The Hon Warren Truss MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional development.
Speaking to the assembled Delegates at the close of the National General Assembly of Local Government, Minister Truss compared the theme of Getting Down to Business with the Federal government’s theme of ‘opening Australia up for business’.
Minister Truss said that the Abbott government wants Australia to be a place where people can feel confident about their future.
“We want to encourage the development of an economy that’s efficient and competitive, and to do that sort of thing, we are making significant changes in the way in which government administers its own affairs.
“We’ve been signing off on free trade agreements with our biggest trading partners.
“We’re cutting red and green tape to free business from regulation and compliance costs.
“We want to encourage self reliance and flexibility for industries and community organisations and, of course, also councils.”
Minister Truss said that the first issue the government had to tackle to achieve this was the federal budget.
“We were elected to get the Budget back into balance and to bring debt under control, and as you’re aware, we haven’t shirked.
“This government has made hard decisions at the beginning of our term, and it is imperative that we restructure the national economy to make sure that our country is able to grow sustainably into the future.”
With the goal of reducing the federal government’s debt, Minister Truss made sure the crowd was aware of the potential saving from a smaller national debt.
“In the meantime, right now, we are paying $1 billion every month in interest on the Federal Government’s debt – $1 billion every month.
“If we do nothing, it will be $3 billion per month when our debt reaches its projected peak.
“You know what you could do with $1 billion.
“It would only take two months, and we could double [the Federal Assistance Grants].”
Mininster Truss also reassured the audience that funding would not be interupted by the Williams case.
“I can’t comment on how we will respond to the judgment because, naturally, like you, I don’t know what’s in it.
“We will be working to respond as quickly as we possibly can to give local government and other sections of the community the confidence to know that funding will be provided as best we can in ways that are considered to be constitutionally legal.”
The Hon Julie Collins MP
Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government.
Senator Collins addressed the NGA on day two, emphasising the constantly changing role of local government.
“You only have to look at the diversity and specialisation of the work local councils and shires are delivering across regional and rural Australia to understand how important you are to your communities.
“The challenges facing local government will need to be considered carefully and do deserve national leadership by the Commonwealth, now and in the future.
“It’s why in Government Labor considered how councils can leverage existing funding sources more effectively, to deliveressential infrastructure.”
Senator Collins also reflected on the Financial Assistance Grants, a program that Labor started in 1974.
“An important aspect of the program is that local councils determine how the money is spent so you could decide and address the immediate priorities of your local communities.
“Not only did Labor support local government through roads funding we also injected more than $261 million of assistance into regional and remote aviation.”
Senator Collins also addressed the federal budget.
“It is not fair given local government was not given any notice that a funding adjustment would be included in the Abbott Government’s Budget.
“Ultimately, it will leave councils with little choice but to increase rates or cut services.
“As Shadow Minister, I will continue to tell your story as the full impact of this decision on our local communities is understood.”
Senator Collins concluded by encouraging attendees to lobby their local politicians.
“It takes all three levels of government to work together to ensure services are delivered for the benefit of local communities.”
Senator Christine Milne
Leader of the Australian Greens
Senator Milne addressed the National General Assembly on day two and listed local councils that had benefited from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CFEC), which would close under the proposed budget.
Tumut Shire Council, Baw Baw Council, Cardinia Shire, Warrnambool City Council and Wagga Wagga were all mentioned as councils that had benefited from CFEC supported programs.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) was also mentioned by Senator Milne as a program that helped councils establish renewable energy projects, and would also cease to exist due to funding cuts.
“Greens will be standing alongside local government, calling for baseline funding to be restored, and for recognition that in disasters like the Morwell fire, local councils need more assistance than ever.”
A complete list of all resolutions passed at this year’s National General Assembly can be viewed at alga.asn.au/site/misc/alga/downloads/events/2014NGA/Resolutions_2014_NGA.pdf
