Local government leaders will share innovations to ensure councils can help reduce Australia’s emissions while mitigating skyrocketing cost of living pressures at the historic 2023 Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra from 13-15 June.
Hosted by ALGA, which represents the nation’s 537 local governments, the annual event starts today and will see more than 1,100 local government leaders from across the country consider how local governments can partner with the Federal Government to deliver a better future for Australian communities.
ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said: “Local governments are the most trusted level of government, representing every corner of our nation.
“Meeting this week in Canberra, local governments will work together to share ideas to best support our communities, whilst speaking as one to the Prime Minister and Federal Government about how we can best partner together to achieve more for the public good.”
This year’s program features a wide range of speakers and issues, including how local governments are working with communities, and especially vulnerable members, to mitigate cost of living pressures and skyrocketing prices.
“Local governments are offering much-needed cost of living relief, providing free and low-cost services such as libraries and meals on wheels, as well as open spaces, parks and playing fields. But our local governments can do so much more with the right support and effectively partner with the Government to deliver on its key national priorities,” Cr Scott said.
“For decades, local governments across the nation have been leading climate action and reducing our carbon footprints. Sustainably funded, we have a major role to play in supporting the Government to achieve its target of net zero emissions by 2050.
“During this year’s 29th local government conference, we will share innovations to increase our ability to prevent damage from increasing natural disasters, tackle cyber security, improve closing the gap measures between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and build a more productive workforce to ensure local governments can deliver local solutions to national challenges.”
This year marks the historic return of the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), which will meet for the first time in more than a decade on 16 June. The ACLG was established as an annual meeting by then Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese in 2008.
“This is a valuable opportunity for Australian council leaders to speak directly to Federal Ministers, and hear from the Prime Minister, about key issues and opportunities facing their communities,” Cr Scott said.
A record 450 delegates are expected to attend ALGA’s 2023 Regional Cooperation and Development Forum today, making it the largest event to date.