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 future by reducing cost of living pressures, acting to prevent climate change, cutting the waste we send to landfills, closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, better protecting our communities against natural disasters, and building safer roads and cycle paths.”
“Labor’s $750 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program extension will support councils to build new libraries, community centres, sporting facilities and playgrounds right across the country.”
“Millions of Australians will also benefit from our new Government’s $200 million per year Disaster Ready Fund, that will help protect high-risk communities from fires, cyclones and floods.”
Cr Scott said sustainable funding for councils and communities – particularly in regional and rural areas – remained a priority.
“Federal Financial Assistance Grants to local government have slipped from 1 percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.55 percent today,” Cr Scott said.
“Labor has committed to providing fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants, and we look forward to working with them to ensure that all councils remain sustainable, and every community is a liveable one.”
Cr Scott said she was also looking forward to representing local government on National Cabinet.
“For the past two years local government has been excluded from National Cabinet, which has limited our ability to partner with other tiers of government,” Cr Scott said.
“Labor’s commitment to including local government on National Cabinet will ensure local voices are heard and considered and deliver better outcomes for all Australians.”
ENDS