Minutes (Open Portion)

Community, Culture and Events Committee Meeting

Page 2

10/7/2019

Minutes (Open Portion)

Community, Culture and Events Committee Meeting

Page 3

10/07/2019

SHERLOCK

The minutes of the Open Portion of the Community, Culture and Events Committee meeting held on Wednesday, 8 May 2019 and the Special Community, Culture and Events Committee meeting held on Monday, 17 June 2019, be confirmed as an accurate record.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

AYES

NOES

Harvey

Sexton

Dutta

Ewin

Sherlock

6.1      Dr Edward Hall Environment Grants

SEXTON

That the recommendation contained in the report of the Director City Planning and the Director City Innovation of 30 May 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That:   1.    The Dr Edward Hall Environment Grants and the Waste Reduction Grants be combined to form the City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grants in order to avoid duplication and overlap, and to broaden and increase their scope.

            2.    The City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grants focus on waste reduction, energy efficiency, air and water quality, food gardens, climate change, sustainable transport and local biodiversity

            3.    The City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grants provide an annual grant budget of $55,000, comprised of the existing allocations of $35,000 from the DEHEG and $20,000 from the Waste Reduction grant streams.

            4.    The City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grants be administered by the Community Life Division.

            5.    The City of Hobart Policy: Applications for Grants – City of Hobart Grants Program be amended to include the City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grants, including the provision of technical input and support from the within the relevant operational areas of the organisation.

            6.    The City Planning Committee’s Terms of Reference be amended to remove reference to the Dr Edward Hall Environment Grants.

6.2      Proposed Council Policy Amendments - City of Hobart Grants Program

SEXTON

That the recommendation contained in the report of the Manager Future, Engaged and Active Communities and the Director Community Life of 4 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That the City of Hobart Policy, Applications for Grants – City of Hobart Grants Program, as amended, marked as Attachment A to item 6.2 of the Open Community Culture and Events Committee agenda of 10 July 2019 be approved.

6.3      Provision of English Language Classes in Hobart

SHERLOCK

That the recommendation contained in the report of the Manager Inclusive, Resilient and Creative Communities and the Director Community Life of 3 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That:   1.    The Council write to the State Government regarding the gaps identified in English as an additional language service provision, encouraging an exploration of the opportunities to improve the English as an additional language service provision and offering appropriate support to address these gaps.

            2.    Council officers continue to engage with stakeholders on this issue and work to support current or new initiatives as appropriate through the grants program and/or through the provision of facilities to hold classes.

6.4      Community Safety Commitment - Approval

SHERLOCK

That the recommendation contained in the report of the Manager Inclusive, Resilient and Creative Communities and the Director Community Life of 4 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That:   1.      The Council approve the Community Safety Commitment 2019, marked as Attachment A to item 6.4 of the Open Community Culture and Events Committee agenda of 10 July 2019.

            2.      The Commitment will be reviewed annually in consultation with the community safety partners.

6.5      Housing and Homelessness Update

SEXTON

That the recommendation contained in the report of the General Manager of 5 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That:     1.    The Council note the Homelessness Forum discussion notes marked as Attachment B to item 6.5 of the Open Community Culture and Events Committee agenda of 10 July 2019.

              2.    The Council endorse the Lord Mayor’s ongoing participation as the City of Hobart representative on the Greater Hobart Housing Alliance with regular progress updates to be provided to the Council.

6.6      Conference Reporting - Welcoming Cities Symposium - Brisbane - 2 - 4 April 2019

SEXTON

That the recommendation contained in the report of the General Manager of 1 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That:

1.      That the information be received and noted.

6.7      Applications Approved Under the Delegated Authority of the Director Community Life for Quick Response Grants

SEXTON

That the recommendation contained in the report of the Director Community Life of 3 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

That the information be received and noted.

7.1      Pill Testing

EWIN

That in accordance with Council’s policy, the following revised Notice of Motion which was adopted by the Community, Culture and Events Committee , be considered by the Council.

Motion:

“That in order to minimise the harms associated with illicit drug use at festivals, events, pubs, clubs and venues, an officer report be provided for the Hobart City Council to:

1.        Provide in-principle support for the provision of drug analysis services (commonly known as pill testing) at major events and festivals held in the City of Hobart.

