I am travelling today to speak on ‘Localism and Realism’ at the national summit on the future of local government.  This year’s theme is ‘the opportunity for leadership in a relocalised future’ with sessions on: local government taking the initiative for reform, how to link democracy and community engagement with greater efficiency in service delivery, build shared services and achieve breakthrough outcomes in rural communities.  The roles and relationships between communities, of elected members and officials and the relationship with national government are also on the agenda.

Sounds familiar?  But this is the annual summit in Australia on the future of local government.   Each year they take two days to consider the big issues and drive localism and improvement.  I will be catching up with old colleagues and providing an update on the English experience, and hearing all the Australian and other international input.