President's column
The 2016-17 Federal budget handed down this week was in line with broad expectations and saw some substantial changes to taxation to address revenue shortfalls but little in the way of new spending initiatives, with the Government reserving its options in advance of the Federal election expected to be set for 2 July over the next few days.
There was no explicit statement on ending the freeze of indexation for Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs), but the budget out-years did indicate an expectation that indexation would return from 2017-18.
More
Local government perspective on Budget2016 - Finance
Each year the Australian Local Government Association provides an analysis of the Federal budget with a specific focus on its impact on local government. The aim of the analysis is to provide local government with information on the total financial assistance it receives from the Australian Government as well as putting this assistance into context with the government's overall budget priorities.
In the 2016-17 financial year, the Australian Government will allocate $2,289 billion in Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for local government services to the community.
Local government perspective on Budget2016 - Transport
There was little in terms of new funding announcements in the 2016-17 Federal budget, with most funding already allocated in previous budgets. It is reasonable to expect that any significant project announcements will take place during the upcoming election campaign.
New regional development policy commitment in budget
Although most of the focus on this week's 2016-17 Federal budget was on superannuation reform, the excise on tobacco products and the 'Google tax', hidden away in the budget papers was a new Australian Government policy commitment.
"The Australian Government will set a future direction for the Commonwealth's work in regional Australia by releasing a regional development policy in 2017."
ALGA welcomes this commitment by the Government and should the Coalition Government be returned for another term, we look forward to working with them
Latest News
National Awards for Local Government category winners announced
Outstanding achievers in local government have been recognised with the announcement of the category winners of the 2016 National Awards for Local Government.
Local government recognised in Commonwealth's Smart Cities Plan
The Assistant Minister for Cities, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, has acknowledged local government as an important partner in delivering the Government's 'City Deals'
Law, Crime and Community Safety Council meets in NZ
The Law, Crime and Community Safety Council (LCCSC) recently met in Queenstown, New Zealand to discuss the emergency management challenges facing Australia and New Zealand
Budget focus on regional Australia
On 3 May 2016, the Australian Government released the Regional Ministerial Budget Statement Investing in Regional Growth 2016-17.
Issues Paper released on PC inquiry into data availability and use
The Productivity Commission has invited government agencies, academics, private entities with large data holdings, organisations interested in data access and members of the community
Cleaning up Australia's waterways
The Australian Government will launch a nationally-coordinated approach to eradicating Australia's worst freshwater aquatic pest, the common carp
2016 Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week
This week saw the launch of 2016 Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week (NRSW), which will continue until 8 May 2016
Urban renewal in Australia
Today, a city's momentum revolves around innovation, 'liveability' and the ability to transform and adapt to constantly changing socio-economic forces.
National Awards for Local Government category winners announced
Outstanding achievers in local government have been recognised with the announcement of the category winners of the 2016 National Awards for Local Government.
Local government recognised in Commonwealth's Smart Cities Plan
The Assistant Minister for Cities, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, has acknowledged local government as an important partner in delivering the Government's 'City Deals'
Law, Crime and Community Safety Council meets in NZ
The Law, Crime and Community Safety Council (LCCSC) recently met in Queenstown, New Zealand to discuss the emergency management challenges facing Australia and New Zealand
Budget focus on regional Australia
On 3 May 2016, the Australian Government released the Regional Ministerial Budget Statement Investing in Regional Growth 2016-17.
Issues Paper released on PC inquiry into data availability and use
The Productivity Commission has invited government agencies, academics, private entities with large data holdings, organisations interested in data access and members of the community
Cleaning up Australia's waterways
The Australian Government will launch a nationally-coordinated approach to eradicating Australia's worst freshwater aquatic pest, the common carp
2016 Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week
This week saw the launch of 2016 Yellow Ribbon National Road Safety Week (NRSW), which will continue until 8 May 2016
Urban renewal in Australia
Today, a city's momentum revolves around innovation, 'liveability' and the ability to transform and adapt to constantly changing socio-economic forces.
Advertisements
12 - 13 July 2016, Novotel Canberra
Spreading Collaboration, Engagement and Cultivating Sustainability
Community and Stakeholder Engagement in the Australian Public Sector
One-day case study led forum, two post-forum workshops
12-13 July 2016, Novotel Canberra
Vendor Neutral - No Sales Presentations
Hear practical case studies and strategies from:
- Canberra Metro
- Bang the Table
- Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (SA Murray-Darling Basin)
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
- PLUM Communication
- ACT Emergency Services Agency
- Kintsugi Alliance
- WWF-Australia
- Sydney Water
2016 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia
The NGA Registration Brochure is now available, download your copy here.
Under the theme Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia, delegates at this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will look at the many ways local government is being innovative both here and overseas. As a responsive, pragmatic and dynamic level of government, councils innovate with technology, with their resources and in practical ways within their organisations and communities.
The NGA brings our sector together providing a platform for thought provoking discussion and serious consideration of the development of policies on issues of national significance. This year, the NGA will celebrate and examine the key role of local government in helping to build the economy and sustainable communities of the future. Through the NGA, delegates will be able to learn from the ideas and experiences of other councils and gain valuable ideas for their own councils.
Local government is a pragmatic and hands-on level of government. Our focus is the provision of services, infrastructure, planning and coordination at the local level.
Register your attendance at this year's NGA here.