Happy New Year and welcome to 2025, which is expected to be another busy year for councils, especially with a federal election looming.

I’m pleased to announce registrations for the 2025 National General Assembly, and our new Local Government Tech Leadership Summit are now open.

This year’s NGA will be held in Canberra from 24-27 June, embracing the theme of ‘National Priorities Need Local Solutions’.  You can still submit your council’s 2025 NGA motions through our website until 31 March.

We’re also hosting a Tech Leadership Summit in Sydney on 12 March.  This event at the Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park Hotel will showcase local governments embracing technological change and feature the launch of new research into cyber security.

Housing enabling infrastructure

It was great to see Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently announce new funding for housing enabling infrastructure in regional Western Australia.

This pre-election commitment is welcomed and will benefit these communities, however we believe federal funding should be provided right across the country to support housing infrastructure.

As part of our federal election platform, we are seeking untied allocated funding for all councils to meet our national priorities.  We’re proposing a $1.1 billion per year housing infrastructure program to be distributed to all local governments, and have advocated strongly for this to Government Ministers and Opposition Shadow Ministers.

Response to reviews on emergency management  

Last week, ALGA provided a submission on the Colvin and Glasser reviews.

These reviews highlighted the need to improve arrangements for disaster management and referenced the key role of local government.

We also supported the recommendations and used the opportunity to reiterate the need for a sustainable funding model for disasters through a non-competitive pathway, and dedicated funding for local government.

As a member of the Emergency Management Ministers’ Meeting, we provide a valuable voice in representing how local governments are affected on-the-ground in response and recovery arrangements.

Australia Day debate

The debate about councils hosting citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day hit the headlines last week.

I spoke to The Australian newspaper and several other national media outlets, highlighting the importance of having flexibility for local governments around Australia Day citizenship ceremonies.

We have consistently advocated for the right of councils to choose when we hold these ceremonies, and we take this responsibility very seriously.

As the closest level of government to our communities, and most trusted, it’s important we reflect and serve the needs of our local areas.

New ALGA brand

Finally, I’m delighted we have unveiled a new ALGA brand and visual identity.

As an evolution of ALGA’s time-honoured branding, we have modernised our identity and circular isotype which symbolises Australia’s three “arms” of government (federal, state and local) working in unison to achieve positive outcomes.

I’m excited to announce we will soon be accepting your council’s motions for our 2025 National General Assembly (NGA) from 24-27 June in Canberra.

This event brings councils together from all over Australia to discuss key issues and opportunities in our communities and help inform the development of national policies.

Our 2025 NGA theme is ‘National Priorities Need Local Solutions’, reflecting the role we can all play delivering place-based initiatives that help address our country’s biggest challenges.

A discussion paper containing essential information, and outlining the criteria that NGA motions must meet, is now available and motions will soon be able to be lodged through ALGA’s website.

Successful 2024 Road Congress

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress in Margaret River earlier this month.

We had more than 200 local government leaders and experts from around Australia and overseas discussing a range of transport and infrastructure issues, including how we can help reduce the nation’s unacceptably high road toll.

I was also delighted to meet and engage with an international delegation from Pacific Island countries, who attended the Congress as guests of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Fellowships and Engagement Program.

I sincerely thank our sponsors as well as the Western Australian Local Government Association for their outstanding support.

Save the date – Tech Leadership Summit

ALGA will host a Local Government Tech Leadership Summit at the Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park Hotel on 12 March 2025.

This event will showcase councils embracing technological change and include the launch of new research into local government cyber capacity.

Bookings will open in January, but please save the date in your calendar.

Season’s greetings

Finally, as another year ends, I sincerely thank all Mayors, Shire Presidents, Councillors and local government staff who have supported us – and our State and Territory Local Government Associations.

A big thank you to all of the ALGA Board for their dedication and commitment over the year to ensure our national policies reflect the needs across the nation.  And, of course, many thanks to ALGA’s staff for their hard work during 2024.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2025 to deliver better funding and policy outcomes for our communities.

Season’s greetings and have a safe and happy New Year!

I’m excited to visit Margaret River in Western Australia this week for our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress.

We’re expecting more than 200 local government leaders and experts from around Australia and overseas, and a key focus will be discussing how we can help address the nation’s unacceptably high road toll and improve road safety.

