The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing 560 councils across the country.

In structure, ALGA is a federation of state and territory local government associations. Since 2001, membership has included the Government of the Australian Capital Territory (uniquely in Australia, the ACT Government combines both state and local government functions).

ALGA members

• ACT Government
• Australian Capital Territory
• Local Government NSW
• Local Government Association of Northern Territory
• Local Government Association of Queensland
• Local Government Association of South Australia
• Local Government Association of Tasmania
• Municipal Association of Victoria
• Western Australian Local Government Association

Key activities include representation of local government on national bodies and ministerial councils, providing submissions to government and parliamentary inquiries, raising the profile and concerns of local government at the national level and providing forums for local government to guide the development of national local government policies.

ALGA's strategic priorities are:

• Strengthening local government finances
• Sustaining local roads, transport and other infrastructure
• Improving natural and built environmental outcomes
• Enhancing regional equity and regional development
• Building capacity and sustainability in local communities
• Connecting member associations and the Local Government sector
• Engaging effectively in Australian Government processes

As one of Australia's three spheres of government, local government is represented by ALGA's President on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). This peak government body brings together the Prime Minister, state premiers, territory chief ministers and the ALGA President to develop responses to issues of concern to all three spheres of government.

ALGA was founded in 1947 and, in 1976, established a secretariat in Canberra reflecting growing links with the Australian Government and an awareness of local government's emerging national role.

The Association's policies are determined by the ALGA Board, consisting of two representatives from each of the member associations and two from the ACT Government.

ALGA's leadership team comprises the President and two Vice Presidents. The secretariat is managed by the Chief Executive.