-
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+
Posted 26 July, 2024 -
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.+
Posted 26 July, 2024 -
A major highlight of the 2024 National General Assembly was four new listening sessions held on 2 July on housing and community infrastructure, emergency management, roads and transport and energy transition. Facilitated by the Melbourne Leadership Group, these sessions featured a free-flowing exchange of ideas and debate between councils, the federal public service and other+
Posted 25 July, 2024 -
On behalf of all Australian councils, ALGA lodged a comprehensive, evidence-based submission to Federal Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability. We made five key recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee, with our number one priority being increasing untied federal funding for local government to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue. Read submission
Posted 12 July, 2024 -
Highly successful 2024 NGA It was wonderful to welcome more than 1200 of you to our historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra. There were so many memorable highlights, including the historic first public speech of Australia’s new Governor General Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. During the week, we also heard from Federal+
Posted 12 July, 2024 -
SGS Economics and Planning partner Marcus Spiller launched new research about local government financial sustainability in Australia at the 2024 NGA on 3 July. The report analyses long-term trends in financial sustainability of Australia’s 537 councils, and was prepared to support ALGA’s submission to the inquiry into local government sustainability. Some of the key findings+
Posted 3 July, 2024 -
The 2024 National State of the Assets Report – Future proofing our communities is the 6th in a series of comprehensive reports commissioned by ALGA, based on survey data from 458 councils (about 85 per cent of local governments) across eight asset categories. The report was prepared with the support of IPWEA. Download a copy of+
Posted 2 July, 2024 -
Local government inquiry hearing On behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, I was delighted to appear before the Parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability in Canberra last week. During the hearing, I highlighted new ALGA research showing local governments could boost Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year, and create more+
Posted 28 June, 2024 -
Local governments could boost Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to $7 billion per year and create more liveable communities if councils were sustainably funded by the Federal Government, a Parliamentary Committee was told today. New research, due to be released by ALGA next week, shows a $1 billion annual investment in local government+
Posted 27 June, 2024 -
A record number of local government leaders are expected to attend the historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra from 2-4 July. Around 1200 mayors, shire presidents and councillors from across Australia will converge in the capital for the annual conference, being held at the National Convention Centre. This year’s theme is Building Community Trust,+
Posted 25 June, 2024 -
Councils are advised the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Management System (IMS) portal will be unavailable from 11 pm on Wednesday 31 July until 12 pm on Monday 19 August, to cleanse and migrate data to the new Reporting and Program Management (RPM) portal. Please note, during this time local governments will not be able to access+
Posted 25 June, 2024 -
The removal and management of illegally dumped tyres in Australia is costing local governments more than $6.5 million a year, according to new research supported by ALGA. These findings were outlined in the Stockpiling and illegal dumping of tyres report prepared for Tyre Stewardship Australia, and produced with assistance from ALGA members. The report, released+
Posted 23 June, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport’s inquiry into the shutdown of Australia’s 3G mobile network. The submission highlighted many councils located outside of metropolitan areas or urban centres and are faced with the challenges of living further away from key infrastructure, economic opportunities, and+
Posted 18 June, 2024 -
Local government inquiry update We look forward to presenting to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability after recently lodging our evidence-based submission. This inquiry is a valuable opportunity to outline the value and services we are delivering in our communities and highlight the funding reforms our sector needs to be sustainable. I encourage you to+
Posted 14 June, 2024 -
The exhibition booths for the 2024 National General Assembly in Canberra are sold-out. However, there are still some last-minute sponsorship opportunities still available, including for the new listening sessions – so don’t miss your chance to be there. Held at the National Convention Centre, the NGA is an opportunity for local government service providers to+
Posted 12 June, 2024 -
On behalf of Australia’s councils, ALGA attended a special exercise from 22-23 May in Adelaide to prepare for an extreme space weather event. Hosted by the Australian Government, Exercise Aurora 2024 was developed to allow Australia – and local governments – to plan for future space weather events, such as a geomagnetic storm that occurred+
Posted 11 June, 2024 -
Small businesses can access free training to protect themselves against cyber attacks, especially during the end of the financial year period. The latest statistics show 43 per cent of cyber attacks target small businesses, and a single attack can cost an average of $46,000. The simple online cyber security training is now available through Cyber+
Posted 6 June, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Reform Options paper for the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme Landfill Gas Methods 2024. The submission said councils are at the forefront of dealing with climate change impacts and are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ALGA also said for the ACCU Scheme to be effective, it+
Posted 5 June, 2024 -
