President’s Update – 23 June 2025
I’m looking forward to welcoming a record 1300 Mayors, Shire Presidents and Councillors from across Australia this week for our 31st National General Assembly in Canberra.
We have an impressive line-up of high-profile speakers, hosts and panellists for this year’s NGA, including well-known businessman Mark Bouris, geopolitics expert Dr Merriden Varrall, creative thinker Jason Clarke and AI, technology, disruption and innovation leader Stephen Scheeler.
Our popular annual event also includes the 2025 Regional Cooperation and Development Forum starting tomorrow, which features engaging sessions on the state of the regions, driving efficiency through technology, drought resilience, rural mental health and safer roads.
I encourage you to stay until Friday for the Ministerial Engagement Forum, hosted by ABC political commentator David Speers, featuring Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers who will share their plans and ideas for working with local government.
We also have a sold-out showcase of exhibitor and sponsor booths from local government suppliers, supporters and government agencies. Remember to come and visit our ALGA booth, where we have a range of resources and materials available about our national advocacy work.
Financial sustainability inquiry
We continue to maintain pressure on the Federal Government about the Parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability.
It’s encouraging to see political leaders from both sides of Parliament have recently made statements that the inquiry needs to be reinstated and progressed. We are calling on the Government to respond with a major increase in formula-based, untied funding for all councils.
We need to see significant increases across Financial Assistance Grants before we refine the distribution models. Every council across Australia wants to support the current and future needs of our communities, and budget certainty is essential to this goal.
We will continue to work hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of the entire sector, and the outstanding support you provide every day in your communities.
2025 Roads Congress in Bendigo
Finally, a reminder that registrations are open for the 2025 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress to be held in Bendigo, in regional Victoria from 11-12 November.
As part of this year’s NGA, we are offering a special early bird discount of 20 per cent off during the month of June.