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As the Federal election reaches its crescendo, I’m proud to say we’ve worked hard to advocate for long-term funding reform for councils. We are frustrated with grant programs that pit councils against each other without the clarity and certainty that comes with formula-based funding. Our key federal election asks centre around national policy priorities that+
Posted 24 April, 2025 -
The Coalition’s plan to bring back the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) by providing $250 million for local infrastructure projects in regional, rural and remote communities has been welcomed by ALGA. Under the Coalition’s proposal, local governments and not-for-profit organisations would be eligible to apply for grants of between $25,000 to $200,000 for community initiatives+
Posted 22 April, 2025 -
Cyber security is critical for local government to meet the needs of their communities, as highlighted by new research we recently commissioned: 74 per cent of cyber breaches were caused by the human element 54 per cent of Australian companies were hit by ransomware attacks in 2024 Councils faced an average cost of $1 million to $2+
Posted 22 April, 2025 -
ALGA made a submission to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) Soft Plastic Stewardship Australia. The submission highlighted local governments as critical national partners in resource recovery and management. Our submission outlined the urgent need for product stewardship for a range of priority products and materials for environmental outcomes and for councils. Read submission
Posted 22 April, 2025 -
ALGA has welcomed the Coalition’s pre-election pledge to immediately increase the Roads to Recovery program to $1 billion per year. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said: “We have been advocating for increases to this vital local government road funding program for years, and were thrilled when the Labor Government announced in 2023 it would be+
Posted 17 April, 2025 -
The financial and human cost of natural disasters will continue to rise unless the next Australian Government significant increases emergency management funding to Australia’s 537 local governments. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said: “We’re calling for a $900 million per year fund, to be provided to all councils to improve their emergency management capacity and+
Posted 17 April, 2025 -
ALGA has warmly welcomed the Coalition’s commitment today to reinstate their highly successful Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program if elected on 3 May. ALGA President Matt Burnett said: “Introduced by the Coalition in 2020, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program was a game-changer, supporting all 537 of our councils to build, maintain+
Posted 14 April, 2025 -
It’s fantastic to see our Put Our Communities First federal election campaign in full swing, as we collectively advocate for an additional $3.5 billion in federal funding for Australia’s 537 councils. One of our biggest priorities is increasing federal investment in the local infrastructure we need to build and sustain vibrant communities. ALGA’s research shows+
Posted 10 April, 2025 -
The Coalition’s proposed Regional Australia Future Fund is a great opportunity to deliver long-term secure funding for regional councils, but must include non-competitive, formula-based funding streams. ALGA President Matt Burnett said: “It’s fantastic to see the Coalition hear our calls for increased funding that recognises the extraordinary pressures on our regional, rural and remote councils.+
Posted 10 April, 2025 -
A new $500 million community infrastructure annual fund for all Australian councils is needed to revitalise local assets, including libraries, playgrounds, bike paths, recreation centres and sporting fields. As part of the Put Our Communities First campaign, ALGA is calling for the next Australian Government to deliver a new formula-based fund to help local governments+
Posted 9 April, 2025 -
ALGA and local government leaders were involved in the Closing the Gap Assembly in Canberra from 1-3 April. The important national gathering attracted more than 150 people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled representatives, key stakeholders and experts. First Nations mayors, councillors and CEOs also attended the assembly – hosted by the Coalition of+
Posted 9 April, 2025 -
ALGA News recently sat down with aviation expert and Hales North Managing Director Sara Hales to discuss local government’s key role in the future of regional airports across Australia. Ms Hales highlighted that many regional airports, largely owned by local governments, are facing significant changes and challenges. ALGA: As you know, local governments manage and+
Posted 6 April, 2025 -
Councils are calling on the next Australian Government to establish a new $1.1 billion annual fund for local government to help address Australia’s affordable housing crisis. As part of the Put Our Communities First campaign, ALGA is asking for long-term, formula-based funding for all councils to build housing-enabling infrastructure, including local roads, power and water+
Posted 2 April, 2025 -
With the Federal election set for 3 May, I encourage all councils to get behind our push for long-term sustainable local government funding. We are asking the next Australian Government to Put Our Communities First and have outlined five key funding priorities, as a significant uplift to all councils’ budgets, that would support us to+
Posted 28 March, 2025 -
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) will host a free, dedicated local government webinar on 16 April to introduce the Climate Risk and Opportunity Management Program (CROMP), designed to help public sector entities understand climate change, its risks, and how to make a plan. These resources can also be used in+
Posted 27 March, 2025 -
For your reference, please find ALGA’s analysis, charts and updates for the 2025-26 Federal Budget handed down in Canberra on 25 March 2025.
