Sunday, 29 January 2017

Re: Tasmania's dysfunctional local governance paradigm

Hi Ray,

Thank you for your well articulated (and detailed) email. There are certainly many many issues on the table for consideration. I am always happy to listen to differing points of view. I'm not sure that you have read my position correctly regarding grass roots democratic engagement - but no doubt we will have many discussions about how best to achieve that. 

Happy to chat any time!

Maddy 

Madeleine Ogilvie MP
Labor Member for Denison

Shadow Minister 
+ Communications, Enterprise & Digital Economy
+ Local Government & Public Planning 
+ Open Government & Information Integrity 
+ Multicultural Affairs
+ Aboriginal Affairs 
Opposition Whip 

Ph| 0409 001 800


On 29 Jan 2017, at 3:46 pm, Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com> wrote:

Tasmania's dysfunctional local governance paradigm Good afternoon Madelaine,
 
There certainly is a few balls in the air here but there is nothing new about that. First up it is quite apparent to me that in Local Govt in Tasmania (other forums too) there is a breakdown in regard to what's the role of government (the elected councillors/aldermen) and management. Civic Administration 101 tells us that governance's role is to do with 'strategic policy determination' and management's role is to implement the strategies/policies. By-and-large that's not happening all that often in some councils (in some, one, hardly at all) and maybe its more the case than I'm aware of.
 
Your "Organisational effectiveness" requirement just cannot be assumed to be in place just because it has been legislated for. On the ground, as you'd be no doubt aware, all kinds of power-plays are in operation and not the least Parkinson Law. Sadly, I can report that in one council at least it is apparently the driving force … OVERlings needing UNDERlings who need UNDERlings on and on and on!!  It turns out, and there is no surprise that it does, that it is expensive, dysfunctional and disconnected from anything resembling the community's needs.
 
As I've said elsewhere it is encouraging that you are engaged with the newDEMOCRACY Foundation concept even if it seems that you may not be in tune with the paradigm. You say that you want people to be "engaged in their democracy (please join Labor)" but if that's the case Labor needs the be more upfront about its engagement with the community and I can see no better place to start than with Local Govt. On the evidence, the Minister is disengaged and it seems is an adherent to the status quo – he may even be understood as being Machiavellian but I couldn't possibly comment on that.

As an aside, I will not join any group/party simply because I'm a researcher, an independent researcher more to the point, and my field is cultural geography – plus being a cultural producer. Thus, I cannot critique anything I'm a member of and be credible and independent.
 
Now I do not often quote Ronald Ragan and I'm less inclined to do so now that we've entered the TRUMPIANparadigm, but he, Regan, is reported as saying that "the status quo is Latin and it means, the mess we're in"!! Dumb as he was, when someone gave him that line, he used it! More to the point it speaks so, so loudly of Local Govt. in Tasmania at the moment.
 
When it comes to resources available to Local Govt. in a climate of  "an ever shrinking budget" one has to ask is the present budget realistic and strategically well directed? You've probably heard that by cutting the number councils anything up to $2.5 BILLION could be spent better (liberated?!) – not necessarily saved albeit saved from bureaucratic wastage. The disinclination of 'councils' operational wings' to consult with the communities they administer can probably be explained by a disinclination to engage with 'the people'. That's the people who have a range of qualifications, skill sets and a range of experiences that exceed their own. The bigger the community the more likely that is to be the case and if there happens to be a university in town in which it exists the more there is to fear(?) it seems.

That's not quite the case in Launceston as we have a university that's persuaded 'the council' to gift it all kinds of things the community can ill afford for it to do. That's so even though 'the university' still doesn't have a business case/plan for what it wants to do nor how it wants to do it. But there you go banks these days lend money on less evidence.
 
On the issue "no one wants rate increases" is true in so far as there is a disinclination to be paying more and more for less and less, which is what happens under the 'cost centre paradigm' administered by councils in general – and by design. In a 21st C context we need to start looking for entrepreneurial ways forward rather than advocating the dysfunctional status quo. Generally speaking the 'people' are not there in council operations with either the will, wherewithal or the experience to be entrepreneurial. There needs to be a CHANGEagent commissioned to pull that kind of exercise off!
 
For example, 'waste management' is typically seen as a 'council role' and true it currently is. Typically councils have 'waste management centres' which translates as places where one goes to waste resources that you have in your possession. 'Resource recovery centres' are beginning to spring up but often against the odds as they change paradigms in uncomfortable ways for bureaucratic functionaries and their underling operatives. This is but one example where progress/change is blighted by rhetoric and lazy self-interest. Interestingly, local governance elsewhere is also starting to be proactive in this area.
 
