The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding will hear from the Department of Education and National Indigenous Australians Agency this week.
The Committee is seeking to better understand from the Department of Education how local government can be supported to help deliver early childhood education across their communities, especially when private providers are not present. In 2023-24, the Australian Government provided nearly $383 million in local government funding for a range of early childhood education and care infrastructure.
The Committee will also hear from the National Indigenous Australians Agency to discuss its role distributing Commonwealth local government funding of $123 million in 2023-24.
“The Committee is keen to hear from the Department of Education about whether current funding arrangements are meeting the needs of local governments and their communities. It also wants to explore how funding can better support councils delivering early childhood education services, particularly in regional and rural communities,” said Committee Chair, Fiona Phillips.
“Regarding the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the Committee looks forward to hearing how local governments are partners or delivery organisations, particularly for projects that support First Nations communities, Closing the Gap priorities, and community infrastructure.”
Public hearing details:
Date: Thursday, 20 August 2026
Time: 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.
