The President of the Australian Local Government Association, Councillor Mike Montgomery, has welcomed the appointment of Jim Lloyd as Federal Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads saying it has come at a critically important time for Australia’s 675 Councils. The ALGA was one of the first groups to meet with the new Minister.
“We also congratulate the outgoing Minister, Senator Ian Campbell, on his appointment as Minister for Environment and Heritage,” Councillor Montgomery said. “While we differed on some issues, Local Government was impressed with the energy and commitment Senator Campbell brought to the portfolio over the past eight months.
“His involvement in the renewal of the critical Roads to Recovery program, the development of AusLink and preparation for the Australian Government’s forthcoming response to David Hawker’s landmark Fair Share report on cost shifting and Local Government financing, has been much appreciated.”
Councillor Mike Montgomery said he was impressed with the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd, and his quick grasp of core issues facing Australia’s Local Governments. ALGA met with the Minister in Canberra on his third day in his new role. It was the Minister’s first meeting with a stakeholder in any of his three portfolio areas.
“We congratulated the Minister on his appointment and look forward to working with him in the months and possibly years ahead,” Councillor Montgomery said. “The Minister has a clear empathy with Local Government and its role within the Australian Federation.”
“His appointment comes at a critical time for Local Government. He will have carriage of the Australian Government’s formal response to the landmark Fair Share report on cost shifting and Local Government financing, expected to be released in the coming months.
“He will also complete arrangements for the implementation of the renewed Roads to Recovery program, providing an additional $1.2 billion from the Australian Government for local roads over a four year period.
“We also had the opportunity to discuss planning reform issues and, again, we were impressed with the Minister’s approach to the issues involved. The Minister is clearly a hard worker who takes a practical approach to the problems we face. We look forward to developing a sound working relationship with the Minister and his staff over the coming months for the betterment of local communities.”
Jim Lloyd holds the seat of Robertson (Gosford area) in New South Wales.
