Last week, in collaboration with the Presidents of the State and Territory Associations, I wrote to all councils encouraging them to join the campaign to restore the indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs). In particular, we asked every council to pass a resolution acknowledging the importance of the FAGs in delivering vital local services and infrastructure, and ensuring the positive impacts of these payments are publicly acknowledged.
With the Federal Budget only a month away, it is important that the Federal Treasurer continues to hear how important it is to reverse the freeze on FAGs indexation and avoid councils having to reduce services or increase rates. Over the coming weeks, I am encouraging councils to talk with their Federal MPs to ensure that they have all the facts on what this freeze means for councils and communities in their electorate.
We must build momentum for our campaign and ensure that the Federal Government and MPs are fully aware of the consequences for local communities.