This year’s Congress also include sessions on community infrastructure, renewable energy, emergency management, emissions reduction, active transport, aviation innovations and transitioning to a circular economy.

Welcome reception in Canberra

I was thrilled the Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick hosted a welcome reception for myself and local government leaders at Parliament House in Canberra on 19 November.

It was fantastic to see a strong turnout of MPs, Senators and staffers from all sides of politics, including the Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain and Shadow Minister Darren Chester, who both spoke at the event in the Speaker’s Courtyard.

During my visit to Canberra, I also met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and other political leaders to advocate on your behalf in the lead-up to the next federal election.

State and territory conferences

Since being elected President, I’ve had the privilege of attending several state and territory association conferences around Australia in recent months.

I’ve heard loud and clear our sector is calling for financial sustainability and more recognition of the cost-shifting to local government so we can help to achieve national priorities.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about these important issues.

2024 NGA save the date

Finally, a reminder the 31st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra from 24-27 June 2025.

The biggest annual gathering of local government leaders will include the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Tuesday 24 June and the NGA from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 June.

More details will be released soon and registrations will open in January.

I hope to see you in Canberra in June!

I’m excited to visit Canberra this week to meet with Ministers, MPs and Senators from all sides of politics in the lead-up to the next Federal election.

I’ll be focussing on how we can deliver ‘local solutions to national priorities’, and the important role we can play in improving local infrastructure, increasing housing supply, preparing for natural disasters and supporting the nation’s energy transition.

I’ll also be advocating on your behalf for the Federal funding our communities desperately need, and deserve, to address local challenges.

We want to work with all levels of government to secure more support to make our communities better places to live and work.

State conferences

I was delighted to speak at the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) conference dinner on 6 November in Alice Springs.

It was great to speak with local Mayors and Councillors, as well as the Northern Territory’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development the Honourable Steven Edgington MLA. I was also impressed with the Diwali Night Markets, led by Alice Springs Town Council.  This event won the ‘Cohesive Communities’ award in the 2024 National Awards for Local Government and it was wonderful to join the celebrations.

I’m also looking forward to presenting today at the Local Government of New South Wales (LGNSW) conference in Tamworth.

Thank you

As local government election results from Victoria and New South Wales are finalised, we will see a number of new faces across these states.

To those who put their hand up, but were not returned, I say a big thank you for your service. To those who are new to the positions, I wish you all the best as you take on this important role to represent your community.

Book tickets for 2024 Roads Congress

A  final reminder to book your tickets for the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress, which is just over two weeks away.

This year’s event features a range of high-profile speakers and government leaders and will be held in Margaret River in Western Australia.

See the conference program here.

I was delighted to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Economics last week on the National Housing and Homelessness Plan Bill 2024.

During the hearing, I highlighted that many councils are going above and beyond to address the housing crisis but we aren’t resourced to play a greater role.

One of the biggest challenges is a lack of funding for local roads, water and power connections needed for new developments, and we need to fix this to significantly increase housing supply.

Natural disaster reviews

We recently welcomed the release of the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding (Colvin Review) and the Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance Arrangements (Glasser Review).

ALGA has consistently advocated for an increased focus on disaster mitigation and risk reduction, and it’s encouraging to see this was supported in both reviews.

We look forward to working with our members and the Federal Government on the review recommendations.

State conferences

I was honoured to speak at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) annual conference on 22 October in Brisbane.

At the annual event, where I was also elected LGAQ President, I spoke about local government financial sustainability, affordable housing and returning ALGA to National Cabinet as a full member.

I will also be speaking at the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) conference in Alice Springs this week, and I’m looking forward to meeting with NSW councils at their state conference in Tamworth on 18 November.

Early bird tickets closing

Another reminder early bird tickets close at the end of next week (15 November) for the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress.

This year’s Congress – featuring high-profile speakers and an annual dinner at Leeuwin Estate Winery – will be held in Margaret River, Western Australia from 3-4 December.

Register now!

In my first few weeks as President, I’ve spoken to several national media outlets, including The Australian Financial Review and Government News to highlight how councils can play a bigger role in addressing Australia’s housing crisis.

We need to stop the ‘blame game’ around housing supply, and the barriers to increasing affordable housing must be addressed by all stakeholders, including the private sector and all levels of government.

