President’s Update – 18 August 2025
We have enjoyed direct engagement with Federal Ministers over the past fortnight about the significant role local government can play in supporting the Government’s national productivity goals.
On 6 August, I joined Australia’s local government leaders to attend a housing roundtable with the Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil in Melbourne. Minister O’Neil listened to and engaged with our policy ideas about how councils can boost productivity and housing.
ALGA also attended a roundtable on climate change on 8 August in Sydney, involving the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen and Assistant Minister Josh Wilson. See the discussions and outcomes of the roundtable, involving industry leaders.
During both meetings, we referenced our submission to the Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, being led by the Treasurer, to showcase how sustainability-funded councils can increase productivity and support economic growth, infrastructure delivery and resilience. We also had positive coverage from our media release on the roundtables.
2025 NGA resolutions
A sincere thank you to all councils who submitted motions for our successful 2025 NGA in Canberra in June.
Together, we considered a record of more than 190 motions, which covered local government financial sustainability, housing, climate and emergency management.
The 2025 NGA resolutions will soon be provided to the relevant federal Ministers for their consideration.
See the full list of resolutions.
2025 Roads Congress
I’m excited to announce our keynote and special guest speakers for the 2025 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress to be held in Bendigo, regional Victoria, from 11-12 November.
The Congress program has a strong focus on how our roads form an essential part of the nation’s productivity. It’s a great opportunity to hear about the latest methods on practical road maintenance through to managing a safer road network.
The speakers include Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Senator Bridget McKenzie, Associate Professor Ben Beck from Monash University and Rupe Hoskin, who will deliver the keynote address on the Human Side of Infrastructure Leadership. See the preliminary program.
Register now for early bird tickets.