Local Government Act 2020: Data Security, Procurement & FOI
The Local Government Act 2020 marks the largest reform in Victoria in over 30 years. With the new Act co-existing with a number of old provisions during the transitional period, expert guidance is required to ensure you are up to date. Examine changes to privacy, data security, freedom of information, procurement and contracts, along with how each of these changes interact with other legislation. This seminar is essential for all legal practitioners in local government and any advisers to local government.
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is based on VIC legislation
Chair: Julie Davis, Barrister, Foley’s List
2.00pm to 3.00pm: Building Information Security into Organisational Governance
- The information security obligations of local government agencies under Part 4 of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (PDP Act)
- Obligations of Local Government under Part 4 of the PDP Act
- Overview of a risk-based approach to information security and the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards (VPDSS)
Presented by Anthony Corso, Assistant Commissioner for Data Protection and James Dougan, Senior Business Engagement Officer, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
3.00pm to 4.00pm: Managing Procurement, Tendering and Contracts
- Key changes in Local Government’s procurement obligations under the new LGA 2020
- How the requirements of the LGA 2020 intersect with other legislation / best practice on procurement and contracts
- How the LGA 2020 will affect
- Administering tender process contracts
- Negotiating contract terms in the tender process
- Probity in procurement
- Recent court cases related to tendering and contract disputes
Presented by Scott Alden, Partner; Accredited Specialist in Government and Administrative Law and Scott Schlink, Partner, Holding Redlich
4.00pm to 4.10pm: Break
4.10pm to 5.10pm: Transparency, the Freedom of Information Act and the Local Government Act 2020
- Benefits of increased transparency through proactive release beyond FOI
- FOI Act and the Local Government Act : OVIC’s perspective
- New definition of confidential information in the Local Government Act 2020 and the repeal of the section 38A exemption
Presented by Bryan Wee, General Counsel, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner; Accredited Specialist in Administrative Law and Ianina Belski, Assistant Commissioner – Public Access Reviews, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Presenters
Anthony Corso, Assistant Commissioner for Data Protection, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Anthony has worked with OVIC and the former offices of the Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection and the Commissioner for Law Enforcement Data Security (CLEDS) for the past 7 years, leading the delivery of the first information security regime for Victorian Government. This regime is more commonly referred to as the Victorian Protective Data Security Framework (VPDSF), which sets out the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards, and supplementary security guidance material.
James Dougan, Senior Business Engagement Officer, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
James is the point of contact at OVIC for Local Government agencies in relation to information security. James is dedicated to working with organisations to promote understanding of information security, and improve capability within the Victorian Public Sector.
Scott Alden, Partner, Holding Redlich
Scott Alden has almost 20 years advising Government in relation to Projects, Procurement and Probity. With sector specialties in Government (at all levels), Procurement, Defence, Water, Social Housing, and renewable Energy Scott is often sought out to provide strategic advice to Government in relation to their major projects. Scott advises on all aspects of a project from inception to contract sign-off, and through to contract management and early dispute advice. Scott often drafts or reviews key project documents including the Procurement Plan, RFT Document, Evaluation Methodology, Contract and Project Documents, Probity Report.
Scott Schlink, Partner, Holding Redlich
Scott has over 14 years of global experience advising on all aspects of construction, energy and infrastructure. His experience in advising clients in all areas of the project life cycle (from structuring, risk allocation and tendering through to negotiation, project delivery and disputes) allows him to deliver trusted, practical and timely solutions. Scott has advised a number of domestic and international clients (both in private practice and as general counsel) in relation to matters of critical importance to their operations.
Bryan Wee, General Counsel, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Bryan has practiced in most areas of State and Federal administrative law from legislative change, to merits and judicial review litigation and administrative inquiries. He has advised numerous Commonwealth and State government agencies about information management and decision making; ranging from drafting information sharing legislation, responding to subpoenas, AI decision-making, FOI, and privacy through contracted service providers. Bryan has assisted a range of Royal Commissions and government inquiries. Before joining OVIC, Bryan led a legal and procurement team at the Department of Justice and Community Safety, was in private practice at DLA Piper for ten years, the Australian Government Solicitor for five years and Russell Kennedy.
Ianina Belski, Assistant Commissioner – Public Access Reviews, Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner
Ianina assists the Information Commissioner and Public Access Deputy Commissioner in the operational aspects of their statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic). She is an experienced FOI practitioner having worked in this area for over 8 years, including as the Manager of Freedom of Information at the Department of Premier and Cabinet and as part of the reviews team at the former Office of the Freedom of Information Commissioner. Ianina is passionate about promoting understanding and acceptance by agencies and the public of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) and encouraging a culture that promotes public access to information.
Julie Davis, Barrister, Foley’s List
Julie’s practice includes land use and development, advocacy and advice, Public Sector and Administrative Law and testators family maintenance. Julie is an experienced advocate before the VCAT in its various jurisdictions. She has for many years been a member of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Property and Environmental Law Section, Planning and Local Government Committee. Previously, Julie acquired a wide range of valuable experience as a Solicitor in private practice and as corporate counsel with City West Water, Parks Victoria, Melbourne City Council and City of Port Phillip.