Homes without key infrastructure like roads, sewerage, water and access to local parks and community services are pointless.  So it’s vital we build sustainable communities, not just more homes, and this needs forward planning and thinking – something councils are very good at and take seriously.

We need federal, state and territory governments to partner with local government to identify more revenue streams – paid directly to councils – to close the minimum $5.7 billion infrastructure gap.

Next month, I will visit Canberra to raise this issue with senior Ministers, MPs and Senators.  I will also highlight the key role we can play in improving local infrastructure, preparing for natural disasters, and supporting the nation’s energy transition.

State conferences

I was delighted to deliver my first official speech at the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) annual conference on 8 October in Perth.

At the Mayors and Presidents Forum, I highlighted the importance of financial sustainability for Australia’s 537 councils, and the need to create stronger partnerships with all levels of government to provide effective local solutions to national priorities.

I’m also looking forward to presenting to Queensland councils and leaders at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference in Brisbane tomorrow.

It’s been fantastic talking to local Mayors, Shire Presidents and Councillors and I look forward to meeting more of you at state and territory conferences in the coming months.

Register for 2024 Roads Congress

Finally, a reminder early bird tickets close on 15 November for the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress.

This year’s event – which features a range of high-profile speakers and experts – will be held at Margaret River in Western Australia from 3-4 December.

You can view the conference program here.  I hope to see you there.

I am honoured to be elected as the new ALGA President.

It’s a privilege to accept this long-standing leadership role to advocate on behalf of Australia’s 537 councils.

By working together and with all levels of government, I want to see councils and communities not just survive, but thrive!

I’m very excited to get started, and build on ALGA’s advocacy achievements. We need to work and engage with all levels of government to address the key problems facing communities in Australia.

As you may know, I was born and raised in Gladstone, in central Queensland, and my council career has spanned nearly 25 years.  Watch this video to learn more about my passion and service to local government:

Last week, I spoke to several national media outlets, including The Australian newspaper, to outline my advocacy agenda, which includes securing serious federal funding increases for councils  – not just pocket money!  My major focus will be on advocating for more support so councils can remain financially sustainable.

I also pay tribute to former ALGA President Linda Scott for her significant contribution to this sector – and congratulate new Vice Presidents councillor Karen Chappel AM JP, from the Shire of Morawa in Western Australia, and councillor Darriea Turley AM, from Broken Hill City Council in New South Wales.

I look forward to working alongside the Vice Presidents, ALGA’s Board and your councils  to build stronger, vibrant and more liveable communities.

Annual conferences

This week, as part of my first official engagement as President, I’m excited to meet Western Australian councils at the WALGA annual conference in Perth and I thank Karen Chappel for hosting me.

I’m also looking forward to presenting to Queensland councils at the LGAQ conference in Brisbane later this month.

Please say hello if you see me at these events.  I look forward to meeting you.

Farewell and thank you

This is my final update before handing over to your next ALGA President later this month.

As you may know, I am leaving local government after 12 rewarding and enjoyable years, including four years as national President.

It has been a tremendous privilege to represent our communities to the Federal Government, and working together, we have achieved many advocacy highlights and positive funding outcomes to improve the liveability and sustainability of our communities.

Importantly, since 2020 we have secured an estimated $7.22 billion in additional federal funding our councils can access, including the ongoing indexation to FA Grants, $500 million to support housing growth, a doubling of Roads to Recovery funding, $200 million per year for disaster mitigation and $100 million for climate action and emissions reduction.

It was a significant win that the Government continued to increase Financial Assistance Grants in line with the legislated indexation formula.  The cumulative impact of this increase across four years was an additional $1.72 billion in untied federal funding to councils compared to if the FA Grants indexation had been frozen.

Also, in addition to participating in National Cabinet and the Council on Federal Financial Relations, it has been an honour to represent local government on a wide range of Ministerial Councils and Forums.  Over the last four years ALGA has attended:

• Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council
• Building Ministers Meeting
• Road Safety Ministers Meeting
• Water Ministers Meeting
• Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting
• Local Government Ministers Forum
• National Emergency Management Ministers Meeting
• Joint Council on Closing the Gap
• Planning Ministers Meeting
• Environment Ministers Meeting
• Cultural Ministers Meeting
• Food Ministers Meeting
• Ending Plastic Wate External Advisory Group Meeting
• Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy Oceania Steering Committee
• Ministerial Migration Roundtable
• Drought Ministers Roundtable
• Commemorative Grants Advisory Committee
• Regional Banking Taskforce
• Indigenous Affairs Ministers Meeting.

