President's column
Early last week the ALGA CEO and I met with six Federal Ministers and Shadow Ministers on behalf of the sector and our message was the same with every one of them - end the freeze, restore indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs), and work with us to improve community safety, productivity and prosperity across the nation.
We received a warm reception, but that doesn't mean we have their firm commitment in hand. We want the Government to work with us, as genuine partners, in supporting our communities at the local level.
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Government seeking views on protecting Australia's critical infrastructure
The Government has released a discussion paper, "Strengthening the National Security of Australia's Critical Infrastructure", to seek views on managing the complex and evolving national security risks to Australia's critical infrastructure.
The Government is seeking views of stakeholders in relation to the operation of the Government's new Critical Infrastructure Centre, including how an assets register should be developed and maintained to achieve a consolidated picture of critical infrastructure ownership in high risk sectors.
One week left for 2017 National Awards for Local Government nominations
Councils have just one week left to make nominations for the Government's annual awards for innovative local government projects.
The National Awards for Local Government celebrate local government projects that are innovative, deliver better outcomes for communities, have the potential to be rolled out across the country and make a meaningful difference.
Category winners will be announced in mid-April 2017 and the national winner will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly dinner on 20 June 2017.
Around the nation: Financial Assistance Grants indexation freeze impact - Bass Coast Shire Council
The Government's decision to freeze indexation to Financial Assistance Grants in the 2014-15 budget was met with disappointment across the sector. This decision affected the ability of many councils to continue providing necessary services and infrastructure at the levels required by the community.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Pamela Rothfield said that the freeze on Financial Assistance Grants indexation is putting pressure on all councils.
Latest News
Festivals Australia open for applications
Applications are now open for the Festivals Australia program. $1.2 million is given each financial year for high-quality arts and cultural projects in regional and remote Australia
Interim Satellite Service to end this month in rural and remote Australia
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, has reminded rural and remote Australians still receiving internet through the old Interim Satellite Service to contact their local Sky Muster provider
Community Heritage and Icons Grants - applications open
The call for applications for funding through Community Heritage and Icons Grants 2016-17 is now open. This program provides funding for a range of interpretation
New industry guide available for migration of fire alarms and lift phones
A new industry guide has been developed to assist parties in migrating monitored fire alarms and lift phones as the National Broadband Network (NBN) continues to roll out across Australia
More calls answered by 1800RESPECT
In the past two months (December 2016 and January 2017) calls to 1800RESPECT have increased by more than 30 per cent compared to the same time last year.
New CEO for Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, has announced that the Board of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has appointed Mr Mark Booth as the new CEO
Festivals Australia open for applications
Applications are now open for the Festivals Australia program. $1.2 million is given each financial year for high-quality arts and cultural projects in regional and remote Australia
Interim Satellite Service to end this month in rural and remote Australia
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, has reminded rural and remote Australians still receiving internet through the old Interim Satellite Service to contact their local Sky Muster provider
Community Heritage and Icons Grants - applications open
The call for applications for funding through Community Heritage and Icons Grants 2016-17 is now open. This program provides funding for a range of interpretation
New industry guide available for migration of fire alarms and lift phones
A new industry guide has been developed to assist parties in migrating monitored fire alarms and lift phones as the National Broadband Network (NBN) continues to roll out across Australia
More calls answered by 1800RESPECT
In the past two months (December 2016 and January 2017) calls to 1800RESPECT have increased by more than 30 per cent compared to the same time last year.
New CEO for Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, has announced that the Board of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) has appointed Mr Mark Booth as the new CEO