NOTES:
From: Ray Norman
Date: Sunday, 15 April 2018 at 3:12 pm
To: Albert [Mayor]
Subject: QVMAG Strategic Plan
The letter below has been treated with contempt and disregard. This can be seen as an indication of the level of concern the Aldermen/Trustees have for what is invested in the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG) and its collections. For anyone truly looking for an indication of, or a demonstration of, stewardship and due diligence there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this aspect of their 'duty of care' in governance is not high on the group's or any individual's list of concerns.
1. No acknowledgement of the receipt of this correspondence has been received – albeit that there are indications of one alderman having receiving a copy;
2. No response at all has been received in respect to this email and the circumstances set out in it;
- In previous correspondence –March 2 2018 – the Mayor states that "The Council approves the Organisation's Strategic Plan as well as the annual plan and budgets each year, which provide the overarching strategic direction for the Council, including QVMAG."
3.There has been no indication found that Council has considered the matter of the QVMAG's Strategic Plan in 'Open Council' yet it is in operation on the QVMAG Website – here – and documented here ... SEE https://file7250culture.blogspot.com.au/p/qvvmag-strategig-plan.html
4.This version of the QVMAG Strategic Plan has been provided to Hirst Projects as a reference for their consultancy in regard to the initiation of a Cultural Unit for Launceston thus indicating that it is an operative document;
5. As indicated in the letter/email to Mayor and Aldermen the document that for all intension purposes is operating as the "QVMAG'S Strategic Plan 2018- 2022" the document;
- Lacks a Statement of Purpose;
- Does not articulate rationales for the stated Objectives; and
- Consequently, there can not be, and are not, performance indicators relative to purpose.
While Council may determine any plan it sees fit to, it is required to do so under the provisions of SECTION 65 of the Local Government Act and upon receipt of advice from qualified persons.
65. Qualified persons
(1) A general manager must ensure that any advice, information or recommendation given to the council or a council committee is given by a person who has the qualifications or experience necessary to give such advice, information or recommendation.
(2) A council or council committee is not to decide on any matter which requires the advice of a qualified person without considering such advice unless –
(a) the general manager certifies, in writing –
(i) that such advice was obtained; and
(ii) that the general manager took the advice into account in providing general advice to the council or council committee; and
(b) a copy of that advice or, if the advice was given orally, a written transcript or summary of that advice is provided to the council or council committee with the general manager's certificate.
Quite apart from the issue of the quality and acceptance of such advice the implication seems to be that Aldermen/Trustees, in order to fulfill their roles and purpose, they have an implied obligation to be satisfied that the advice they make decisions upon reflect 'best practice' and is unbiased and is not conflicted (independent?) – here in regard to museum and art gallery administration.
Against all this it is concerning that it seems as if there been no imperative to embrace best practice and consider, discuss and debate the issues relevant to the QVMAG's purpose and strategic direction in open council accord with aldermanic accountability to ratepayers, Tasmanian taxpayers, sponsors, donors et al.
6. Council Agendas rarely include items for consideration and discussion relevant to the QVMAG. Expenditures on collection acquisitions are rarely if ever noted at Council/Trustee meetings and likewise it is deemed that 'deaccessions' (the disposal of collection items) do not always require Aldermanic/Trusteeship approval.
____________________________________________________________
From: Ray Norman
Date: Sunday, 15 April 2018 at 3:12 pm
To: Albert [Mayor]
Subject: QVMAG Strategic Plan
Dear Albert & Aldermen,
I write to you today in your capacities as the default ‘Trustees’ of QVMAG and its collections. Prior to meeting with Hirst Projects on Friday I visited the QVMAG Website to refresh my memory on a couple of matters including the QVMAG’s Strategic Plan – documented and copied online here … https://file7250culture.blogspot.com.au/p/qvvmag-strategig-plan.html
I was somewhat surprised to discover an updated 2018 – 2022 QVMAG Strategic Plan was online and apparently formally in operation. It seems quite clear that this policy document has been prepared by management and it is disappointing that through the Strategic Plan the operation is articulating its (Trustees/Council’s?) aspirational ‘Vision’ and ‘Mission’ it is not articulating the QVMAG’s Purpose.
Moreover, the plan does not articulate rationales for the ‘Objectives’ which in some ways is understandable given that there is no articulated purpose to frame them against. Following on from that there are no unambiguous ‘performance indicators’ albeit that there are ‘somewhat soft’ visions of “how success will look”. Consequently, in reviewing the QVMAG operation’s performance relative to purpose there does not appear to be adequate, and unambiguous, criteria via which such a thing can be measured and credibly assessed.
Against this background questions to do with how this came about arise. They are:
- When was this policy document adopted by Council?
- What expert advice was provided in accord with Section 65 of the Local Govt. Act and consequently did you as the Aldermen/Trustees rely?
- Is it at all possible that the policy has not been approved by Aldermen/Trustees?
I submit that given what is at risk, and all that is at stake, this is a non-trivial matter and I would appreciate clarification in regard to the matters I’m raising here by the close of business Tuesday April 17. I look forward to receiving your advice before I seek further advice in the context of Council’s functional accountability.
Yours sincerely,
Ray Norman
Ray Norman
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The lifestyle design enterprise and research network
PH: 03-6334 2176
EMAIL 1: raynorman7250@bigpond.com
40 Delamere Crescent Trevallyn TAS. 7250
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