National Housing Summit
I was delighted to speak at our inaugural National Local Government Housing Summit in Adelaide on 16 August, which attracted around 150 mayors, shire presidents, councillors and staff from across the country.
This summit at Adelaide Town Hall focused on the positive role local government can play to facilitate more affordable housing and help deliver on Australia’s housing target of 1.2 million homes over the next five years.
A big thanks to LGA SA for supporting our first housing summit, and to the City of Adelaide for hosting us in their beautiful Town Hall.
At the event, we heard preliminary research from Equity Economics which explored some of the housing challenges for local government.
I’m proud to represent local governments on a wide range of Ministerial Councils and Forums, but unfortunately the National Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council is not one of them. As the third tier of government we have an important role to play addressing our country’s affordable housing crisis and we will continue to advocate for a seat at the table.
Meeting new Ministers
Following the recent federal Ministerial reshuffle, I was delighted to meet several newly-appointed Ministers at Parliament House on 14 August.
I met with Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Clare O’Neil to discuss how local government can help the Government reach it’s housing target, and also spoke with new Federal Minister for Emergency Management and Cities Senator Jenny McAllister.
During the visit, I also met with our Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain to discuss a range of issues affecting councils including financial sustainability.
We look forward to working with Minister O’Neil and McAllister in their new roles, and also acknowledge the great work and support for councils from previous Housing and Emergency Management Ministers Julie Collins and Senator Murray Watt.
2024 Roads Congress
Finally, we’ve already had strong interest in our 2024 National Local Roads, Transport & Infrastructure Congress, and I’m delighted to reveal our program outline.
This year’s event will be held in Margaret River in Western Australia from 3-4 December, and registrations are now open.