As for "forced amalgamations", well I wouldn't want to see that because it would compound the problems we're currently experiencing and struggling with. WHY? Well the chances are we'd have the same Act, that's the one written in 1993 and marginally fiddled with and the same dysfunctional, obsolete and socially redundant Act that's currently delivering less and less! The real need is for a a paradigm shift but whenever I voice that I hear very loud squeals of protest tinged with self interest. So if we are going to make this NEWomelette there'll be a need to crack a few eggs.

There's great deal more to be said about Tasmania's defunct and dysfunctional Local Govt. System but there's not the room here for it. If you have the appetite for an open and free ranging discourse on this I'm up for it. I also suspect that there'd be one or two others who might want to join in. Anyway, this has taken a bit more than the TRUMPIANstyle 130 character tweatz and thus I've probably exceeded my allowance or something.

I'd be happy to hear from anytime even if your inclination is to point out my delusions. Given that I'm a researcher all feedback is welcomed.

Regards,

Ray

A couple of links:


Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

<image.png>
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com


\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Madeleine Ogilvie <https://www.facebook.com/madeleine.ogilvie?fref=ufi>  All noted. It seems to me that we have quite a few factors at play here. Organisational effectiveness requires seasoned leadership together with resources, a good workplace culture, performance, metrics (so goals are agreed and progress reported upon for ratepayers) and a 'service' culture. If just one of these things goes awry it is difficult for everyone. I've been reading up on the Citizens assembly idea - which is deeper and wider than a parliamentary enquiry, which is as close as we get under our system. There is nothing I would like more than for everyone to be engaged in their democracy (please join Labor), but the reluctance of people to join parties means new ways of listening have to be found. Facebook is one way, but it has its limitations. When it comes to resourcing - pressure on councils to deliver with an ever shrinking. budget....no one wants rate increases. This is the critical issue that has to be addressed, or we risk under the Libs, forced amalgamations and loss of representation.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
George Burrows <https://www.facebook.com/george.burrows.75?fref=ufi>  I believe you should have to explain some of your assumptions no here
Why are forced amalgamations bad, other than you not agreeing
Why should we/anyone need to join Labor to fix up things
What proof have you shown that Labor can or will fix things
Why do you imply that a Citizens Jury is outside your system
How would you achieve greater participation in a modern busy with environment
You answer raises many more issues than it answers
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Dennis Wild <https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000652343348&amp;fref=ufi>  George, I actually think Labor is a good bet to get things done. Thats way your concerns can be more than just whinging on facebook. facebook is fine for dialogue but at some point you need action.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, 28 January 2017

Tasmania's dysfunctional local governance paradigm

Good afternoon Madelaine,

There certainly is a few balls in the air here but there is nothing new about that. First up it is quite apparent to me that in Local Govt in Tasmania (other forums too) there is a breakdown in regard to what’s the role of government (the elected councillors/aldermen) and management. Civic Administration 101 tells us that governance’s role is to do with ‘strategic policy determination’ and management’s role is to implement the strategies/policies. By-and-large that’s not happening all that often in some councils (in some, one, hardly at all) and maybe its more the case than I’m aware of.

Your “Organisational effectiveness” requirement just cannot be assumed to be in place just because it has been legislated for. On the ground, as you’d be no doubt aware, all kinds of power-plays are in operation and not the least Parkinson Law. Sadly, I can report that in one council at least it is apparently the driving force … OVERlings needing UNDERlings who need UNDERlings on and on and on!!  It turns out, and there is no surprise that it does, that it is expensive, dysfunctional and disconnected from anything resembling the community’s needs.

As I’ve said elsewhere it is encouraging that you are engaged with the newDEMOCRACY Foundation concept even if it seems that you may not be in tune with the paradigm. You say that you want people to be “engaged in their democracy (please join Labor)” but if that’s the case Labor needs the be more upfront about its engagement with the community and I can see no better place to start than with Local Govt. On the evidence, the Minister is disengaged and it seems is an adherent to the status quo – he may even be understood as being Machiavellian but I couldn’t possibly comment on that.

As an aside, I will not join any group/party simply because I’m a researcher, an independent researcher more to the point, and my field is cultural geography – plus being a cultural producer. Thus, I cannot critique anything I’m a member of and be credible and independent.

