President’s Update – 12 February 2024

Working for councils: ALGA advocacy in Canberra

With the 2024-25 Federal Budget high on our agenda, I visited Parliament House last week to meet with senior Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers and independents.

Representing your councils, I met with the Treasurer as well as the Ministers for Housing and Local Government to advocate for the funding partnerships we need to deliver for our communities.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers with ALGA President Cr Linda Scott.

The importance of these face-to-face meetings can’t be underestimated, especially after we have achieved so many advocacy wins over the past two years, including doubling Roads to Recovery funding, the $200 million Disaster Ready Fund, a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund and a $500 million Housing Support Program.

Regional housing summit

I was also delighted to represent Australia’s 537 councils at the National Regional Housing Summit in Canberra last Friday, hosted by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).

During the opening session, I spoke about the importance of affordable housing developments being supported by new libraries, swimming pools, bike paths and playgrounds that will create healthy and connected communities.

I also highlighted that, as a signatory to the National Housing Accord, ALGA is committed to working collaboratively with other levels of government to address Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

Cr Linda Scott speaking at a media conference after the RAI regional housing summit.

2024 NGA registrations now OPEN!

Finally, I am delighted to officially invite you to your peak annual event, the 2024 National General Assembly (NGA) from 2-4 July in Canberra.

Registrations are now open for both the 2024 NGA, including the Regional Forum, and the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) on 5 July.  Click here to register.

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra in July.