IPTI in cooperation with the New South Wales Revenue Professionals Society, held a conference in Sydney, Australia on 15-16 March.  Entitled “Local Government Rates and Revenue: Leading the Change”, the conference brought together Australian and international experts in all aspects of local government finance.  Topics covered at the conference included policy, rating, valuation, alternative and additional sources of revenue for local government, and the use of environmental upgrade agreements.  The Minister for Local Government, the Hon Don Page MP, opened the event and emphasized the important role that local government played in providing essential services and building sustainable environments.  Delegates and speakers engaged in active discussions of the key issues and the the event was regarded as very successful.

Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, Governor of NSW and Paul Sanderson, President of IPTI