Now I do not often quote Ronald Ragan and I’m less inclined to do so now that we’ve entered the TRUMPIANparadigm, but he, Regan, is reported as saying that “the status quo is Latin and it means, the mess we’re in”!! Dumb as he was, when someone gave him that line, he used it! More to the point it speaks so, so loudly of Local Govt. in Tasmania at the moment.

When it comes to resources available to Local Govt. in a climate of  “an ever shrinking budget” one has to ask is the present budget realistic and strategically well directed? You’ve probably heard that by cutting the number councils anything up to $2.5 BILLION could be spent better (liberated?!) – not necessarily saved albeit saved from bureaucratic wastage. The disinclination of ‘councils’ operational wings’ to consult with the communities they administer can probably be explained by a disinclination to engage with ‘the people’. That’s the people who have a range of qualifications, skill sets and a range of experiences that exceed their own. The bigger the community the more likely that is to be the case and if there happens to be a university in town in which it exists the more there is to fear(?) it seems.

That’s not quite the case in Launceston as we have a university that’s persuaded ‘the council’ to gift it all kinds of things the community can ill afford for it to do. That’s so even though ‘the university’ still doesn’t have a business case/plan for what it wants to do nor how it wants to do it. But there you go banks these days lend money on less evidence.

On the issue “no one wants rate increases” is true in so far as there is a disinclination to be paying more and more for less and less, which is what happens under the ‘cost centre paradigm’ administered by councils in general – and by design. In a 21st C context we need to start looking for entrepreneurial ways forward rather than advocating the dysfunctional status quo. Generally speaking the ‘people’ are not there in council operations with either the will, wherewithal or the experience to be entrepreneurial. There needs to be a CHANGEagent commissioned to pull that kind of exercise off!

For example, ‘waste management’ is typically seen as a ‘council role’ and true it currently is. Typically councils have ‘waste management centres’ which translates as places where one goes to waste resources that you have in your possession. ‘Resource recovery centres’ are beginning to spring up but often against the odds as they change paradigms in uncomfortable ways for bureaucratic functionaries and their underling operatives. This is but one example where progress/change is blighted by rhetoric and lazy self-interest. Interestingly, local governance elsewhere is also starting to be proactive in this area.

As for “forced amalgamations”, well I wouldn’t want to see that because it would compound the problems we’re currently experiencing and struggling with. WHY? Well the chances are we’d have the same Act, that’s the one written in 1993 and marginally fiddled with and the same dysfunctional, obsolete and socially redundant Act that’s currently delivering less and less! The real need is for a a paradigm shift but whenever I voice that I hear very loud squeals of protest tinged with self interest. So if we are going to make this NEWomelette there’ll be a need to crack a few eggs.

There’s great deal more to be said about Tasmania’s defunct and dysfunctional Local Govt. System but there’s not the room here for it. If you have the appetite for an open and free ranging discourse on this I’m up for it. I also suspect that there’d be one or two others who might want to join in. Anyway, this has taken a bit more than the TRUMPIANstyle 130 character tweatz and thus I’ve probably exceeded my allowance or something.

I’d be happy to hear from anytime even if your inclination is to point out my delusions. Given that I’m a researcher all feedback is welcomed.

Regards,

Ray
A couple of links:

Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Madeleine Ogilvie <https://www.facebook.com/madeleine.ogilvie?fref=ufi>  All noted. It seems to me that we have quite a few factors at play here. Organisational effectiveness requires seasoned leadership together with resources, a good workplace culture, performance, metrics (so goals are agreed and progress reported upon for ratepayers) and a 'service' culture. If just one of these things goes awry it is difficult for everyone. I've been reading up on the Citizens assembly idea - which is deeper and wider than a parliamentary enquiry, which is as close as we get under our system. There is nothing I would like more than for everyone to be engaged in their democracy (please join Labor), but the reluctance of people to join parties means new ways of listening have to be found. Facebook is one way, but it has its limitations. When it comes to resourcing - pressure on councils to deliver with an ever shrinking. budget....no one wants rate increases. This is the critical issue that has to be addressed, or we risk under the Libs, forced amalgamations and loss of representation.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
George Burrows <https://www.facebook.com/george.burrows.75?fref=ufi>  I believe you should have to explain some of your assumptions no here 
Why are forced amalgamations bad, other than you not agreeing
Why should we/anyone need to join Labor to fix up things
What proof have you shown that Labor can or will fix things
Why do you imply that a Citizens Jury is outside your system 
How would you achieve greater participation in a modern busy with environment
You answer raises many more issues than it answers
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Dennis Wild <https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000652343348&amp;fref=ufi>  George, I actually think Labor is a good bet to get things done. Thats way your concerns can be more than just whinging on facebook. facebook is fine for dialogue but at some point you need action.
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, 20 January 2017

