Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett is the new President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) – the peak body for Australia’s 537 local governments.
Mayor Burnett, who has been an ALGA Board member for eight years and a Vice President for the past four years, was elected at the annual general meeting in Canberra.
The AGM also saw Councillor Karen Chappel AM JP from the Shire of Morawa in Western Australia and Councillor Darriea Turley AM from Broken Hill City Council in New South Wales elected as ALGA’s Vice Presidents for the next two years.
The appointments have been welcomed by the Federal Government ministers for the sector Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King and Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Kristy McBain.
Minister Kristy McBain described Mayor Burnett’s elevation from vice president to the top job as “fantastic”.
“Matt Burnett is someone that has long championed the local government sector, and someone who is passionate about our shared priorities for the future,” she said.
“Having recently spent time with Mayor Burnett at Gladstone, it’s clear to see how much he’s delivered for his local community, and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together in his new national role.
“I’d like to thank out going president Linda Scott, who’s been central to rebuilding the partnership between local councils and the Commonwealth, which has underpinned our funding increases for the local government sector, and the successful delivery of two Australian Council of Local Government forums.”
Minister King also congratulated Mayor Burnett on his election to the role and said she looked forward to continuing the Government’s “strong productive working relationship with ALGA and the local government sector more broadly”.
“I also want to thank outgoing President Linda Scott for her tireless advocacy for local government and I wish her all the best for the future,” she said.
“Local governments are a trusted partner of the Australian Government, and we will continue to work with them to drive a brighter future for Australians, no matter where they live.”
With an impressive local government career spanning nearly 25 years, Mayor Burnett said he was honoured to be elected President and looked forward to putting local communities first by securing extra funding for councils.
“My life is in local government, and it’s a tremendous privilege to accept this important leadership role to advocate on behalf of all councils across Australia,” Mayor Burnett said.
“By working together with all levels of government, our councils and communities can not just survive, but thrive and deliver local solutions to national challenges.
“Local governments stand ready to play a more effective role in supporting the Federal Government’s national policy priorities and key targets. But to achieve this, we urgently need serious federal funding increases – not just pocket money.
“As President, my major focus will be advocating for more support so councils can remain financially sustainable. I also want to forge stronger partnerships with governments to meet the challenges and embrace opportunities to build more houses, improve local infrastructure, prepare for natural disasters and support the nation’s energy transition.”
Mayor Burnett also paid tribute to his predecessor former City of Sydney councillor Linda Scott. “Over the past four years, Linda has made a significant contribution to our sector as ALGA President and I hope to build on this success,” he said.
“I sincerely thank Linda for her outstanding leadership, determination and effective advocacy on behalf of all councils.”
“I’m so excited to get started and work alongside the Vice Presidents, ALGA’s Board and our members to achieve the best outcomes and solutions for all councils across Australia to build stronger, vibrant and more liveable communities.”
Mayor Burnett brings extensive experience in the local government sector, having served for 24 years, including as ALGA’s Vice President since 2020, as the Mayor of Queensland’s Gladstone Regional Council since 2016 and before that as Deputy Mayor for five years.
He also represents Central Queensland on the Local Government Association of Queensland Policy Executive and is a Director on the Board.
Minister King said as National President of ALGA, Mayor Burnett will represent the Australian local government sector on the national stage, such as the Australian Council of Local Governments (ACLG), the Local Government Ministers’ Forum, as well as meetings of the National Cabinet and other Australian Government forums.
The Government also recognised the leadership of outgoing President Linda Scott and thanks her for her service to local government, which began in 2012.
This includes eight years at ALGA, four being in the role of National President advocating for and representing the sector, as well as service as former President of Local Government NSW and Deputy Lord Mayor and councillor for the City of Sydney.
Minister McBain said the Federal Government would continue to partner with local government to ensure our towns, cities and regions remain great places to live, work and do business.
