President’s column – 25 June 2021

It was
wonderful to be able to connect with so many local government delegates at this
week’s National General Assembly.

The strength and value of our NGA has always been its diversity of views and opinions – not to mention the unrivalled opportunity to share stories and experiences that ultimately advance our communities’ best interests.

#NGA21
certainly delivered in that respect.

What really
stood out for me at #NGA21, however, was the community, fellowship, and sense
of shared purpose.

That spirit
of “we’re all in this together” was captured in debate on motions calling on
the Federal Government to:

• Include
  local government (ALGA) in the National Cabinet;
• Increase
  Financial Assistance Grant to a level of at least 1 percent of Commonwealth
  taxation revenue;
• Introduce
  funding opportunities for regional airports to offset COVID-19 income losses
  and ensure regional communities are not further disadvantaged; and
• Provide
  funding and resources for circular economy capacity-building and support for
  the development of local government circular economy action plans.

These
motions, all overwhelming endorsed by delegates, will now be considered by the
ALGA Board, and then incorporated in the Association’s strategic planning and
advocacy agenda.

Thank you
to all those councils who contributed Motions covering the entire sweep of
local government activity.

Deputy
Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack (as he was still
was on Monday) and his colleague, federal Local Government Minister Mark
Coulton gave addresses in which they generously acknowledged local government’s
efforts in sustaining jobs and leading economic recovery.

Both have
championed local government’s capacity to partner with the Commonwealth to
deliver results for local communities, and I thanked them for their long-time
support.

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Regional Services, Housing and Homelessness also addressed delegates, committing a future Labor government to:

• Putting
  local government in National Cabinet;
• Re-establishing
  the Australian Council of Local Government; and
• Implementing
  a regular meeting of Federal and State Housing and Planning Ministers and ALGA
  to improve affordable housing options.

I know you are
passionate about advancing your communities’ interests – and I encourage you to
keep talking to your state and federal MPs about what adequately resourced
local governments can do to stimulate local economies and drive job-creation.

Thank you
so much for attending #NGA21 and making it the success that it was.

Our circumstances may still be difficult and trying, but our resolve as a sector to overcome adversity and deliver greater community prosperity and cohesiveness going forwards is stronger than ever.

Linda Scott,
ALGA President