A record number of local government leaders attended the historic 30th National General Assembly in Canberra from 2-4 July.
Around 1200 mayors, shire presidents and councillors from across Australia will converge in the capital for the annual conference, being held at the National Convention Centre.
This year’s theme was Building Community Trust, which aims to explore the critical importance of trust in governments, between governments, its institutions and citizens, acknowledging trust as a fundamental building block of the nation’s democracy.
There was also a new addition to the 2024 program, with four concurrent listening sessions providing attendees with the opportunity to have their say about federal policies affecting local communities. These sessions were held directly after the Regional Forum before the NGA officially began on the Wednesday morning.
Once again the NGA led into the Australian Council of Local Government on Friday, with ALGA thrilled to once again be partnering with the Federal Government to host the ACLG event.
The event marked the first public address by the new Governor General Sam Mostyn AC, who was sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General on 1 July.
“Linda, thank you very much for your somewhat extraordinarily full-of-foresight invitation to address this important event,” she told the gathering.
“I am so delighted that this is my first official public event since being sworn in as your 28th Governor-General on Monday.
“Given that the focus of my address in the Senate was care and kindness and respect, it seems so appropriate to start my term in the company of local government leaders.
“As your communities know, it is local government and local decision-making that make a significant difference in the lives of so many. Your theme for this year, ’Building community trust’, could not be more timely.
“So, firstly, from me on behalf of all Australians, thank you for all that you do. You epitomise so much of what I spoke about on Monday: passion, commitment, kindness and care, and deep engagement in your communities.
“In my swearing-in speech, I referred to the listening I have been doing since the Prime Minister announced my appointment, from those who have held this position over many years to people in the street all around the country.
“It was particularly important to spend time with my predecessor, General David Hurley. I want to acknowledge the very fine service of the Hurleys over the past five years and thank them both for their gracious welcoming of Simeon and me to Government House.
“One of the topics General Hurley discussed with me was our shared interest in ever-increasing natural disasters and the question of who bears the risk of those events.
“I know that the former Governor-General often visited many of your communities, particularly after significant events, and came back many times. We spoke about his eight visits to Lismore, in the wake of repeated floods.
“So, it was also appropriate that my first official meeting as Governor-General was with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Lismore City Council, Steve Krieg and Jeri Hall. We met yesterday, where I committed to continue General Hurley’s practise and will visit Lismore and meet the community and listen carefully to their experiences, with a particular focus on recovery and mental health.
“Our meeting and discussion was a great example of how trust is built and reflects what I have heard across the country in recent months — that communities crave kindness and care and seek empathy from those with power over the decisions affecting them. They deserve respect and engagement.
“I also heard repeatedly that Australians desire unity and optimism. We must be realistic and remain vigilant about contemporary challenges that place strains on confidence and optimism across our communities. That is why your theme is so vital.”
