A record 1,300 mayors, shire presidents and councillors from across Australia have attended the first day of the 31st National General Assembly in Canberra.
Hosted by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), which represents Australia’s 537 local governments, the annual event involved mayors, shire presidents, councillors and local government leaders discussing key issues around the theme ‘National Priorities Need Local Solutions’.
The day’s sessions featured a wide range of special guest speakers including the Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, and Shadow Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities James McGrath.
There was also an impressive line-up of high-profile speakers, hosts and panellists, including well-known businessman Mark Bouris, geopolitics expert Dr Merriden Varrall, creative thinker Jason Clarke and AI, technology, disruption and innovation leader Stephen Scheeler.
Another major highlight was the Governor-General’s address by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn.
A record number of motions submitted by councils were also debated during the afternoon session.