2.       Call on the State Government to commence the necessary action to facilitate a trial of pill testing in Tasmania once the New South Wales coronial inquest into pill-related deaths at music festivals findings are released.

3.        Communicate information explaining the purpose of pill testing and the reasoning for the Council’s support to the residents of the city at the appropriate time.”

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

Motion:

“That in order to minimise the harms associated with illicit drug use at festivals, events, pubs, clubs and venues, an officer report be provided for the Hobart City Council to:

1.        Provide in-principle support for the provision of drug analysis services (commonly known as pill testing) at major events and festivals held in the City of Hobart.

2.       Call on the State Government to commence the necessary action to facilitate a trial of pill testing in Tasmania once the New South Wales coronial inquest into pill-related deaths at music festivals findings are released.

3.        Communicate information explaining the purpose of pill testing and the reasoning for the Council’s support to the residents of the city at the appropriate time.”

Rationale:

“Pill testing is first and foremost a health issue. A significant number of people attending festivals and venues in the City of Hobart take unlawful drugs contained in pills, powders and liquids. These substances can contain contaminants and uncertain strengths, which can lead to preventable harm and mortality. This harm can be easily avoided by implementing pill testing.

According to research, of 1000 ecstasy users, 70% of pills are taken in a public setting (clubs, dance parties and festivals). Of those surveyed, 82% said they would use pill testing if provided.

Local governments provide or facilitate this service in several European countries including France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Germany and Spain. Domestically, the City of Port Phillip passed a similar motion in 2017, and is renewing its push for the Victorian State government to allow a trial to be implemented.

Pill testing is supported by the Australian Medical Association, The Royal Australiasian College of Physicians, the Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council of Tasmania, the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, and The Royal Australian College of Medical Practitioners among many others, and is considered best practice and a key harm minimisation strategy for our community.

Pill Testing Australia is the provider for these services. The process for service provision is that of enabling policy, rather than legislative changes (such as decriminalisation or legalisation). Police, government and Pill Testing Australia work together to deliver the service to ensure safety and transparency at all times. People considering using an illicit substance come to a collection point to have the substance tested in order to discover what they really may be taking. Their phones are confiscated to ensure privacy, and they are taken through the process with a qualified chemist and a doctor who explain the makeup and effects of the substance. This enables people to make informed choices about what they are about to do, to understand the risks better, and what to do in the event of an adverse outcome. Throughout the process, people are never advised that it is safe to take drugs, consumption of drugs is never promoted, and people are not judged for the decisions they make in regard to drug use.

Pill Testing Australia provides a free trial for the initial service, so there is no cost to Government or festival/event organisers in the first instance. The service is then costed at $4,000 for each festival/event, which is a cost absorbed by the festival promoters.

At the recent Groovin the Moo festival, the lives of seven young people were potentially saved by a pill testing trial- patrons discarded their drugs after testing alerted them that their pills contained a substance (n-ethylpentylone) which recently caused the deaths of several people in New Zealand.

In the interests of minimising harm to vulnerable members of our community and the recent appetite displayed by members of the State Government to investigate pill testing, I believe now is the perfect time for us to add our voice in support of pill testing.

Further information and resources:

https://www.drugpolicy.org.au/pill_testing

https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/racgp/racgp-president-backs-calls-for-pill-testing-follo

https://ama.com.au/gp-network-news/ama-backs-pill-testing-festivals

https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/racp-writes-to-nation-s-leaders-there-is-sufficient-evidence-to-support-pill-testing-trials

https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5896052/calls-voiced-for-pill-test-trial-committee/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-16/pill-testing-in-tasmania-gets-liberal-sue-hickey-support/10903312

http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/january-2019-media_7939.htm

https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/dec/05/portugals-radical-drugs-policy-is-working-why-hasnt-the-world-copied-it

https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia/contents/impacts/health-impacts

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-s-second-pill-testing-trial-in-canberra-overwhelmingly-successful

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/apr/29/pill-testing-at-groovin-the-moo-festival-potentially-saves-seven-lives-organisers-say

https://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/node/301000974

https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-018-0216-z

Also please see attachments from the ATDC on FAQs and their position statement, marked as Attachments A, B and C to item 7.1 of the Open Community Culture and Events Committee agenda of 10 July 2019, (well worth the read)!!”