Posted 26 March, 2025 -
Australia’s councils have been let down with no new local government programs announced in tonight’s 2025-26 Federal Budget. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said a recent Parliamentary inquiry report confirmed many councils were at breaking point, after years of delivering more vital services to communities with less funding. Mayor Burnett said: “Once again, our councils+
Posted 25 March, 2025 -
I sincerely thank and applaud all the south-east Queensland and northern NSW councils for working tirelessly to protect their communities during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. These dedicated councils stepped up when needed most and helped to minimise the damage to local infrastructure and community services. For example, Tweed Shire Council in NSW had staff sleeping at+
Posted 14 March, 2025 -
More than 100 local government leaders – including mayors, shire presidents and councillors – from across Australia attended ALGA’s successful Local Government Tech Leadership Summit in Sydney on 12 March 2025. The one-day summit featured a range of experts and guest speakers including keynote Nick Abrahams (pictured above) who highlighted how local governments around the+
Posted 13 March, 2025 -
ALGA made a submission to the Federal Government’s consultation on the Aviation Customer Rights Charter. The submission highlighted local governments collectively operate more than 200 regional airports and aerodromes across the country, and aviation connections are vital for many local communities. ALGA asked the Government to consider the impacts of the Aviation Customer Rights Charter+
Posted 11 March, 2025 -
ALGA made a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for the Review on the Recycling and Waste Reduction (RaWR) Act. The submission highlighted local governments are key national partners in resource recovery and management, in enabling communities’ social and economic aspirations, and provide foundational infrastructure and services which enable+
Posted 28 February, 2025 -
I encourage all councils to support ALGA’s 2025 federal election priorities, and our push for a significant and ongoing increase to federal funding for local government. We are asking the next Australian Government to Put Our Communities First by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply, $500 million per year+
Posted 28 February, 2025 -
Local governments across Australia can access Austroads’ range of free products to help road and asset managers design, manage and operate local networks, as part of ALGA’s membership of Austroads – the association of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies. Practitioners can access practical, evidence-based guides and publications via a personal log-in on the Austroads+
Posted 26 February, 2025 -
The interim report from Federal Parliament’s inquiry into local government sustainability highlights the urgent need for increased funding to Australia’s 537 local governments. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said the report confirmed councils are at a breaking point, after years of being asked to do more with less. “Services and infrastructure that were once the+
Posted 18 February, 2025 -
Last week we officially launched ALGA’s 2025 federal election campaign and outlined our funding priorities. Councils are calling on the next Australian Government to ‘Put Our Communities First’ by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply $500 million per year for community infrastructure $600 million per year for safer local+
Posted 14 February, 2025 -
The Federal Government’s lifeline for Rex Airlines to maintain regional airline services and prevent its collapse has been welcomed by ALGA. The Government has announced it is prepared to acquire the airline, which entered voluntary administration last year, in the absence of any other buyers. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said: “We thank the Government+
Posted 12 February, 2025 -
On behalf of Australia’s 537 local governments, ALGA has released its 2025 federal election funding priorities. Councils are calling on the next Australian Government to put our communities first by providing: $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply $500 million per year for community infrastructure $600 million per year for safer+
Posted 12 February, 2025 -
Australia Post is looking to strengthen its collaboration with councils in response to an alarming number of dog-related incidents involving posties and members of the community. Australia Post data shows almost 50 posties a week fell victim to dog-related incidents between April to October 2024, an average of almost 10 per day. Nationwide, there were+
Posted 5 February, 2025 -
ALGA has submitted a pre-Budget 2025-26 submission to the Federal Government, titled National Priorities Need Local Solutions. This submission outlines five opportunities where councils can work with the Government to address shared national challenges at a local level. The submission seeks a significant funding commitment from the government to recognise the size of these policy+
Posted 5 February, 2025 -
This week I’m meeting with Ministers, Shadow Ministers and Independents in Canberra ahead of the upcoming federal election. A key focus of these discussions will be on the priorities outlined in our pre-Federal Budget submission lodged with Treasury last week. Our submission seeks five key streams of additional formula-based funding for councils, including: $1.1 billion+
Posted 31 January, 2025 -
ALGA, in collaboration with state and territory associations, continues to ensure the Federal Government is aware of local government perspectives and needs as part of proposed reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act). The Commonwealth is establishing new National Environment Standards under the EPBC Act, including for environmental, social and governance+
Posted 30 January, 2025 -
ALGA has welcomed the Federal Government’s support for Rex Airlines after acquiring $50 million in debt to prevent the airline’s collapse. This commitment will maintain aviation services for regional and remote communities, and recognises the critical role of the Rex network to local economies. In August last year, ALGA called for strong action by the+
