The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the appointment of Senator the Hon Fiona Nash MP as Minister for Regional Development and the Hon Darren Chester MP as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport announced on Saturday.
The President of ALGA, Mayor Troy Pickard, welcomed the opportunity to work with Senator Nash and Mr Chester on issues under their portfolio that are of critical importance to Local Government.
"The management of local infrastructure and transport links and facilitating community development across the country are core functions of Local Government and we are pleased to see the Federal Government continue its strong focus on these important policy areas," Mayor Pickard said.
"Local Government is responsible for around 75 per cent of the nation's roads and these roads are vital for every Australian to get to work, get their kids to schools and for industry to deliver freight to markets.
"It's important that there is a strong partnership between the Federal and Local Government to maintain these services and ensure the continued and consistent coordination of national policies at the local level to deliver positive outcomes for Australian communities.
"We also look forward to further engagement on the Government’s cities agenda under Mr Angus Taylor MP, the new Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation."
Media enquiries:
Sharon Akinyi, Director Public Affairs, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), sharon.akinyi@alga.asn.au