Local Government NSW (LGNSW) and Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) representatives have met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, hailing it an important first step on a crucial bi-partisan journey with the Federal Government.
CMA Chairman and Temora Shire Mayor, Rick Firman OAM said the delegation was very well received by the Prime Minister.
“CMA will continue to work with LGNSW, our Prime Minister and our Ministers for Local Government in The Hon Catherine King MP and the Hon. Kristy McBain MP to ensure there can be real solutions to address financial sustainability – including the restoration Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) back to 1% of total Commonwealth Taxation revenue,” said Chairman Firman.
The joint delegation to Canberra comes on the back of Sunday’s signing of an extended Memorandum of Understanding between the two representative bodies. The MOU sets out a framework for cooperation on policy development, advocacy campaigns and information sharing.
Newly-elected LGNSW President, Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said the MOU was an important demonstration of the shared commitment to strengthening the collective voice of local government.
“Our rural, regional and remote councils are facing some really unique challenges and at LGNSW we will ensure that every council will have a seat at the table – no matter their postcode and no matter how large or small they might be,” he said.
The signing of the MOU took place at the opening session of the LGNSW Annual Conference, where more than 1000 delegates from across the state assembled for the three-day gathering.
As part of the agenda, more than 100 motions were respectfully debated and resolved, covering a range of issues including the role of local government in addressing the housing crisis, the need for greater financial support of councils and the desire for improved interaction between state agencies and local councils.
Mayor Firman says the resolutions as passed by conference demonstrate a real unity within the sector, particularly in regards to shared concerns over how council meetings take place.
“The CMA Board and our 96 Members obviously support the unanimously passed LGNSW Board resolution regarding the Model Code of Meeting Practice,” said Mayor Firman.
“We look forward to Minister Hoenig seriously considering those important points which our sector is strongly and consistently advocating for.”
Mayor Byrne said a highlight of the recent conference was seeing the exchange of ideas, opinions and experiences amongst those present.
“There was a real sense of collaboration and unity in the room as we discussed the many challenges and opportunities facing the sector,” said Mayor Byrne.
“When you see councils as geographically diverse as Brewarrina Council and Northern Beaches Council forming strong alliances, you know there is more that unites us than divides us,” said Mayor Byrne.
The sentiment of shared purpose was echoed by Mayor Firman.
“Our CMA Board and Members have always had a strong relationship with LGNSW President, Board and Staff,” said Mayor Firman. “I know this will continue under our new LGNSW President in Mayor Bryne,” he said.
“There are many priority areas we will work side by side on, including our efforts to convince the Federal Government to restore Financial Assistance Grants for Local Government to 1% of total Commonwealth taxation revenue.
“We are also jointly advocating to the State Government that the Rural Fire Service (RFS) Assets must be removed from Council assets’ registers.”
The two organisations said they look forward to 2026 and continuing to work together to deliver stronger outcomes for councils and communities right across NSW.