[ Representation to DA0590/2016 ]


Dear Mr. Boersma,

Thank you for your response to my email. It now seems quite clear to me – given the emerging evidence – that at least in regard to this project the Heritage Council is engaged in an expeditious ‘approved process’ rather than something resembling a ‘review process’ within which “heritage” matters most. Moreover, it appears to be something other than a process devised to acknowledge, interrogate, protect and celebrate heritage values in its wider community context as is articulated in the Act –http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/tas/consol_act/hcha1995279/s7.html

Given that the project’s developers in this instance have been provided with privileged access to the Council, and over and above other representers, this is in itself a concern that gives rise to others. Given that in this instance:

  • The ratepayers of the City of Launceston are conscripted underwriters of the development project to the extent of $9million, and that it appears as if they have not been given equivalent opportunities, questions to do with the equivalence of access, balance and equity arise. Given this, further questions are bound to arise and this is concerning.

  • Likewise, there is no apparent evidence to support the notion that there has been any attempt to proactively engage with representatives of the ‘place’s’ Community of Ownership and Interest – see definition below – members of which for various reasons find themselves outside (disconnected from?) the approval process – despite their fiscal, social and cultural obligations.  Again, this raises another set of worries and concerns.

  • The timeframe within which the process is taking place – and seemingly in considerable haste – is on the evidence arguably driven by a ‘time imperative’ that mitigates (deliberately?) against inclusiveness. Worryingly, the approval process here has the appearance of being devised to circumvent inclusiveness rather than accommodating comprehensive consultation and participation.


Like justice, ‘due process’ must be observed and followed – and importantly seen to be followed. Sadly the assurances you offer me are in the end, and on the evidence, rather hollow. Now I might well be misguided here and the Communities of Ownership and Interest might well be in furious accord with the process. If that’s the case, and its to be asserted that it is, it needs to be tested and the evidence to support such an assertion likewise needs to be made visible. 

We can be assured of one thing however and that will be that in the end ‘the process’ will reveal itself, for itself, just what it actually is. In time it’ll do so with all its adequacies and inadequacies outed; with its attendant hubris and arrogance exposed; with its inclusiveness and exclusivity revealed;  with its meaningfulness tested; with the level of domain knowledge that informs it exposed; and the ‘values’ that it, ‘the process’, inherently privileges will no doubt be revealed also.

Thank you again for your response, it adds considerably to the discourse.

Regards,

Ray

Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network

PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
FACEbook Link https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965

CH Smith Representation: http://chsmithbuilding7250.blogspot.com.au/

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison
zHu Electronic Communications Policy.

This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.
On 6/01/2017 2:46 pm, "Boersma, Ian (Heritage)" <Ian.Boersma@heritage.tas.gov.au> wrote:


Dear Mr Norman,

I appreciate that your representation was not adversarial but rather urged good planning outcomes for the site, which indeed I hope will be the outcome of any development that is realised at this site.  However, I am bound to follow the established protocols for the release of information, regardless of the persuasions of the persons making the request.

Please be assured that your representation was made available to the Heritage Council and was considered, along with all others that were accepted by LCC as having been submitted within the allocated period, prior to the Heritage Council decision being made.  As to the level of consideration given to the content of your representation, or that of others, by individual Heritage Council members, that is not a matter on which I am able to judge or comment on.  It is the Councillors’ individual responsibility to be as informed as they need to be in order to make the statutory decisions that their role requires of them.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Boersma

Works Manager  I  HERITAGE TASMANIA  I  'Protecting Tasmania's Historic Environment'

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE)
53 St John Street, LAUNCESTON 7250  I  GPO Box 618,  Hobart  7001  I www.heritage.tas.gov.au <http://www.heritage.tas.gov.au>
mob. 0429 979 586  I  tel. 6777 2073 or 1300 850 332 (for the cost of a local call)


From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
Sent: Friday, 6 January 2017 2:02 PM
To: Boersma, Ian (Heritage) <Ian.Boersma@heritage.tas.gov.au>
Cc: Groom, Matthew (DPaC) <Matthew.Groom@dpac.tas.gov.au>; Peter Gutwein {Treasurer & Minister Local Govt.} <peter.gutwein@parliament.tas.gov.au>; Ashley Brook <Ashley.Brook@ghd.com>; Catherine Mainsbridge <Catherine.Mainsbridge@launceston.tas.gov.au>; Richard Jamieson <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au>; Prof. Bill Boyd <William.Boyd@scu.edu.au>
Subject: RE: Extension of time for representation [ representation to DA0590/2016 ]
Dear Mr. Boersma,

Thank you for the advice you have provided by email yesterday. However, I must confessed to being somewhat confused and bemused, given the Heritage Council’s role/s, in regard to the need for, and the purpose of, the opacity in evidence here. It’s all the more perplexing given what I understand to be at stake in the context of the layerings of ‘ownerships and interests’ the community has invested in this ‘place’s’ histories and heritage.

