Bourke GM goes behind the scenes in Canberra

Bourke Shire Council General Manager, Leonie Brown, recently went behind the scenes in Canberra, visiting the Press Club and the policy makers of government. Photo TWH

Bourke Shire Council’s General Manager, Leonie Brown, has returned from a two-day trip to Canberra where she joined local government leaders from across New South Wales and Victoria for a rare behind-the-scenes look at federal policy development.

Mrs Brown attended the event last Wednesday and Thursday as part of a delegation organised through Local Government Professionals.

“There were probably 30 councils represented from across Victoria and New South Wales,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to be able to talk to the policy developers, but we weren’t actually meeting with the ministers.”

The program, facilitated by journalist Hugh Riminton, was designed to give council leaders access to senior departmental staff and policy advisors who shape government decisions.

Her program began at the National Press Club, where Telstra CEO Vicki Brady delivered an address.

“That was interesting,” Mrs Brown said. “It was about AI and the impacts on employees that we’re going to have regarding getting it right for AI and employment, and that Telstra hopes to be 100 per cent renewables by the end of 2025. They’re investing in renewable energy projects and rolling out of 5G as the advancement now to roll out 6G by 2030.” […]

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