President’s Update – 15 September 2025
A strong, sustainable, and vibrant local government sector isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to the health, productivity, and future of our nation.
We know councils are the backbone of our communities, delivering critical services and infrastructure every day. This is why we continue to advocate for fair and sustainable funding.
The interim report from the federal Parliamentary inquiry into local government made it clear: we need better long-term secure funding. This was also reflected in LGNSW’s latest cost shifting report, which showed councils across New South Wales absorbed a staggering $1.5 billion in unfunded responsibilities in 2023-24. This figure isn’t just a statistic. It’s a reflection of the growing disconnect between the services communities rely on and the funding councils receive to deliver them
Local government cannot wait and the urgency is real. The percentage of national taxation collected by councils has dropped to a 15-year low and we continue to shoulder more responsibilities without corresponding financial support.
We are calling on the Federal Government to recommence the inquiry into local government sustainability. We are also calling for a return to one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue for local government over three years. It’s time for the Government to recognise that national challenges require local solutions—and that means empowering councils with the resources they need to take on these challenges.
Fair and sustainable funding was also discussed at ALGA’s Board meeting in Canberra on 15 September 2025. We remain united in the need for ongoing and coordinated advocacy.
Register for Roads Congress
A reminder to secure your discounted early bird tickets for the 2025 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress to be held in Bendigo, regional Victoria, from 11-12 November.
The Congress theme for this year is Driving National Productivity, with a strong emphasis on local roads, including funding, maintenance, and infrastructure, as well as discussing how councils can support the national productivity agenda.
See the full program, featuring the guest speakers, and register now.