ALGA Closing the Gap Annual Reports ALGA’s 2023 Closing the Gap Annual Report outlines a range of case studies/examples of Australian councils working to support reconciliation and updates progress against ALGA’s previous Implementation Plan. The report also provides a high-level assessment of progress on each of the actions ALGA and member state and territory local+
In 2019, ALGA was proud to be a co-signatory in a landmark agreement that marks a new chapter in the national effort to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap (July 2020) required all Parties to the Agreement to develop their own Implementation Plan to support the+
ALGA Closing the Gap Annual Report ALGA’s 2022 Closing the Gap Annual Report is a milestone for ALGA and the first report on the progress of ALGA’s Closing the Gap Implementation Plan (September 2021). It provides a high-level assessment of progress on each of the actions ALGA and member state and territory local government associations+
ALGA Closing the Gap Implementation Plan In 2019 ALGA was proud to be a co-signatory in a landmark agreement that marks a new chapter in the national effort to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap (July 2020) requires that all Parties to the Agreement develop their+
Councils are committed to partnering with the next Federal Government to reduce the social and economic disadvantages experienced by many Indigenous Australians. ALGA President Linda Scott said local governments are seeking a $100 million per year fund that would support the capacity of councils to Close the Gap and help implement the Local and Regional+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has published its Implementation Plan for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The historic agreement – to which ALGA, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and the Coalition of Peaks are all signatories – sets out four agreed priority reform targets and 16 socio-economic targets to improve life+
A new resource to accelerate efforts to provide greater opportunities for Indigenous Australians at the local community level has been published by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Developed by ALGA and its state and territory association members, the guide sets out key actions councils can undertake to meet the priority reforms laid out under+
In 2020 the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) was proud to be a co-signatory in a landmark agreement that marks a new chapter in the national effort to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. At the heart of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap Partnership, there are four agreed priority reform targets+
A new national agreement to redress entrenched inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians came into effect this week. The latest Closing the Gap agreement sets 16 new national socio-economic targets in areas including life expectancy, birthweight, early childhood education and development, Year 12 and tertiary qualifications, employment, incarceration rates, household safety, and the proportion of+
Australia’s Closing the Gap targets will be redeveloped in partnership with Indigenous Australians with a direct focus on education. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the 2019 Closing the Gap report highlighted successes across the country but that refreshed targets were an opportunity to work together to accelerate progress. “We cannot hide from the fact that on average+
DISCUSSION of Closing the Gap in socio-economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians bookended the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra on 9 February. Before the COAG meeting, there was a Special Gathering of 45 prominent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders at which preliminary advice was provided on future policy priorities for Closing the Gap.+
The Federal Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program (RJED) has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). The new $707 million employment program is expected to create around 3,000 jobs in remote Australia in partnership with First Nations communities, with the goal of closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.+
Community Energy Upgrades Fund moves ahead One of our biggest advocacy wins this year was securing a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF) that will support your councils to deliver energy upgrades and bill savings at our local pools, sporting clubs and community centres. It’s fantastic to see the Federal Government releasing more+
Local government leaders will share innovations to ensure councils can help reduce Australia’s emissions while mitigating skyrocketing cost of living pressures at the historic 2023 Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra from 13-15 June. Hosted by ALGA, which represents the nation’s 537 local governments, the annual event starts today and+
AGLA has called on the Federal Government to provide $7 million over four years in the upcoming Budget for a new local government Indigenous Partnership Network. Local government associations across Australia need extra support to work closely with governments, councils and peak bodies to progress Closing the Gap, and new funding would enable councils to+
Local governments are a trusted partner of the federal government and effectively deliver services on behalf of the Commonwealth, Local Government Minister Kristy McBain told Question Time on Wednesday (30 November). “The local government sector is a trusted delivery partner for the federal government. They are the only level of government who deliver services to+