In regard to this matter I have no wish to be adversarial, nor stall the development, as that would be counterproductive. You will see that I have put in some some effort to ensure transparency for my part. Indeed, all I have to say about the matter is available to whoever online – see http://chsmithbuilding7250.blogspot.com.au/

The process from the vantage point that I’m observing it from has all the hallmarks of an exercise in Machiavellian convolution and it begs the question, to what purpose?  It is especially perplexing given that I can make an RTI request in the context of an accelerated and accelerating timeline albeit for no productive purpose.

The issues I raise in my representation are carefully considered and the result of research undertaken over a long period. It is of some interest to me to know and understand the context within which the representation was received and considered. Based on the press report it would appear that it may not have been considered, and if it was, only in the most cursory way.

It appears that representers, community advocates, et al are assumed to lack the expertise required to make a meaningful contribution to ‘good outcome’ by virtue of them not being being ‘part of the system’. To the extent that this is the case decision making in the heritage arena is ever likely to be contested and contentious which is truly counterproductive in the context of mindful 21st C placemaking and placescaping in a cultural cum heritage context.

Regards,

Ray Norman

Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network



PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison
zHu Electronic Communications Policy.


This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

------ Forwarded Message
From: "Boersma, Ian (Heritage)" <Ian.Boersma@heritage.tas.gov.au>
Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2017 03:28:54 +0000
To: Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Cc: Ashley Brook <Ashley.Brook@ghd.com>, Catherine Mainsbridge <Catherine.Mainsbridge@launceston.tas.gov.au>, Richard Jamieson <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: RE: Extension of time for representation [ representation to DA0590/2016 ]

Dear Mr Norman,

In relation to your request, I am able to advise:
(a) The Tasmanian Heritage Council (THC) would not normally release to the public a report of its decision and any comments to the planning authority before the final determination (in this case by the planning authority) has been made.
(b) A 'Right to Information' request could be lodged seeking access to the THC decision and officer's assessment /recommendation. However, it is common practice not to release reports by officers of Heritage Tasmania, and in any event they would not be released until the final determination has been made.
(c) The officer's assessment / recommendation would be provided to any party to an appeal of the determination, whether it was an appeal against the planning authority or Tasmanian Heritage Council's decision.
(d) The THC's decision will be published following ratification of the December meeting minutes, in February 2017.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Boersma
Heritage Tasmania


-----Original Message-----
From: Boersma, Ian (Heritage)
Sent: Thursday, 29 December 2016 8:30 AM
To: Richard Jamieson <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Cc: Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>; Ashley Brook <Ashley.Brook@ghd.com>; Catherine Mainsbridge <Catherine.Mainsbridge@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Extension of time for representation [ representation to DA0590/2016 ]

Richard, et al,
I am on vacation this week but will give Ray's request consideration when I return to the office next week. There is an officer assessment and recommendation of which I was the principal author. Representations were all available to the THC despite the short timeframes. Minutes of the meeting will not yet be ready and unlikely to be released until adopted at the next meeting, in February.
Regards
Ian Boersma
Heritage Tasmania

Sent from my iPhone

On 29/12/2016, at 7:45 AM, "Richard Jamieson" <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au> wrote:

