President’s Update – 28 April 2025
As the Federal election reaches its crescendo, I’m proud to say we’ve worked hard to advocate for long-term funding reform for councils. We are frustrated with grant programs that pit councils against each other without the clarity and certainty that comes with formula-based funding.
Our key federal election asks centre around national policy priorities that our communities need and which councils can deliver. This covers recurrent funding of:
- $1.1 billion per year for enabling infrastructure to unlock housing supply
- $500 million per year for community infrastructure
- $600 million per year for safer local roads
- $900 million per year for increased local government emergency management capability and capacity, and
- $400 million per year for climate adaptation.
During our campaign, I’ve done several live radio interviews, as well as an interview with The Australian, where I reinforced the importance of formula-based, non-competitive funding for local government.
I’ve also highlighted the importance of our $3.5 billion funding quantum which, when combined with the Financial Assistance Grants councils receive, equals one per cent of Commonwealth taxation revenue, and provides much-needed and long-term relief for councils with budget pressures.
Of the major parties, the Coalition has met three out of five of our funding asks, with their election platform of $5b for enabling infrastructure, $500m to the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program for all councils and an additional $500m for regional roads. The Coalition also committed to a $250m boost for Roads to Recovery.
I continue to emphasise we need funding commitments to support stronger communities and councils across all of Australia, including peri-urban and metropolitan areas, who are dealing with financial pressures associated with rapid growth and cost of living.
Every council around the nation faces challenges and knows the best way to meet their communities’ needs – we just need funding certainty to deliver it!
We will continue to advocate to all sides of politics for a ‘fair funding’ increase for local government. Once the dust settles from the election, we will continue pressure for government action to meet the overwhelming evidence in the inquiry into local government financial sustainability.
In the final stages of the election, I urge you to continue engaging with your local members and senators so we can put our communities first.
2025 NGA registration
Finally, a reminder to register for the 2025 National General Assembly (NGA) from 24-27 June, with early bird registrations closing at the end of next month.
We have assembled an exciting line-up of high-profile speakers, hosts and panellists for this year’s event at the National Convention Centre, embracing the theme of ‘National Priorities Need Local Solutions’.
I can’t wait to see you in Canberra in June.