The Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) is to be re-established as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to include local government in key decision making about the delivery of community services.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said an annual ACLG forum will allow Ministers to directly hear about the issues impacting the local government sector.
“Re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government will bring mayors, shire presidents and local government stakeholders together with Commonwealth Ministers, and the Prime Minister,” said Minister King.
“This is an opportunity to bring local councils to Canberra to speak directly with Ministers and myself over the pressing issues impacting the sector.
“We will give local government the central role and seat at the table it deserves, and draw on the local know-how to deliver our shared priorities.”
The 2023 ACLG will be held on Friday 16 June in Canberra, following the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government from 13-15 June.
The ACLG was first established as an annual formal meeting by then Minister for Local Government, Anthony Albanese in 2008, where over 1,000 participants meet in Canberra for a day of productive conversations and workshops.
ALGA President, Linda Scott said the Association was thrilled to be working with the Federal Government to deliver the first Australian Council of Local Government in more than a decade.
“This will be a valuable opportunity for Australian councils to speak directly to Federal Ministers about the key issues and opportunities for our communities.”
“Importantly, the ACLG will follow and be informed by the discussions at our National General Assembly, which is the biggest annual gathering of local government leaders in Australia.
“Re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government shows the respect this Government has for councils, and its strong commitment to working with us to deliver better results for our communities,” said President Scott.
ALGA has also been invited to attend meetings of the National Cabinet and the Council on Federal Financial Relations annually.
“Bringing back the ACLG recognises the important role local governments play in delivering services to our communities, and the benefits of partnering together at all levels of government,” said Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain.
“This was neglected over the last decade and had a significant impact on local communities, which is why I’m so pleased that we’re delivering on our important election commitment to re-establish the ACLG.
“As a former mayor and regional councillor, I know how hard the local government sector are working for their communities. That’s why I’ll continue to stand up for them through this enhanced collaborative forum, which will bring the expertise of local government and Ministers together in one room.”
