Apr 1 2009 - Hobsons Bay Councillor Awarded Fellowship
Altona Ward Councillor Tony Briffa has been awarded the 2008 McArthur Management Services Local Government Fellowship.
The fellowship provides one Victorian Councillor with a $10,000 international study grant to undertake research on a significant issue affecting local government.
Cr Briffa said he was honoured to be awarded the fellowship, which will allow him to study the application and implications of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act on local government community services.
“I am thrilled to be the recipient of the fellowship award and I’m looking forward to studying the impact of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act on the provision of community services by local government,” said Cr Briffa.
“The charter requires local government bodies to uphold certain rights and responsibilities in every policy, local law and decision it makes.
“As the charter only became fully operational at the start of 2008, many councils are still learning how it directly affects the provision of services; which my research will address.
“Some of the services that are directly affected by the charter include aged and disability services, child care, roads and town planning; all of which have a large impact on the community.
“I will be visiting other local government organisations who have had experience in delivering these services in compliance with human rights legislation, including in the United Kingdom and Canada.
“I look forward to undertaking my research and I am confident that my findings will benefit Hobsons Bay City Council and the wider Victorian local government sector.”
The Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Peter Hemphill congratulated Cr Briffa on being awarded the fellowship.
“I congratulate Cr Briffa on his success in obtaining the fellowship, and I wish him all the best with his project,” said the Mayor.
“I look forward to reading the results of his research as I am sure that his work will assist Victorian councils to deliver their services in line with the human rights charter.”