President's column
International Women's Day this past Wednesday was a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women here and worldwide. Women are amazing, terrific, talented - they rock! So why is it that they don't rule? I don't mean totally, I mean just in the same 50:50 proportions that make up society?
Of the three levels of government, ours should be the easiest to get this right, and perhaps provide pathways to other roles too.
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The Hon Angus Taylor MP to address NGA
The Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, has confirmed that he will address National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) in Canberra on Wednesday 21 June.
The Assistant Minister's portfolio stretches across the whole of government to improve city liveability and tackle long standing issues of traffic congestion, housing affordability and the need to create jobs closer to where people live. Mr Taylor has a focus on regional cities and outer suburban cities.
Announcement to help local communities incubate bright ideas
The Australian Government has announced that it is helping local councils and communities incubate clever technology projects to prepare for a digital future.
Councils are invited to register for the Future Ready series of webinars and masterclasses on building smart cities know-how.
Launching the series in Brisbane today, Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon Angus Taylor MP, said Future Ready complemented the Government's $50 million Smart Cities and Suburbs Program.
Latest News
2016 Census data release schedule
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed the release and topic schedule for data from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing. The first round of 2016 Census information
Terms of Reference released for Government's freight inquiry
A panel of transport industry experts has been appointed to help the Australian Government to develop a blueprint for infrastructure investment in the 21st century. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
State of the Environment report tabled
The Government has tabled the fifth edition of Australia's State of the Environment Report which shows some gains in improving our environment, but also that there is still work to do.
LGAofSA leads campaign opposing rate capping
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGAofSA) has launched a campaign to fight for South Australian communities against cuts to council facilities and services. LGA President Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said
New mobile base station for William Creek, South Australia
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, has welcomed the new mobile base station for William Creek, South Australia, the first site switched on under round 2 of
The MAV celebrates women in local government
This International Women's Day, the Municipal Association of Victoria announced that it will introduce a new Gender Equity Workshop for the Victorian local government sector. The workshop is part of the MAV's
2016 Census data release schedule
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed the release and topic schedule for data from the 2016 Census of Population and Housing. The first round of 2016 Census information
Terms of Reference released for Government's freight inquiry
A panel of transport industry experts has been appointed to help the Australian Government to develop a blueprint for infrastructure investment in the 21st century. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
State of the Environment report tabled
The Government has tabled the fifth edition of Australia's State of the Environment Report which shows some gains in improving our environment, but also that there is still work to do.
LGAofSA leads campaign opposing rate capping
The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGAofSA) has launched a campaign to fight for South Australian communities against cuts to council facilities and services. LGA President Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said
New mobile base station for William Creek, South Australia
Minister for Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, has welcomed the new mobile base station for William Creek, South Australia, the first site switched on under round 2 of
The MAV celebrates women in local government
This International Women's Day, the Municipal Association of Victoria announced that it will introduce a new Gender Equity Workshop for the Victorian local government sector. The workshop is part of the MAV's
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The ageing population effect on local government
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Support ALGA's campaign!
ALGA has launched a campaign to end the freeze and restore indexation to local government financial assistance grants in the federal budget this May.
It is important that your council actively engages in supporting ALGA in this national campaign. ALGA can make the national arguments and make the national representations at the Federal level, but nothing gets the attention of politicians, the party room or party leadership better than local stories from the front line of local community governance - you.
Support ALGA's campaign by contacting your Federal Parliamentary representatives through our online campaign website: endthefreeze.com - it's your community and your call.
The team at ALGA has also prepared a council advocacy kit - available at councils.endthefreeze.com - that includes templates, background information and talking points to assist your campaign at the local level to ensure the Government keeps its promise to restore indexation to FAGs in this year's Federal Budget.