> Hi Ray
>
> Normally council only get the decision from the Heritage Council.  This can be provided to you and will form part of the report to Council.
>
> I am unsure of what other documents were prepared by Heritage Tasmania as part of the decision, or whether they would be available.  I have however copied in Ian Boersma to this email and perhaps Ian you could let Ray know?
>
> Best wishes
>
> Richard
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 24 Dec 2016, at 6:17 pm, Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com<mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com>> wrote:
>
> Season's Greetings Richard,
>
> Thank you for your letter acknowledging the receipt of my representation in regard to this Development Application.  I note via the press that the Heritage Council has approved the application and it appears that it has done so in quick-smart-time. Given that it has I'm presuming, rightly or wrongly, that they will have supplied Council with a report of their decision along with comments. Is this the case?
>
> If there is such a report when will it be made public and by what means? In your letter to me you indicate that I can request a copy of your report and advice to Council. I do so now, and I ask when I might reasonably expect to receive it?
>
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Ray
>
> Ray Norman <zingHOUSEunlimited> PH: 03-6334 2176 EMAIL 1:
> raynorman7250@bigpond.com<mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com> 40
> Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
> WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com FACEbook Link
> https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965
>
> [cid:3565448230_17046494]
> CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69
> "A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to
> be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
>
> "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept "  David
> Morrison
>
> zHu Electronic Communications Policy.
> This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.
>
>
> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: Richard Jamieson
> <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au<mailto:Richard.Jamieson@launce
> ston.tas.gov.au>>
> Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2016 21:48:05 +0000
> To: Ray Norman 7250
> <raynorman7250@bigpond.com<mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com>>
> Subject: RE: Extension of time for representation
>
> Thanks Ray
>
> Received well and good
>
>
> Richard Jamieson I Manager Planning Services I Launceston City Council
> T 6323 3350 I F 6323 3395
> www.launceston.tas.gov.au<http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/><http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/>
>
>
>
>
> From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, 21 December 2016 7:06 AM
> To: Richard Jamieson; Contact Us
> Subject: Re: Extension of time for representation
>
> Good morning Richard,
>
> Please find attached my representation as arranged. Also, please note
> that there is an online version of the representation that can be
> accessed via this URL http://chsmithbuilding7250.blogspot.com.au/
>
> Thank you for your cooperation in regard to this matter it is very much appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Ray
>
> Ray Norman
> <zingHOUSEunlimited>
> The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
>
> [cid:3565448230_17052908]
> PH: 03-6334 2176
> EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com<mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
> 40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
>
> WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
>
> FACEbook Link https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965
>
> [cid:3565448230_17081827]
> GO TO ... http://catchment43.blogspot.com.au/
> <image.png>
> GO TO: http://tamareskponrabbelmusingsl.blogspot.com.au/
>
> "A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to
> be trusted by anybody." Thomas Paine
>
> "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept "  David
> Morrison zHu Electronic Communications Policy.
>
> This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.
>
> On 20/12/2016 4:58 pm, "Richard Jamieson" <Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au<mailto:Richard.Jamieson@launceston.tas.gov.au>> wrote:
> HI Ray
>
> Thank you for contacting me about this matter.
>
> Under Section 57(5) of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act I have extended the time for you to make a representation to DA0590/2016 until 10.00am on Wednesday 21st December 2016.
>
> Please forward the representation by email to
> contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au<mailto:contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
> >
>
> I would be obliged if you could CC me in on your representation
>
> Best Wishes
>
> Richard Jamieson I Manager Planning Services I Launceston City Council
> T 6323 3350 I F 6323 3395
> www.launceston.tas.gov.au<http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au><http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/><http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/>
>
>
> <https://twitter.com/LtonCityCouncil>
> <http://www.youtube.com/user/LauncestonCtyCouncil><http://www.youtube.
> com/user/LauncestonCtyCouncil>
> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au><http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
> <http://yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com.au/><http://yourvoiceyourlauncesto
> n.com.au/>
>
> Please consider the environment before printing this, or any other e-mail or document.


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Wednesday, 4 January 2017

FOR THE RECORD: My Personal File and Council Accountability

FOR THE RECORD
Message
From: Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Date: Wed, 04 Jan 2017 09:17:16 +1100
To: "Ald. Albert van Zetten" <mayor@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Cc: "Peter Gutwein {Treasurer & Minister Local Govt.}" <peter.gutwein@parliament.tas.gov.au>, Launceston Projects <launcestonprojects@bigpond.com>
Subject: My  Personal File and Council Accountability

Dear Albert,

Firstly, may I pass on my best wishes for 2017 and like many others I trust that 2017 will be a much better year and one without the tensions and contentions we witnessed in 2016.

The purpose of my writing to you on this occasion is to ask you to excerpt your ‘leadership credentials’ and intercede on my behalf to ensure that I can in fact gain a copy of the material on my personal file held by Council that I’ve been seeking for some moths now.

There is no doubt now that such a file exists and that it exists in a digital format which should make it eminently reproducible. However, as you will see from the thread of correspondence below my request for access to the file, and a copy of the personal information held in it, has been met with almost every form of obfuscation imaginable.