Posted 30 January, 2025 -
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+
Posted 21 January, 2025 -
ALGA made a submission to the Independent Review of National Natural Disaster Governance Arrangements, led by Dr Robert Glasser, and the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster Funding, led by Andrew Colvin. Both reviews highlighted the need to improve arrangements for disaster management and referenced the key role of local government. ALGA supported the recommendations and+
Posted 16 January, 2025 -
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) held a National Warnings Webinar on 6 December 2024, with Australian, state, territory and local governments, districts and industries to discuss public messaging and weather warnings. The webinar covered topics including the roles of different levels of government in issuing warnings, warning message protocols and the information they contain,+
Posted 14 January, 2025 -
Housing Australia has developed new guidance for the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) program, designed to increase the supply of crisis and transitional housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence, and youth experiencing homelessness. The NHIF – which is available to local governments or local-government owned corporations – involves a $1 billion, demand-driven program+
Posted 18 December, 2024 -
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+
Posted 13 December, 2024 -
Councils are invited to attend ALGA’s Local Government Tech Leadership Summit at the Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park Hotel on 12 March 2025. The event will showcase local governments embracing technological change and include the launch of new ALGA research into cyber security and capacity. Bookings are due to open in January, so please save the+
Posted 11 December, 2024 -
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+
Posted 9 December, 2024 -
ALGA successfully hosted the 2024 National Local Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Congress from 3-4 December in Margaret River, WA. The two-day event at the Margaret River Heart featured leading experts and government officials discussing solutions and innovations around infrastructure, transport and roads. Read the Communique
Posted 4 December, 2024 -
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts has advised councils have until 31 December 2024 to submit final reports for payment for remaining funding allocations under phases 1, 2 and 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program. Unless councils have already been granted an extension to their grant+
Posted 28 November, 2024 -
To mark in your calendars, please note the 31st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be held in Canberra at the National Convention Centre from 24-27 June 2025. The 2025 event will include the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Tuesday 24 June and the NGA from Wednesday 25 to Friday 27 June.+
Posted 27 November, 2024 -
Does your council have a strategy to support its Night Time Economy (NTE)? Are you interested in understanding the latest trends and performance insights for your night-time economy? Councils with night-time economies are invited to participate in 2025 measurement of the Australian Night Time Economy to be delivered by the Council of Capital City Lord+
Posted 26 November, 2024 -
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+
Posted 15 November, 2024 -
ALGA, in collaboration with state and territory local government associations, has been advocating to the Commonwealth on waste and recycling policies and reforms to benefit local government. Key reforms include: Updating the Action Plan for the National Waste Policy, Options for reforming packaging regulation, Developing a National Kerbside Harmonisation Roadmap (including consulting on a ‘pathway’+
Posted 14 November, 2024 -
Councils are reminded the Federal Government is investing $32.2 million from 2022 to 2026 to offer up to half of the funding to build Changing Places facilities in local government areas. Tranches 1 and 2 of Changing Places have now closed, with the Commonwealth partnering with the ACT, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia,+
Posted 11 November, 2024 -
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+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) Reform of Packaging Regulations Consultation Paper. The submission said local government plays a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills, especially as Australia’s waste is a growing problem that has broad impacts for local communities. In the last decade,+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
ALGA has provided a submission to the Productivity Commission’s consultation for the Inquiry on Opportunities in the Circular Economy. The submission said local governments are key national partners in resource management by supporting and brokering their communities’ social and economic development and providing infrastructure and services which enable regional economies to function. As one of+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
ALGA has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response inquiry report, which highlighted that Australia’s 537 councils were critical for the implementation of National Cabinet decisions during the pandemic. The inquiry also recommended National Cabinet would benefit from having more structured engagement and active consultation with local government to ensure future decision-making is+
Posted 1 November, 2024 -
ALGA today welcomed the Coalition’s pledge to invest $5 billion in enabling infrastructure through a new Housing Infrastructure Programme to unlock up to 500,000 new homes across Australia. President Mayor Matt Burnett said ALGA had been calling for this extra funding, which is vital for unlocking new housing developments across the country. “Our latest research+
Posted 19 October, 2024 -
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+
Posted 18 October, 2024
