The Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG) will be re-established by the Federal Government so councils can come together, discuss common issues with Federal Ministers and attend skill-building workshops.
The 2023 ACLG forum will be held on 16 June 2023 in Canberra, following the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government from 13-15 June.
The annual forum will put leaders of local government and the Federal Government in one room, allowing the Ministers to directly hear about the issues impacting the local government sector.
The elected president of ACLG, Linda Scott, said she is thrilled to be working with the government to deliver the first ACLG in more than a decade.
“This will be a valuable opportunity for Australian councils to speak directly to Federal Ministers about the key issues and opportunities for our communities,” Ms Scott said.
“Importantly, the ACLG will follow and be informed by the discussions at our National General Assembly, which is the biggest annual gathering of local government leaders in Australia.
“Re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government shows the respect this government has for councils, and its strong commitment to working with us to deliver better results for our communities.”
Following its reinstatement, ACLG plans to provide $2.9 billion in 2022-23 to Australia’s 546 councils through its Financial Assistance Grant program, $500 million in Roads to Recovery funding, and increase the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program by $250 million to $750 million.
Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government will bring mayors, shire presidents and local government stakeholders together with Federal Ministers, and the Prime Minister.
“We will give local government the central role and seat at the table it deserves, and draw on the local know-how to deliver our shared priorities,” Ms King said.
Federal Minister of Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain, said, “Bringing back the ACLG recognises the important role local governments play in delivering services to our communities, and the benefits of partnering together at all levels of government.
“This was neglected over the last decade and had a significant impact on local communities, which is why I’m so pleased that we’re delivering on our important election commitment to re-establish the ACLG.
“As a former mayor and regional councillor, I know how hard the local government sector is working for their communities. That’s why I’ll continue to stand up for them through this enhanced collaborative forum, which will bring the expertise of local government and Ministers together in one room.”
The ACLG was first established as an annual formal meeting by then Minister for Local Government, Anthony Albanese, in 2008, where over 1,000 participants met in Canberra for a day of productive conversations and workshops.
ALGA is also invited to attend meetings of the National Cabinet and the Council on Federal Financial Relations annually.