To be clear, what I am seeking is a copy of the information on my personal file held by Council. In other words this is a matter of ‘disclosure’ and it beggars belief that this should be in any way contentious – and especially so given Council’s “Organisational Values”.

It appears to me as if Mr. Davis is operating under the GM’s instructions when responding as he has. The only explanation for that would seem to be the GM, yet again, is asserting(?) his authority under SECTION 62 of ‘the Act’ – and if so arguably inappropriately. I’m aware that SECTION 62(2) allows the GM may “ do anything necessary or convenient to perform his or her functions under this or any other Act.” Moreover, its asserted elsewhere, I believe, that the GM may deem anything he determines to be confidential, and for whatever reason, as being such.

If this is what is being invoked in this instance the question hanging in the air is, why might this be so, and here? Indeed, is this a case where such an ‘authority’ is totally inappropriate or even sustainable?

Apparently it is open to me to apply for this information under Right To Information provisions. However, to do so would seem, under the circumstances, to be both extreme and extraordinary! Therefore, I’m asking you to use your authority to resolve this issue. Indeed, I’m hopeful that you’ll find your way clear to do so sooner rather than later.

In the end this is about accountability and at various levels, not to mention the State Government’s stated first characteristic of ‘Good Governance”  ... To quote “Good governance is accountable Accountability is a fundamental requirement of good governance. Local government has an obligation to report, to explain and to be answerable for the consequences of decisions it has made on behalf of the community it represents and serves.” –  
http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/271170/Good_Governance_Guide_May_2016.pdf

I look forward to your response and to being able to resolve this matter as amicably as is possible.

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network


PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
FACEbook Link https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/271170/Good_Governance_Guide_May_2016.pdf

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison

zHu Electronic Communications Policy.

This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

Forwarded Message
From: Ray Norman 7250 <raynorman7250@bigpond.com>
Date: Fri, 09 Dec 2016 15:53:36 +1100
To: John Davis <John.Davis@launceston.tas.gov.au>
Subject: Re: Personal File


Good afternoon,

Given all my previous correspondence and our recent telephone conversation it appears as if I’m being expected to make some unspecified modification to my request to access what I’m describing as my “personal file” held by Council. You confirm that it exists and you have described it. This seems, to me at least, evidence enough that the information/file exists in an electronic format held by Council.

The information I’m seeking is the information held in that file plus advice on the nature of the file – the latter you’ve described. Therefore, I’m now requesting a digital copy of the information held in what is agreed to be my “personal file” containing, on your advice, something in the order of 400 items.

The only way forward that I can anticipate that will serve my purpose is to receive a digital copy of the information held in the file. You seem reluctant provide that for whatever reason. Consequently, I see no other option than to make a RTI Request. Is that what I need to do?

If I’m to make a RTI Request, could you please advise me that this is indeed what I need to do? Alternatively, can you inform me of any other expedient method via which you can provide me with this information as a digital file? For some context see http://yellaboox1.blogspot.com.au/

So as this matter can come to a conclusion can you please provide your advice by Monday next.

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman <zingHOUSEunlimited> PH: 03-6334 2176 EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com 40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
FACEbook Link https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison

zHu Electronic Communications Policy.
This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

___________________________________________________________________________
On 7/12/2016 11:03 am, "John Davis" <John.Davis@launceston.tas.gov.au> wrote:


Good morning Mr Norman
 
As discussed with you on the phone this morning we have examined an expedient means of electronically extracting the information that you have requested. As I explained, it is stored in such a manner that each record will need to be individually extracted which we calculate would take several hours.
 
For this reason I am requesting that you organise to come in and view the file online at the council offices and we can discuss a way forward based on this meeting.
 
Regards
John
 

John Davis I Manager Corporate Strategy I City of Launceston
P 03 6323 3314 I www.launceston.tas.gov.au <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
 

From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
Sent: Thursday, 1 December 2016 4:43 PM
To: John Davis
Subject: Re: Personal File
Good afternoon,

We seem to have arrived at something of an impasse given that the state of my files – whatever that may be and as irrelevant as it is – is not the issue nor the context of my request to examine my ‘personal file’ which, now, you clearly stated exists only in a digital format.

It also seems that you are now telling me that I cannot under any circumstance gain a digital copy of my personal file held by the City of Launceston. Is that the case?

Is it also the case that given the time I anticipate that it is likely to take to inspect and methodically go through the file that the option to do so at Town Hall is unacceptable in some way?