But there’s still so much to do, and I know you will continue to support ALGA, as well as your state and territory associations, as they continue to advocate for more sustainable funding for our communities.

Finally, as I close this amazing and memorable chapter of my career, I sincerely thank all of you for your outstanding support.

It’s rare you get to leave on top in politics, and I especially thank ALGA’s Board and state and territory association members for your unwavering commitment and dedication to making our cities, towns and regions better and more vibrant places to live, work and visit.

Disaster Ready Fund

Our advocacy in the lead up to the previous Federal election delivered a new $200 million per year Disaster Ready Fund, and it was fantastic to see 121 local government-based projects supported through the second round of this funding announced recently.  The full list of successful projects is available here.

This funding will support projects worth more than $310 million, which collectively will significantly improve our nation’s disaster preparedness.

As the human and financial costs of disaster recovery continue to grow, it’s vital we prioritise local mitigation projects that will better safeguard our communities.

Annual conferences

Finally, I was delighted to speak one last time at the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s annual conference in Hobart last week, and I sincerely thank LGAT President Mayor Mick Tucker for the invitation.

I’m also looking forward to presenting to Victorian councils at the MAV annual conference in Melbourne on Thursday and thank President Councillor David Clark for hosting me.

National Housing Summit

I was delighted to speak at our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide on 16 August, which attracted around 150 mayors, shire presidents, councillors and staff from across the country.

This summit at Adelaide Town Hall focused on the positive role local government can play to facilitate more affordable housing and help deliver on Australia’s housing target of 1.2 million homes over the next five years.

A big thanks to LGA SA for supporting our first housing summit, and to the City of Adelaide for hosting us in their beautiful Town Hall.

At the event, we heard preliminary research from Equity Economics which explored some of the housing challenges for local government.

I’m proud to represent local governments on a wide range of Ministerial Councils and Forums, but unfortunately the National Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council is not one of them.  As the third tier of government we have an important role to play addressing our country’s affordable housing crisis and we will continue to advocate for a seat at the table.

Meeting new Ministers

Following the recent federal Ministerial reshuffle, I was delighted to meet several newly-appointed Ministers at Parliament House on 14 August.

I met with Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Clare O’Neil to discuss how local government can help the Government reach it’s housing target, and also spoke with new Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Cities Senator Jenny McAllister.

During the visit, I also met with our Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain to discuss a range of issues affecting councils including financial sustainability.

We look forward to working with Minister O’Neil and McAllister in their new roles, and also acknowledge the great work and support for councils from previous Housing and Emergency Management Ministers Julie Collins and Senator Murray Watt.

2024 Roads Congress

Finally, we’ve already had strong interest in our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress, and I’m delighted to reveal our program outline.

This year’s event will be held in Margaret River in Western Australia from 3-4 December, and registrations are now open.

ALGA News attended the launch of the National Drowning Report 2024, by Assistant Federal Minister Matt Thistlethwaite (pictured), on 20 August at Parliament House in Canberra, which found there were 323 drowning deaths over the past year.

While some progress has been made including for children aged under five, the National Drowning Report 2024 showed a 16% increase in drownings on the 10-year average.  Drowning deaths for children 5-14 increased 30 per cent and for people over 65 increased 26 per cent.

This increase is an issue of concern for all levels of government, including councils.

As a member of the Australian Water Safety Council, ALGA works closely with Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia to improve water safety and drowning prevention across Australia.

We are committed to working with all organisations and partners to improve water safety and to help reduce drowning deaths in Australia, especially around waterways and pools managed by local government.

Win! Regional airlines roundtable

In an advocacy win, we worked with the Federal Government last week to organise a roundtable for regional councils affected by Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration.

Hosted by Federal Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain and attended by 50 council leaders, the virtual briefing was secured following ALGA’s call for strong action by the Government to ensure regional communities remain connected and accessible following the airline’s collapse.

The forum was an opportunity for us to voice our concerns about the loss of regional aviation services, and the support we need to facilitate and continue regular flights into our communities.

