violence against women.   People have taken to the streets of their cities and towns to say: enough is enough. A national cabinet has been convened, experts including victim survivors are coming together to talk solutions.   To drive down rates of violence urgently and into the future we need a diverse range of solutions to be actioned and we need to drive cultural and institutional change. We must make sure that when someone seeks crisis support or legal advice, they can access it.   When a woman and her children need emergency and longer term housing, it should be available. When a man needs to talk to someone about his behaviour, he should be able to access that professional guidance.  We need to ensure tailored and dedicated support for children and young people.   We need to hold industries that maintain harmful gender norms and promote violent or discriminatory behaviour - to account.   At the same time, we need to make sure that everyone is supported to learn about healthy relationships, consent and the warning signs of violence. That every single one of us is receiving the right messages, supports and information that we need to identify and prevent violence. Above all when we go to solutions, we need to make sure they do not inadvertently cause harm or exclude marginalised communities.   This is a moment for action, for supporting the work on the ground and for working together in coalition to stop violence against women and gender-based violence and to make sure no one is left behind.   Read our full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gn_W8zC3

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Today I announced I am investigating five local authorities, including two big, council-controlled, infrastructure providers. I have decided it is time to look at Auckland Transport and Wellington Water because of their huge impact on millions of New Zealander’s lives. Between the two entities, they provide roading, public transport and parking in New Zealand’s biggest city, and deliver water services to its capital and surrounding areas. It is really important for residents to have open and transparent access to information about the decisions that affect them. I am also investigating Wellington City Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and Marlborough District Council, as part of my regular programme of looking at Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) practice and compliance at local authorities. I want to hear from anyone who has requested information from Auckland Transport, Wellington Water, Wellington City Council, Marlborough District Council or Queenstown Lakes District Council. I also want to hear from anyone who has attended a public meeting, workshop or informal meeting organised by the Councils, or an Auckland Transport meeting about making, or made, a bylaw. I’m interested in your views on these local authorities’ commitment to openness and transparency. The surveys are open until Friday 29 November 2024 Public survey for Marlborough District Council, Wellington City Council, Wellington Water and Queenstown Lakes District Council - https://lnkd.in/gvZKBFsn Public survey for Auckland Transport - https://lnkd.in/g_BvEtnt More about my investigation, and links to my terms of reference, are available at https://lnkd.in/gU3ywtUZ My public surveys look at the experience people had with any of these agencies. They are not designed to reopen individual cases. For any new complaint, please go to https://lnkd.in/gf7K4f24

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Only one week left to nominate your local government for the Minister’s Place Innovation Award! Eligibility Nominations will be accepted from WA local governments only. The nominated Place Innovation project must have been completed within the last 12 months (it may have been initiated prior to this). Projects should demonstrate one or more of the following criteria: - An innovative approach to a place-based opportunity or challenge. - Significant improvements to standard practices. - A high level of collaboration, including with external stakeholders.

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Climate change is arguably one of the most important challenges facing New Zealand’s public sector. Public organisations need to understand the long-term nature of the impacts of climate change and establish enduring strategies and a commitment to address them. Robust planning will also strengthen the resilience of communities and of infrastructure. The Auditor-General has a strong interest in making sure that public organisations approach all their climate change-related activity – including governance, planning, risk management, data collection, and reporting – with integrity. Doing so will help ensure that public organisations are able to provide New Zealanders with transparent, meaningful, and understandable information about the organisation’s responses to, and how it is affected by, climate change. It will also facilitate the public sector’s effective and efficient transition to a lower carbon economy. Read our collection of climate change resources: https://lnkd.in/gFvGYRde

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I am not anti-National or anti- NZ First and ACT used to have a clear logic underlying its politics, but the total rejection by this coalition government of an evidence-based approach (demonstrated by yet another Minister) leading to decisions that are only reasonable or rational in the context of a paradigm that any agreements you make in order to attain power are morally just, regardless of the consequences, is not something with which i am comfortable and should be of concern to any professional. But given its rejection of evidence and the views of its expert advisors at least it is transparent as to where the buck stops. https://lnkd.in/g7ATw9CR

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Yet more evidence that governments around Australia need to be more ambitious about shifting freight (and people) on rail if we are to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. "Governments would also need to reduce passenger travel by 10 per cent and freight travel by 5 per cent by 2040, while 15 per cent of freight on articulated trucks and 5 per cent on rigid trucks would shift to rail too." With the Commonwealth, NSW, Victorian and Queensland governments all currently reviewing freight strategies, the time is now to address the challenges constraining the efficiency and productivity of rail freight so we can capitalise on the short-term decarbonisation opportunity presented by a shift from road to rail. https://lnkd.in/gdiu7f7A

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Government Grant funding between $80,000 and $400,000 to support projects which prevent technology facilitated abuse of women. Projects should be focussed on the prevention of online harm and enhanced safety for women and children. For example projects may: - Aim to change community attitudes and behaviours, - Focus on the perpetrators of technology-facilitated abuse, or - Seek to protect and support women and children. Up to $600,000 of the total funding is allocated to organisations delivering projects that focus on prevention of tech-based abused of First Nations women. Eligible applicants must: - Hold an ABN. - Be registered for GST. - Have an Australian bank account. - Be a legal entity. - Be a non-government organisation, NFP or charitable organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit commission. - Be financially viable. Eligible applicants for priority funding as a First Nations focussed project must: - Be an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation (ACCO), or - Be an organisation that is primarily focussed on achieving outcomes for First Nations communities, or - Be an organisation that is partnering with one of these eligible entities. Applications must be submitted by rpm (ACT local time) on 16th December 2024. For more information and to access the online application form follow the link below. If you need assistance with your application or an independent review to increase your potential for success please contact GrantSmart vie direct message.

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