Other policies

Councils understand that planning for disability inclusion not only benefits people with disability but the wider community.

ALGA is a signatory to Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, a national framework based on the social model of disability, with a vision of breaking down barriers and creating accessible, inclusive communities where all people with disability can participate equally.

In 2016, ALGA developed a Disability Inclusion Planning guide which provides information and tools to help councils update, develop and implement inclusive policies and practices to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to services and facilities.  The guide is currently being reviewed and revised for currently for a 2026 release.

Local governments support better connectivity and digital inclusion across Australia by working to improve mobile coverage and internet access, especially in rural and regional areas.

Councils are critical for assessing development applications for new telecommunications facilities, and engaging with mobile network operators and NBN suppliers.

Local government also facilitates access to land and assets (like rooftops, poles, and road reserves) for telecommunications infrastructure to support 5G access, which is important for emergency response coordination.

See ALGA’s recent submissions:

• Submission on 3G mobile network 

ALGA has informed Australia’s local governments about the updated mobile telecommunications Deployment Code, which was released by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA).

• Mobile Telecommunications Deployment Code

The Multi-Function Pole (MFP) Best Practice Guide and General Facilities Access Agreement (GFAA) was published in August 2025 ALGA) and Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM).

Australia’s councils collectively operate and manage more than 200 regional airports and aerodromes across the country. 

Aviation connections are crucial for many regional communities, providing accessibility and gateways for business, tourism, health, recreation, employment and social connection.

ALGA supports continued and increased funding through the Federal Government’s investment in the Regional Airports Program and the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program.  

See ALGA’s recent submissions:

• Aviation customer rights charter consultation – March 2025
• Aviation Green Paper Towards 2050

The role and scope of local governments in primary health care varies across the country, despite councils not having primary responsibility for health services. 

Recognising that medical staff shortages have major economic and social impacts on local communities, many councils are actively engaged in attracting and retaining the services of GPs in their local areas.   

Many councils also work in partnership with the Commonwealth and state/territory governments, and other not-for-profit organisations, to secure better primary health outcomes and services for their communities.

See ALGA’s recent submissions:

• Submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry on the provision of GPs and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural, and regional Australians

Local governments play a critical role in contributing to positive community partnerships, local engagement, democracy, and community wellbeing.

Councils are a trusted first point of contact on place and community-based issues, as they can provide critical insights on local socio-cultural trends in communities.

Current and emerging leaders in local government should be invested in as a critical, specialised and skilled part of the workforce that supports national efforts to navigate change.

Councils provide more than 750 childcare and early education services across Australia, mainly in Victoria and NSW.

These range from the coordination of Family Day Care services, Long Day Care, and after school care services. 

Local government also provides about 95 Aged Care services nationally, including in-home care services. 

Local governments play a fundamental role in protecting public health and safety by applying food regulation standards to ensure food and drinks provided by businesses are safe to consume. 

ALGA is a member of the federal Food Ministers’ Meeting and related subcommittees providing local insights into Commonwealth policy decision-making.

Councils are vital in preventing violence against women and children, through governance, leadership, policy, municipal planning, community partnerships and service delivery.

ALGA worked with its state and territory member associations and Our Watch to develop a toolkit for councils to better coordinate domestic violence prevention activity in the local government sector.

See ALGA’s recent submissions:

• Submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Local governments are key delivery partners for Australia’s biosecurity regime.

They provide support for public awareness and education, contribute to surveillance, undertake regulation, weed and pest control, and contribute to emergency response for biosecurity incidents. 

ALGA believes local governments should be funded more consistently for their contribution to a responsive and effective biosecurity system. Read more.

See ALGA’s recent submissions:

• Submission on the National Biosecurity Strategy Action Plan.

As land use planners, infrastructure and service providers, local governments are at the coalface of how coastal hazards impact residents.

Councils require nationally coherent and dependable support from all levels of government to allow communities, towns, and coastal environments to adapt to our changing coastline.

ALGA believes the Commonwealth should address coastal hazards through the National Adaptation Plan or a separate dedicated strategy, and provide funding through a dedicated Adaptation Fund to enable councils to play their part. Read more.