While the initial panic of the financial crisis is receding, Councils around Australia are still dealing with the consequences of some ill-fated and ill-judged investment decisions. But some important lessons have been distilled from the mess with Councils rediscovering the meaning of ‘fiduciary duty’.

In most cases investment policies have been tightened - some by State decree clamping down, for now, on the worst excesses. However, the most crucial safeguard against further errors is todeepen the investment knowledge across all local government employees, General Managers, councillors and others who carry the fi duciary burden for their ratepayers.

The GovernmentNews 2010 Local Government Investment Conference brings together an impressive panel of investment all-stars and leading experts who offer insights and practical examples of responsible investment in action.

Key topics include:

Fiduciary responsibilities

• Where do responsibilities start and stop
• Risk control and possible implications of current toxic investments
• Risk awareness

The “new” normal

• Returns will be lower across-the-board
• Why there will be more importance on correct asset allocation
• What should be a realistic return in the return environment

Risk vs. Return

• Appropriate vehicles for this time
• Understanding defence vs. growth

After the Storm

• Differentiating between the return expectations of council’s short and longer term assets
• Managing liquidity issues
• Understanding the tradeoff between liquidity and return
• What are the prospects for council’s existing investments

For more information or to register visit www.investmentconference.com.au or call 1300 789 845.