Congratulations to Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett and WALGA President Karen Chappel, both elected as your ALGA Vice Presidents at our recent ALGA AGM. I’m honoured to have been re-elected as your ALGA President, unopposed, and look forward to serving Australian local governments for a further two years. On behalf of the Board, I wish to+
Local government leaders from around Australia gathered in Canberra from 20-22 June 2022 for the 28th National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA). This event was held on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people, and the Assembly paid its respects to their elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledged the vital and ongoing contributions+
On behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, ALGA President Linda Scott has congratulated incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Government. “We look forward to working with our new Federal Government to build a stronger future for our nation that leaves no community behind,” Cr Scott said. “Working together we can deliver a better+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) – with the support of its State and Territory Member Associations – will implement a coordinated advocacy campaign in the lead up to the next Federal Election. This campaign will highlight opportunities for increased partnerships between federal and local governments in the areas of economic recovery, transport and community infrastructure, building resilience, circular economy and Intergovernmental relations, while also progressing+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has used its 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission to outline a series of partnership opportunities to help drive a strong and inclusive national recovery. ALGA President Linda Scott said Australia’s 537 local governments have the capacity for growing partnerships with the Commonwealth Government – as well as state and territory+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has used its 2022-23 Federal Pre-Budget Submission to outline a series of partnership opportunities that would help drive a strong and inclusive national recovery. ALGA President Linda Scott said Australia’s 537 local government have the capacity for growing partnerships with the Commonwealth Government – as well as state and+
The 2021-22 high-risk weather season has arrived – along with renewed concerns about disaster preparedness and capability. Our commitment to working with our communities to help them prepare for whatever this cyclone and bushfire season might throw up remains rock solid. However, we need greater support and stronger partnerships across all tiers of Government, and+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) – with the support of its State and Territory Member Associations – will implement a coordinated advocacy campaign in the lead up to the next Federal Election. This campaign will highlight opportunities for increased partnerships between federal and local governments in the areas of economic recovery, transport and community infrastructure, building resilience, circular economy and Intergovernmental relations, while also progressing+
Your ALGA published its Closing the Gap Implementation Plan this week – a proud moment for an organisation that has long championed strong and sustainable First Nations communities. Developed by ALGA with our state and territory association members, the Implementation Plan sets out key actions councils can undertake to meet the priority reforms laid out+
ALGA thanks Federal Assistant Minister for Local Government Kevin Hogan for taking the time to make an appearance at this month’s Board Meeting. His commitment to working with local government to get the best outcomes for Australian communities is welcome and we look forward to working closely with him and his department going forward. Last+
This week, it was a pleasure to meet with our new Assistant Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Kevin Hogan MP, to congratulate him on his new role, and commit to working with him on all matters important to local governments. On your behalf, I raised: Local government financial sustainability questions arising from COVID lockdowns;+
NSW childcare providers are being offered federal financial support to waive gap fees for parents keeping their children home because of Covid restrictions. The gap fee is the difference between the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) the federal government pays to a service and the remaining fee paid by the family. From Monday, July 19, childcare+
22 June 2021 Delegates to the 27th National General Assembly of Local Government have backed moves to give Indigenous Australians a greater say in how they address entrenched disadvantage in their local communities. A motion put forward by East Arnhem Regional Council to support nationally consistent recognition of Aboriginal controlled councils was carried unanimously at+
Local governments employ a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians than other government sectors – 4.5 percent versus about 2.3 percent for the state, territory, and federal governments. Councils are at ground zero in facilitating and growing local economies (and jobs), so it is not surprising we should be leading the way in improving employment outcomes+
In two weeks’ time, it will be my honour to represent you at the first-ever meeting of the National Federation Reform Council (NFRC). The NFRC was set up, if you recall, after intergovernmental reforms triggered by the scrapping of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) – of which ALGA was a foundation member. ALGA was+
This is my final contribution to ALGA News as your President with my four-year term expiring today. I’ll miss it, and you. But as I look back there is so much to celebrate and to look forward to. Firstly, it has been an honour and a privilege to be the lead advocate for the local+
