The election of the Federal Labor Government has been welcomed by two Local Government peak bodies following this past month’s election.
Both the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Local Government Professionals Australia (LGPA) were quick to congratulate Australia’s 31st Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his new Labor Government.
ALGA President Cr Linda Scott, on behalf of all of Australia’s 537 councils, said the new government’s $750 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program extension was particularly important to councils.
“We look forward to working with our new Federal Government to build a stronger future for our nation that leaves no community behind,” Cr Scott said.
“Working together we can deliver a better future by reducing cost of living pressures, acting to prevent climate change, cutting the waste we send to landfill, closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, better protecting our communities against natural disasters, and building safer roads and cycle paths.”
“Labor’s $750 million Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program extension will support councils to build new libraries, community centres, sporting facilities and playgrounds right across the country.”
“Millions of Australians will also benefit from our new Government’s $200 million per year Disaster Ready Fund, that will help protect high-risk communities from fires, cyclones and floods.”
LGPA CEO Catherine Carter noted that local government had been excluded from National Cabinet over the past two years, but she was heartened by Labor’s election manifesto recognizing the important role of Local Government.
“I am excited about working with the new government to advocate for 190,000 council employees across the country, including the CEO decision makers and other professionals working in the sector,” CEO Carter said.
“Local Government Professionals Australia is the only voice for the professional arm of the sector, covering almost 400 occupations across Australia’s 537 councils.
“Local government is a vital tier of Australian democracy and works in partnership with other levels of government to provide benefits and opportunities to build, sustain and strengthen communities.
“Labor’s election manifesto recognised the important role of local government in delivering infrastructure and vital services including aged care, affordable housing and emergency management.
“Local Government Professionals Australia sits on the Local Government Industry Reference Committee considering industry skill requirements in the development of new training packages, and look forward to continuing our work and dialogue with federal government in any future reform processes.
“We note that local government has been excluded from National Cabinet over the past two years, which has meant the voices of local government professionals delivering services on the ground have been excluded from federal decision making and limited our ability to work more effectively with other tiers of government.
“Labor has pledged to focus on the long-term financial viability of local government, restoring full local government representation – including voting rights – to the peak Ministerial Council of the nation and re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government.
Meanwhile Cr Scott said sustainable funding for councils and communities – particularly in regional and rural areas – remained a priority.
“Federal Financial Assistance Grants to local government have slipped from one percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue in 1996 to just 0.55 percent today,” Cr Scott said.
“Labor has committed to providing fair increases to Financial Assistance Grants, and we look forward to working with them to ensure that all councils remain sustainable, and every community is a liveable one.”
Cr Scott said she was also looking forward to representing local government on National Cabinet after the two year absence.
“Labor’s commitment to including local government on National Cabinet will ensure local voices are heard and considered and deliver better outcomes for all Australians.”
