Councils are invited to apply for grants of up to $15,000 for Australia Day 2025 events.
From morning teas to multicultural festivals, to mornings of mourning, more than 600 events were hosted by local governments and community groups around the country to reflect, respect and celebrate Australia Day 2024.
The Australia Day Community Events Grant Program opens on Monday 16 September 2024. Get in quick!
Visit: www.australiaday.org.au/grants
Councils are invited to participate in the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) inquiry into the future acts regime, under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), which is the main native title law in Australia.
The ALRC will investigate how the future acts regime works, and how it can be improved to make it work effectively equally and fairly.
The ALRC will:
Ways to participate:
More information: https://www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/review-of-the-future-acts-regime/
ALGA has been contacted about making sure quality engagement occurs with LGAs. To assist councils with the consultation, ALGA has developed the four fact sheets on Native Title:
The ALRC has been asked to provide its final report to the Attorney-General by 8 December 2025.
AGLA has released the Addressing the Housing Crisis: Unlocking Local Government’s Contribution report by Equity Economics.
The new report highlights opportunities and policy reforms for councils to play a more effective role in accelerating Australia’s housing supply.
In particular, the research shows there’s a $19.4 billion gap in the funding councils receive to deliver the enabling infrastructure necessary for 1.2 million new, well-located homes. This is beyond local governments’ capacity to fund and we need better, more sustainable partnerships with all levels of government.
The Equity Economics report was also informed by a survey of about 130 councils across Australia, which showed:
Australia’s councils are calling for strong action from the Federal Government to ensure regional communities remain connected and accessible in the wake of Rex Airlines entering voluntary administration.
ALGA President Councillor Linda Scott said any disruption to regional airline access would be devastating.
“Our communities rely on consistent and reliable airline services to put food on our tables, connect us with friends and family, and ensure access to vital health services,” Cr Scott said.
“As councils, we play a crucial role, owning and operating airports and aerodromes that function as gateways to our local areas and regions.
“We urge the Government to take quick and decisive action, as well as engage with impacted councils, to protect and support our rural and regional communities that are at risk.”
Cr Scott said increased funding to local government – through federal Financial Assistance Grants – would help to support regional and rural councils to invest in and support local aviation infrastructure.
“ALGA’s 2024 National State of the Assets report showed airports and aerodromes operated by councils are worth $3.6 billion, and around 12 per cent of these facilities were in poor condition,” Cr Scott said.
“Many councils operating small airports have limited rate bases and capacity to effectively modernise them, or invest in their upkeep.
“In recent years, new security screening requirements have placed additional pressure on local government airports.
“Restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue would support us to invest in sustainable solutions to our long-term aviation challenges.”
