The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will today lead a Mayoral Delegation to Canberra in a bid to ensure the voice of local government is heard in shaping national policy.
The Association says a collaborative approach between local and Federal Government is vital to ensure national policies and investments are grounded in local realities, deliver practical solutions, and strengthen communities where people live, work and thrive.
As part of the MAV’s ‘Make Good Happen’ campaign, the delegation will meet with Federal Ministers, shadow Ministers, senior advisers and departmental officials.
Joining MAV President, Jennifer Anderson and CEO, Kelly Grigsby for the delegation are Melton Mayor, Steve Abboushi; South Gippsland Mayor, John Schelling; Murrindindi Mayor, Damien Gallagher and Maroondah Mayor, Kylie Spears.
President Anderson said the delegation will present a strong local voice in the Federal decision-making process.
“Councils are on the frontline of delivering essential services and infrastructure in every Victorian community, often intrinsically linked to federal policy direction or funding,” she said.
“We’re elevating the voice of Victorian local government in Canberra. Together, we have presented a united case for investment in our key pillars: infrastructure, safer roads, fairer energy, resilient communities, and stronger local democracy.”
Over three days, the delegation will advocate for the five key issues of our Make Good Happen Campaign:
Making Community Infrastructure Happen
Delivering essential infrastructure that growing communities need to thrive
Making Safer Roads Happen
Ensuring local roads are safe, well-maintained, and efficient
Making Fairer Energy Happen
Supporting communities’ participation in Victoria’s energy transition
Making Resilient Communities Happen
Future-proofing communities to withstand natural disasters
Making Local Democracy Happen
Supporting stronger, safer, more democratic communities by enhancing civic engagement and developing tools to counter misinformation and disinformation at the local level
Find out more: https://www.mav.asn.au/news-resources/campaigns/federal-election-2025.
