Countdown to the NGA
The countdown is on for ALGA’s annual conference – the 29th National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government from 13-16 June.
In about a week’s time, more than 1000 people will converge in Canberra for the NGA at the National Convention Centre, including around 450 delegates for the 2023 Regional Forum on 13 June – making it our largest event in ALGA’s history!
Based on the theme “Our Communities, Our Future”, we will discuss how local governments can best partner with the Federal Government to deliver a better future for our communities and, of course, debate your council motions.
There’s still tickets left, so register now: https://conferenceco.eventsair.com/nga23
Financial Assistance Grants
Last month, we welcomed a record $3.1 billion in Financial Assistance Grants for Australian councils in the Federal Budget.
While a significant proportion of these grants have traditionally been pre-paid to local government at the end of the previous financial year, this year councils will receive their entire allocation within the 23-24 calendar year.
We understand that many councils anticipate and develop their budgets based on these early payments, and we are working with the Government to ensure that the majority of next year’s FA Grants are paid to your councils as early as possible in the new financial year.
ALGA advocacy for more funding
Following the recent 2023-24 Federal Budget, we’re continuing to advocate for more funding for your councils across a range of policy areas.
One of these priority areas is emissions reduction, where we are calling for $50 million per year over four years to help local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our communities.
Australia’s 537 local governments are critical to creating a more sustainable and clean energy future and helping the Federal Government deliver on its target of net zero by 2050.
2023 ACLG forum with the PM
I’m also excited about the historic return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), which is a major win for local government.
Returning for the first time in a decade, the ACLG enables mayors to hear from the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and the Government to meet and discuss better ways to work together. The ACLG will follow and be informed by discussions at our NGA.
All councils have been invited to send one representative and one observer to the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) Forum in Canberra on 16 June, as well as a representative to the Gala Dinner at Parliament House on Thursday 15 June, so please get in touch if your council hasn’t’ registered yet.
See you in Canberra next week!