About 200 councils run and operate airports and aerodromes across Australia, and we will continue to work closely with the Government to protect and support our rural and regional communities at risk.

National Housing Summit research

We are looking forward to releasing important new research this Friday at our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide.

Developed by Equity Economics, the research will highlight the opportunities for us to play a larger and more effective role in delivering on Australia’s ambitious housing targets.

Tickets are still available for the event at Adelaide Town Hall, supported by LGA SA, which will also showcase the wonderful work your councils are doing in this area.  View the draft program.

National General Assembly resolutions

Finally, a huge thank you to all councils that submitted motions to our 2024 NGA in Canberra last month.

Together, we considered a record 167 motions, which covered everything from local government financial sustainability to housing and emergency management.

I’m delighted that all of these NGA resolutions will be provided to the relevant federal Ministers for their consideration.

You can download the full list of resolutions here.

There needs to be “transformational change” in Australia’s approach to disaster mitigation funding and building resilient communities, a disaster management session in Canberra was told on 6 August.

ALGA News attended the ANU Disaster Solutions Update 2024, which heard from a range of experts, including National Emergency Management Agency Coordinator-General Brendan Moon, Federal Minister for Financial Service Stephen Jones and Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) CEO Andrew Hall.

The main focus of the one-day seminar was on the latest research and innovative solutions in disaster finance, as well as the key role of communities, government, including local government, and the private sector.

Addressing the topic of ‘funding a resilient Australia’, Mr Moon highlighted the importance of local governments in rebuilding stronger communities, and the need for funding to undertake large mitigation projects.  Mr Moon said there also needs to be more capacity to build “big mitigation” infrastructure, which needs a “transformational approach”.

Speaking about ‘closing the insurance protection gap’, Mr Hall said Australia faced similar challenges to other modern economies in terms of the growing cost of insurance and premiums.  He highlighted ICA’s research showing 1 in 12 properties have some level of flood risk in Australia. Of these, about 230,000 properties were at risk of flooding every year.

About 5.6 million homes are at risk of bushfire in Australia, according to the ICA, and the estimated cost of rebuilding homes is 27 per cent higher than before the start of Covid pandemic.

A key component of every National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government is the motions submitted by participating councils for debate and discussion, identifying important issues to the communities they represent.

Local governments at the 2024 NGA considered more than 160 motions, all of which called for some form of action from the Federal Government, such as amending existing Commonwealth policies or funding programs, or developing new policies or programs to meet emerging needs.

Resolutions passed by delegates at the 2024 NGA can be downloaded here.

National Housing Summit

We are less than three weeks away from our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit.

This summit will be held at Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 16 August, and the event is an opportunity for us to follow up and expand on discussions we had around affordable housing at our NGA in Canberra earlier this month.

We will also launch new housing research from Equity Economics, and showcase the fantastic and innovative work your councils are doing in this area.

A draft program is now available, which includes a networking reception hosted by Adelaide Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith on 15 August.

Registrations are now open – I hope to see you there!

Energy transition

I was delighted to speak to The Guardian recently about the importance of engaging local government in the planning of renewable energy projects and infrastructure.

Our energy and housing transitions must be carefully managed to ensure communities are supported with housing and infrastructure along the way, with local governments at the centre of this planning.

Importantly, councils have a key role to play in helping deliver on Australia’s emissions reduction and net zero targets, and it’s encouraging around 80 per cent of local governments have already set or are investigating emissions reduction targets.

Energy transition is an important topic for so many of our communities and it’s an honour to represent you on the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council.

The Council last met on 19 July and you can read the Communique.

Ministerial councils

A key role for ALGA is to represent the voice of local government on the many Ministerial councils.

In the past month, representatives from the ALGA Board attended several key Ministerial councils, including the Environment Ministers’ Meeting, Building Ministers’ Meeting, Water Ministers’ Meeting and the Ministerial Migration Roundtable.

ALGA has engaged Equity Economics to undertake research into the support Australia’s local governments need to help increase affordable housing supply.

This research will be launched at the National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide on 16 August.

To inform the research, a short survey has been developed on the barriers councils face in housing development.

The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete and closes at 5pm (AEST) on Friday 3 August 2024. Individual survey responses will not be made public or identifiable.

If you need assistance with the survey, please email alice.kemble@equityeconomics.com.au.