Local government inquiry submission On behalf of all Australian councils, ALGA lodged a comprehensive, evidence-based submission to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability last week. We have made five key recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee, with our number one priority being increasing untied federal funding for local government to at least one per cent of+
Posted 31 May, 2024 -
ALGA is seeking feedback from 2024 NGA delegates to help shape the new Listening Sessions forum on 2 July. For the first time, four concurrent listening sessions will feature in the program about key issues will be held during the NGA, providing an opportunity to have a say about federal policies affecting communities. These sessions+
Posted 28 May, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to Climate Change Authority’s 2024 Issues paper: Targets, Pathways and Progress. The submission said managing the impacts of climate change is an important issue for local government, and ALGA welcomes a science-based target to achieve Australia’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement. ALGA also said a 2035 target must drive+
Posted 22 May, 2024 -
2024-25 Federal Budget update – Wins and more to do! In response to ALGA’s advocacy, Australian councils will receive an additional $330 million in federal funding in 2024-25, including a $150 million increase in the Roads to Recovery program, as a result of the recent Federal Budget. However, the Government has not delivered on their+
Posted 17 May, 2024 -
The Albanese Government has broken its pre-election promise to provide “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants to Australia’s 537 councils in tonight’s 2024-25 Federal Budget. ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said these untied federal grants are vital to supporting local government to deliver more affordable housing, and cost-of-living relief through access to free and low-cost+
Posted 14 May, 2024 -
Please find ALGA’s analysis and updates for the 2024-25 Federal Budget handed down in Canberra tonight (14 May 2024).
Posted 14 May, 2024 -
Local governments can access new information and resources about Australia’s upcoming 3G mobile phone network shutdown this year. Telstra is planning to switch off its 3G network from 31 August 2024, and Optus from 1 September 2024. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network in Australia. To ensure communities are fully prepared for+
Posted 13 May, 2024 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE New national research has revealed a $1 billion improvement in the condition of Australia’s libraries, recreation centres, galleries, cultural centres and community halls over the past three years. ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said a $500 million per year local government community infrastructure fund would support councils to continue to maintain and+
Posted 13 May, 2024 -
Build up to Federal Budget We will be closely monitoring next week’s Federal Budget in Canberra to see if the Government finally follows through on its pre-election promise of “fair increases” to Financial Assistance Grants. The number one priority in our pre-Budget submission is restoring these vital untied grants to at least one percent of+
Posted 3 May, 2024 -
With more than 50 per cent of exhibition booths already sold, time is running out to book your booth for this year’s NGA. Held at the National Convention Centre Canberra, the NGA is an opportunity for local government service providers to engage with more than 1,000 mayors, shire presidents, CEOs and senior council staff. The+
Posted 2 May, 2024 -
ALGA has produced a new guide to support councils with their submissions to the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government sustainability The user-friendly guide, which includes links to the latest research on the sector, is available here for all local governments. Submissions to the inquiry were originally due by+
Posted 30 April, 2024 -
Australia’s councils, including in rural and regional areas, are being reminded about the looming shutdown of the 3G mobile phone network this year. Telstra is planning to switch off its 3G network from 30 June 2024, and Optus from 1 September 2024. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network in Australia. This change+
Posted 29 April, 2024 -
Local governments are encouraged to provide feedback on a new issues paper from the Federal Government’s Climate Change Authority. The 2024 Issues paper: Targets, Pathways and Progress is seeking advice on Australia’s emissions reduction targets, sectoral pathways and progress towards becoming a net zero economy. The Authority expects to provide advice on Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction+
Posted 29 April, 2024 -
A national approach to kerbside recycling will help Australia’s 537 councils to reduce the five mega tonnes (MT) of waste sent to Australian landfills every year – equivalent to the weight of about 31 Sydney Opera Houses. Through its 2024-25 Federal Budget submission, ALGA is seeking $120 million over four years to standardise kerbside bins+
Posted 22 April, 2024 -
Win! Four week extension for local government inquiry submissions I am pleased to announce that ALGA’s request for a four-week extension for all submissions to Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability has been granted, with the new due date being Friday 31 May. ALGA will provide a comprehensive, evidence-based submission on behalf of all local+
Posted 19 April, 2024 -
The Office of Road Safety is interested in how local governments in Australia can be better supported to undertake network safety risk assessments to prioritise infrastructure investment. As a result, all councils are invited to participate in a new survey to help identify the skills, support and capabilities local governments need to help in the development+
Posted 15 April, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Federal Government’s National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper. The submission makes a number of recommendations from the local government sector focusing on key role councils can play in adaptation for assets and services in local communities. ALGA highlighted that climate change has the potential to damage local government assets,+
Posted 15 April, 2024 -
As many local governments interact with and provide direct services to older Australians, CarerHelp provides free and trustworthy online information and resources to Australians caring for someone with a life-limiting illness. CarerHelp addresses end of life topics including managing common symptoms, emotional care, financial matters, caring for the dying person, and managing grief. There is+
