President’s column

Key drivers of success for the councils of the future will include the ability to innovate and adapt to change. Today's councillors and mayors must be open to new ideas, innovative ways of engaging citizens and making interactions with councils quicker and simpler.

Under the theme Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia, delegates at this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will look at the many ways local government is being innovative both here and overseas. As a responsive, pragmatic and dynamic level of government, councils innovate with technology, with their resources and in practical ways within their organisations and communities.

With a Federal election due later this year, the NGA will also offer an opportunity to elevate local government issues to the Federal level. The influence of local government is reflected in the ongoing high-level political engagement the NGA receives, and this year will be no different. I have invited the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of the Australian Greens, Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for Local Government to address the NGA and to give you the opportunity to hear directly from them in the lead up to the election.

ALGA is pleased to confirm that the Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Richard Di Natale, will attend and speak at the NGA.

He will be joined by renowned author, political commentator and former economics correspondent, George Megalogenis, who will share his reflections of the political and economic history of Australia and what it could mean for local government, particularly in the face of a looming Federal election.

I invite you to join me and your colleagues at this year's NGA held from 19-22 June in Canberra. A registration brochure has been mailed to all councils this week. You can also register online at www.alga.asn.au, with an early bird registration discount available until 6 May.

 

Mayor Troy Pickard
ALGA President