The General Manager reports:

“In line with the Council’s policy in relation to Notices of Motion, I advise that the matter is considered to be within the jurisdiction of the Hobart City Council as it aligns with strategic objective 4.3 of the Strategic Plan 2015-2025 (Build community resilience, public health and safety).”

7.2      City of Hobart's Reconciliation Action Plan Commitments

SHERLOCK

That in accordance with Council’s policy, the following Notice of Motion which was adopted by the Community, Culture and Events Committee , be considered by the Council.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

Motion:

“This motion seeks for the following items to be given consideration in the development of the City of Hobart’s Reconciliation Action Plan Commitments:

1)   The development of a sign, or series of signs, at key access points to the city to provide a welcome in the language of our Tasmanian Aboriginal Community/Palawa people and/or an acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the land in Hobart. For example:

a)   Signs could be erected alongside existing welcome signs on Davey Street and the Brooker Highway. 

b)   Community engagement with Tasmanian Aboriginal Community/Palawa people should be undertaken to discuss and agree upon the language, design and theme of each sign.

2)   That Council write letters to primary schools, high schools and colleges in the Hobart City Council municipality to encourage the flying of the Aboriginal flag. For example:

a)   If the institution currently flies the Aboriginal flag, a letter of acknowledgement and support could be sent.

b)   If the institution does not currently fly the Aboriginal flag, a letter of encouragement could be sent alongside relevant literature and information.

c)   Consideration could be given regarding the Council’s provision of financial support for institutions to be able to purchase an Aboriginal flag.

d)   Council could also write to the State Government to seek encouragement and support for an increased number of schools flying the Aboriginal flag.”

Rationale:

“The land upon which Hobart was built always was and always will be Aboriginal land.  Our First Nations People, representing the oldest, continuing culture in the world, are the custodians of this place and as such should be recognised visually at the entry points to our city and through the flying of the Aboriginal flag within the context of institutions of education and learning.

The Community Vision for our Island Capital document includes the following statements that directly support this motion:

We are proud of our history, lineage and ancestry (Identity Statement 2.1).

We recognise the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and their heritage and culture as the foundation of this place (Pillar 2.1.1).

These statements directly lend support to the following aims of the project to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan as included in the Report dated 6 February 2019:

2.4.4        Increasing the visibility of the Aboriginal Community, language, heritage and culture across Hobart, both for residents of and visitors to our city.

2.4.6        Showing leadership on reconciliation in Tasmania and demonstrating the importance and value in reconciliation to the broader community thereby increasing our reputation as an inclusive, proactive and connected City.

Historically, in Tasmania there has been a lack of recognition of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community/Palawa people and of the 40,000 plus years of culture and history. While history cannot be changed, it is imperative that we take heartfelt and practical steps to visually recognise our heritage as a country, and specifically within the local communities around Hobart.

Many Councils around the country (see attached Appendix A) have led by example through the development of welcome signs and similar visual acknowledgements.  They demonstrate the multifaceted ways in which language and symbols play a significant role in recognition and equitable treatment of our First Nations People. 

It is noted that whilst education is the role of the State Government, the Council can, nevertheless, encourage a culture of respect, awareness and recognition across educational institutions within our city, something which seems vital for our younger generation of citizens.

Out of respect for our people, our history and moving forward through collaboration, this motion seeks to visually pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.”

The General Manager reports:

“In line with the Council’s policy in relation to Notices of Motion, I advise that the matter is considered to be within the jurisdiction of the Hobart City Council as it aligns with the Council’s consideration of a Reconciliation Action Plan.”

8.1      Committee Actions - Status Report

SEXTON

That the information indicating the status of current decisions be received and noted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

11.      Housing with Dignity Reference Group Update

SHERLOCK

That the recommendation contained in the memorandum of the Director Community Life of 9 July 2019, be adopted.

MOTION CARRIED

VOTING RECORD

COMMITTEE RESOLUTION:

That the Council note the minutes from the Housing with Dignity Reference Group on 25 June 2019, marked as Attachment A to supplementary item 11 of the Open Community Culture and Events Committee agenda of 10 July 2019, and endorse the key initiatives and actions that members of the group will be progressing.