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 acknowledge the enormous contribution of our former Vice President, Tasmanian Local Government Association President Christina Holmdahl, who has decided to step down. Christina is a tremendous local government leader and advocate for councils, and it has been an honour and a privilege serving alongside her.
I am delighted Christina will remain on the ALGA Board and continue to play a key role representing and promoting councils to our Federal Government.
Our thanks to our Tasmanian Local Government Association hosts, who enabled us to host our annual Roads Congress. We’re grateful to Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown, Shadow Minister Bridget McKenzie and Tasmanian Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson for addressing local government mayors, councillors and staff from across the nation.
And I note the important advocacy undertaken by State and Territory Associations about the roads emergency:
Government News – Councils declare statewide roads emergency after floods
The Canberra Times – Councils urgent call for funds to fix flood damaged roads
On your behalf, ALGA will continue to advocate for more Roads to Recovery funding and for Financial Assistance Grants to be restored to at least one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue.
Finally, today the Commonwealth Government has released their First Secretaries Group’s Review of Ministerial Councils, including a recommendation that a Local Government representative could advise National Cabinet on opportunities and challenges within local government that align to national priorities (for example, productivity-enhancing reforms).
As we continue to represent you on a large range of Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministerial Councils, including Transport and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate and Closing The Gap, we will continue to ensure the voice of Australian Local Governments is represented at all relevant decision-making tables.
Have a wonderful week.