In welcoming delegates to the 9th National General Assembly, then President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Councillor John Ross, said that it was very fitting to have both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition at the Assembly.
“With the Assembly theme being ‘Civil Society – The Leadership Challenge”, it is fitting because of the leadership they both displayed in the wake of the shocking events that took place in Bali just three short weeks ago,” John Ross said. “The arrival of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Bali soon after the bombing – I believe – embodied the spirit of a nation. It was a visible and enduring demonstration of how Australians pull together in times of crisis.”
He said that when disasters strike our shores – whether they are bushfires, earthquakes or mass murder – it is often Local Government leaders that step up to the plate.
“It is our Mayors and Shire Presidents that comfort communities and guide them through their shock, grief and anger and help them back on the road to recovery,” Councillor Ross said. “These are the times that we face our toughest tests of leadership.”
He said that it is very pleasing that the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader travelled to Alice Springs, in this, the Year of the Outback, to hear the voice of Local Government.
“The messages you will hear are well known to you both,” Councillor Ross stated. “We seek a fair share of Federal funding for Local Government; we ask for Constitutional Recognition of Local Government; we seek sustained funding for our roads; and we ask that you strengthen Local Government’s significant role as environmental managers. These are all critical aspects of nation building – using Local Government to build communities and underpin our national democracy. Local Government is in an excellent position to engage in partnerships with the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments for the implementation of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, and the National Heritage Trust Extension.”
He said that much has been achieved in recent times particularly additional road funding through the Roads to Recovery and the Blackspot programs, Local Government’s membership on various ministerial councils, cooperation in dealing with the issue of non-feasance and the public liability crisis, and the current Cost Shifting Inquiry However he warned that all Australian governments face significant fiscal pressure in addressing the issue of our ageing population.
“The Federal Government’s Intergenerational Report found that, unless major policy changes occur, Australia will need to spend an additional $87 billion a year to meet the needs of an ageing population in 40 years time,” Councillor Ross said. “Without disciplined policy responses, large and unsustainable financial imbalances may arise. Preliminary analysis by ALGA suggests that there will be steadily growing fiscal pressure on Local Government finances as a whole, particularly in rural and remote areas.
“Demographic ageing will mean widening disparity in incomes and household savings, reflected in declining real estate values, particularly in rural and regional areas, and employment opportunities. It will mean increased spending on health and aged care, human services, housing, transport, sport, recreation and culture. This increased spending effect is exacerbated by a declining revenue base. Rates revenue is particularly at risk.
“Local Government needs to be an active partner with other spheres of government in the development of new programs that will address the rapid ageing of our population. We will need sophisticated approaches, approaches that do not just ask for handouts, but offer win win solutions for all spheres of government and for the people we represent.”
Councillor Ross concluded his address by moving the following urgency motion that was passed by delegates. “Australia’s Local Government leaders move, with deepest sympathy, sincere condolences to the families and friends of victims of the Bali atrocity. Local Government leaders, gathered in Alice Springs, condemn, in the strongest possible terms, terrorism in all its forms and call upon our counterparts from all parts of the world to join with us to strengthen our commitment to an inclusive and tolerant society and to do all possible to counter terrorism and protect our communities.”