The Australian Local Government Association will be a member of the National Federation Reform Council (NFRC) and will continue to be involved in relevant meetings and national bodies. However, nearly two dozen former COAG councils and ministerial forums will be disbanded under new streamlined intergovernmental structures revealed last week. Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined the+
This year’s Federal Budget has addressed many of the priority issues that ALGA has been advocating and campaigning for over many years. Moreover, the Budget has effectively maintained the level of Financial Assistance Grants, despite the significant economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. With declines in Commonwealth tax revenue, population growth and the Consumer Price+
Each year, ALGA provides an analysis of the Federal Budget with a specific focus on its impact on local government. The aim of the analysis is to provide local government with information on the total financial assistance it receives from the Australian Government as well as putting this assistance into context with the government’s overall+
It is a rare privilege to have signed such an important agreement on your behalf. The new Closing the Gap partnership, signed by the Commonwealth, the states and territories, and the Australian Local Government Association on Monday, has been hailed as a new chapter in the national effort to reduce Indigenous disadvantage. It sets new+
As well as identifying areas of strategic priority for our work, ALGA’s Strategic Plans also highlight other areas where ALGA will advocate to the Australian Government and facilitate collaboration between state and territory associations. These areas include: Population, Planning and Building; Overcoming indigenous disadvantage; Arts and Cultural Development; and Tourism. POPULATION, PLANNING AND BUILDING Across+
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) says planned national federation reforms announced today are a lost opportunity to drive jobs growth and economic reform at the local level. “The National Cabinet is continuing with a broader remit than the health response for which it was first established, and ALGA, as the national voice of Local+
I was pleased to participate in a memorable second meeting of the Joint Council on Closing the Gap last week in Adelaide. There can be few more pressing tasks than reducing the differences in life span, health, housing and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians – and local government has a key role to play.+
Fostering Indigenous well-being and prosperity is a key priority in ALGA’s federal election campaign. The ALGA President advocated for this and particularly funding for Indigenous housing at this week’s Joint Council on Closing the Gap meeting in Brisbane. We welcome the report on Indigenous Housing and re-enforces the need for ALGAs advocacy on this issue.+
One of ALGA’s election priorities is to foster indigenous well-being and prosperity. Key to this is closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Only modest progress has been achieved, with only one target met, and Indigenous Australians remain well behind on a range of indicators. Stable, safe and appropriate housing is fundamental to reaching+
Based on current trends, Australia's population is projected to reach 30 million people between 2029 and 2033, according to the latest figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Anthony Grubb, Director of Demography at the ABS, said: "The projected time for the nation to grow by 5 million people on current indications will+
Initiatives aimed at closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in the areas of housing, health, early childhood development, education, economic participation and remote service delivery are vital if our nation is to overcome the economic and social costs of entrenched disadvantage in our Indigenous communities. Water and sewerage infrastructure provision has not kept+
This week is Reconciliation Week, a terrific time to reflect, to celebrate, and to build stronger connections between our ancient and modern histories. It’s also a time to build deeper relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Many local councils play a leadership role in this space, hosting events, engaging with+
THE DEBATE around reducing indigenous disadvantage is usually so steeped in disappointment that it’s hard to see the upside, or to even consider how we in Local Government could play a key role. It is true scores of review and audits indicate a decades-long trail of public policy failures and disappointments. However, there are also+
Our first formal one-on-one meeting with a Prime Minister in seven years was the highlight of last Friday's COAG meeting. On behalf of local government, I advocated for an end to the Financial Assistance Grant indexation freeze and a return to previous funding levels, with an emphasis on the impact on regional and remote communities.+
Improving population planning and management was the hot topic at Wednesday’s COAG meeting of First Ministers, which I attended as local government’s representative. It seems everyone has an opinion on population, and that would be reasonable given its far reaching consequences – be it pressures on infill, or fringe areas of the city being developed+
Councillor Linda Scott President of the Australian LocalGovernment Association Councillor Linda Scott JP GAICD is an experienced Board Director, previously serving as the first female Chair of Local Government NSW and currently serving as President of the Australian Local Government Association, which represents Australia’s 537 local governments. Linda was elected unopposed as ALGA’s President in+