Would you please clarify the position for me in order that I can schedule my research. If I’ve misunderstood anything could you please alert me to that?

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman <zingHOUSEunlimited> PH: 03-6334 2176 EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com 40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com
FACEbook Link https://www.facebook.com/ray.norman.965


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison

zHu Electronic Communications Policy.
This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

On 30/11/2016 5:16 pm, "John Davis" <John.Davis@launceston.tas.gov.au> wrote:


Good afternoon Mr Norman
 
As the personal file sought will contain either correspondence that we have received from you or sent to you, you may already have this information or the majority of this information in your own files. If you could narrow the information sought to the correspondence that you are missing, that could assist the process.
 
Otherwise I can suggest no more effective way forward than the one proposed in my previous email.
 
Regards
John
 

John Davis I Manager Corporate Strategy I City of Launceston
P 03 6323 3314 I www.launceston.tas.gov.au <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
 

From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
Sent: Monday, 28 November 2016 11:32 AM
To: John Davis
Subject: Re: Personal File

Good morning,

Having just met my manuscript deadlines I’m again able to turn my attention to this issue. My research tells me that prior to the electronic file you refer to being set up, the HARDcopy File was probably shredded or archived. So, for now that seems to settles that matter.

It occurs to me that it’s likely to take upwards of 100 hours to methodically work through the electronic file you describe. That would consume a significant amount of your time supervising my access to the file and there has to be a more effective way forward than that. Can you suggest one?

Given the circumstances, is there an ‘electronic alternative’? If so can you please advise me and if not can you please inform me of the inhibitor(s) in order that I might consider an appropriate way forward?

I look forward to your advice.

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine


“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison
zHu Electronic Communications Policy.

This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

On 14/11/2016 9:46 am, "John Davis" <John.Davis@launceston.tas.gov.au> wrote:
Good morning Mr Norman
 
I am not sure about the file you looked at previously or when you may have looked at it, so am unable to answer your first question.
 
Your electronic file contains in excess of 400 documents.
 
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
 
Regards
John
 

John Davis I Manager Corporate Strategy I City of Launceston
P 03 6323 3314 I www.launceston.tas.gov.au <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
 

From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
Sent: Friday, 11 November 2016 2:44 PM
To: John Davis
Subject: Re: Personal File

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your response and my apologies for not responding much earlier. Now that I’m back onto this project, and thinking about your email, I’m wondering what happened to the file I inspected some years ago. It was a paper file. From what you say it would seem that it has now been scanned or destroyed. Can you tell me when that happened?

Also, can you please indicate the size of the file so as I can get some idea of the time I will need to commit and or that you will need to commit to the task?

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman <zingHOUSEunlimited> PH: 03-6334 2176 EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com 40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison

zHu Electronic Communications Policy.
This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.





On 3/11/2016 11:55 am, "John Davis" <John.Davis@launceston.tas.gov.au> wrote:


Good morning Mr Norman
 
We do not keep hardcopy files, but have electronic records.
 
If you would like to view these records I can arrange for you to view them online here. Given that the computer will be logged in my name I will need to be with you while you inspect the files, so an idea of the time that you would like to view your records would be good as well as how long you require. There are a significant number of records.
 
Regards
John
 

John Davis I Manager Corporate Strategy I City of Launceston
P 03 6323 3314 I www.launceston.tas.gov.au <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au> <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>
 

From: Ray Norman 7250 [mailto:raynorman7250@bigpond.com]
Sent: Monday, 31 October 2016 2:38 PM
To: John Davis
Subject: Personal File

Good afternoon,

I’m currently in the early stages of preparing the manuscript for a book and I ‘d appreciate the opportunity to inspect my personal file held at Launceston City Council. Can you please advise, given that I understand that such requests need to go to yourself, what I need to do in order be able to carry out an inspection of my file at Council.

I look forward to your response in due course.

Regards,

Ray


Ray Norman
<zingHOUSEunlimited>
The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
WEBsite: http://www.raynorman7250.blogspot.com


CLICK HERE: http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=69

“A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Thomas Paine

“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept ”  David Morrison
zHu Electronic Communications Policy.


This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipients  is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of zingHOUSEunlimited, unless clearly intended otherwise.

<https://twitter.com/LtonCityCouncil>  <http://www.youtube.com/user/LauncestonCtyCouncil>  <http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au>  <http://yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com.au/>

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Please consider the environment before printing this, or any other e-mail or document.

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Information in this transmission is intended only for the person(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised and you should delete/destroy all copies and notify the sender. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission.

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