Posted 12 April, 2024 -
Local governments are invited to join the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) to measure the Australian Night Time Economy (NTE) for the 2022-2023 period. Do you represent a council with ambitions to better understand and support economic activity after dark? Are you interested in understanding the performance trends of your NTE over time?+
Posted 10 April, 2024 -
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott will officially open the inaugural Careers at Council Jobs Summit hosted by LGNSW in Sydney on 1 May. The summit provides the opportunity for local government decision-makers to learn more about recent changes in the employment market and share successful council practices to building a skilled and sustainable workforce. Aimed+
Posted 9 April, 2024 -
ALGA provided a submission to the Federal Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was lodged in December 2023. The detailed submission highlighted that as the closest level of government to the community, local government was in a unique position to identify community needs and make sure that those needs were met in the most+
Posted 8 April, 2024 -
New Governor General appointed I was delighted to see Sam Mostyn AO announced as the next Governor-General of Australia last week. Sam is a humble, dedicated servant of the public good, and a wonderful appointment by the Albanese Government. Thank you also to outgoing Governor General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley DCE FTSE+
Posted 5 April, 2024 -
The Federal Government is reminding local governments about funding available through the Roads to Recovery program, and roads and community infrastructure projects funded through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program. Roads to Recovery The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is encouraging councils to submit projects and draw on+
Posted 5 April, 2024 -
Australia’s local governments are being reminded to book tickets for the 2024 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra from Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 July. The 30th NGA at the National Convention Centre is expected to be ALGA’s biggest annual conference, and a registration brochure has been released showcasing a week of+
Posted 4 April, 2024 -
The Federal Government’s Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) is heavily oversubscribed and needs to be increased by at least $250 million per year to better protect Australian communities from future natural disasters. More than 300 applications seeking $460 million were submitted in the first round of the DRF in 2023, with 187 of these projects successfully+
Posted 3 April, 2024 -
Local governments are invited to attend an information session on 18 April to better understand new strengthened aged care quality standards in Australia. The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) are jointly hosting the session, via MS Teams, with representatives from the Aged+
Posted 2 April, 2024 -
The opening of applications and release of guidelines for the Federal Government’s new $500 million Housing Support Program has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Through the first round of the program, state, territory and local governments can access funding to improve planning capacity as well as streamline planning processes. ALGA President+
Posted 28 March, 2024 -
Win! National inquiry into local government sustainability Last week, we welcomed the House of Representatives Standing Committee national inquiry into local government sustainability. With additional responsibilities costing billions of dollars being forced onto Australia’s 537 councils every year, we expect this national inquiry will consider and address the financial challenges and funding shortfalls being faced+
Posted 22 March, 2024 -
A new House of Representatives Standing Committee inquiry into local government sustainability has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). With additional responsibilities costing billions of dollars being forced onto Australia’s 537 councils every year, ALGA expects this national inquiry will consider and address the financial challenges and funding shortfalls being faced by+
Posted 21 March, 2024 -
Local governments are invited to provide feedback on the Australian Government’s National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper to ensure Australia is better prepared for the increasing risks from climate change. The plan will form a blueprint for adapting to nationally significant climate risks, and is based on world-class science of the National Climate Risk Assessment and+
Posted 19 March, 2024 -
Local governments are urged to enter the 2024 Resilient Australia Awards to celebrate and promote initiatives building community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia. Sponsored by the Australian Government in partnership with states and territories, the awards recognise collaboration and innovative across a broad range of sectors and initiatives that strengthen disaster resilience with+
Posted 19 March, 2024 -
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE The Federal Government’s new Housing Support Program must be increased to $750 million to empower local governments to help deliver the Commonwealth’s ambitious housing targets and enable vital infrastructure investment in new housing developments. The competitive program – which has been welcomed by local government – will provide funding for connecting essential+
Posted 18 March, 2024 -
Increasing Housing Support Program for councils We can’t effectively address the nation’s housing crisis by simply building more houses – we also need to build more parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centres and swimming pools. That’s why ALGA is calling for more support for councils from the Federal Government to invest in the local infrastructure necessary+
Posted 8 March, 2024 -
ALGA News sat down with Australian Library & Information Association (ALIA) CEO Cathie Warburton to discuss how libraries are stepping up to support communities during the cost-of-living crisis. Ms Warburton highlighted how public libraries, especially run by councils, are helping to improve the liveability of communities by providing essential services to vulnerable people and families.+
Posted 7 March, 2024
