President's column
Local Government Minister Senator Fiona Nash's address to the National Press Club this week strongly highlighted the importance of local partnerships, investment and leadership to drive change and development in not just Australia's regions but, by extension, the country as a whole.
It is refreshing to hear the Australian Government understands and appreciates that local government's strength lies in our capacity to identify and respond to local needs which are often diverse, complex and changing rapidly in response to evolving domestic and global pressures.
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More councils urged to apply for $5k in funding
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, has this week written to councils about the Government's support for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Mabo High Court Decision.
Funding is available for councils under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Culture and Capability Programme to help their communities celebrate National Reconciliation Week 2017 (27 May 2017 to 3 June 2017) and mark the Referendum and Mabo decision anniversaries.
NGA motions - deadline extended
The deadline for motions submissions to the 2017 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) has been extended to Friday 28 April, giving councils an additional week to submit their motions for the ALGA Board's consideration.
The NGA, to be held in Canberra from 18 to 21 June, is an opportunity for individual councils to identify matters of national relevance to the sector and to submit motions to seek the Assembly's support for these matters.
Latest News
Launceston City Deal signed
The Commonwealth, Tasmania and Launceston City Council have officially signed a City Deal to create jobs, boost wages and drive a strong economic future for Tasmania's North
Grassroots grant funding available to select councils
Round 1 funding under the Safer Communities Fund has been announced for identified applicants, including some councils, to assist local communities address crime and anti-social behaviour
What do Australians really think of Australia Day?
80% of Australians see Australia Day as being more meaningful than just a day off, according to research findings by Fiftyfive5. The research also revealed the following attitudes
Regional communities still adjusting from mining boom
Overall, Australia has benefited substantially from the mining boom, with gains still evident today around the nation. However, there have been transitional pressures for some people and businesses
Senior executives and boards must consider cyber security risks more regularly
The Government has released a comprehensive cyber security survey of Australian government and major businesses of national significance, published by the Australian Cyber Security Centre
Senator Nash says regional people deserve the benefits of government departments
The Government has embarked on its decentralisation program, Minister for Regional Development, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, announced at the National Press Club this week
Launceston City Deal signed
The Commonwealth, Tasmania and Launceston City Council have officially signed a City Deal to create jobs, boost wages and drive a strong economic future for Tasmania's North
Grassroots grant funding available to select councils
Round 1 funding under the Safer Communities Fund has been announced for identified applicants, including some councils, to assist local communities address crime and anti-social behaviour
What do Australians really think of Australia Day?
80% of Australians see Australia Day as being more meaningful than just a day off, according to research findings by Fiftyfive5. The research also revealed the following attitudes
Regional communities still adjusting from mining boom
Overall, Australia has benefited substantially from the mining boom, with gains still evident today around the nation. However, there have been transitional pressures for some people and businesses
Senior executives and boards must consider cyber security risks more regularly
The Government has released a comprehensive cyber security survey of Australian government and major businesses of national significance, published by the Australian Cyber Security Centre
Senator Nash says regional people deserve the benefits of government departments
The Government has embarked on its decentralisation program, Minister for Regional Development, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash, announced at the National Press Club this week
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Stage set for the transport industry’s ‘premier event
If you haven’t put it in your diary yet, the 2017 Brisbane Truck Show is coming up fast. The show returns to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25 to 28 May.
The 50th Anniversary Brisbane Truck Show will feature more trailers than ever before with expanded displays and new exhibitors from all over Australia confirmed.
Brisbane Truck Show Manager, Noelene Bradley said a comprehensive array of exhibitors will help visitors make better informed purchasing decisions.
“This is the industry’s premier event and there is no doubt that all of our exhibitors are going all out to provide visitors with a memorable experience.”
“The show takes up three full floors of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Every corner of the show offers more value and intrigue with exhibitors displaying the latest trucks, trailers, components, equipment, accessories and technology,” Ms Bradley added.
Register for local government’s peak national event
Australia’s councils will play a critical role in shaping tomorrow’s communities, both in our cities and towns and in regional Australia. Making our cities smarter, more efficient, more resilient and stronger is just one part of the role that local government will play.
The theme of this year’s National General Assembly (NGA) ‘Building Tomorrow’s Communities’ goes to the heart of the role of local government in modern Australia.
Key presentations will address how councils, often working in partnership with other levels of government or the private and not-for-profit sectors, are shaping the future and responding appropriately to the challenges that lie ahead.
Join other councils at the NGA to:
- Influence the national agenda
- Engage with federal politicians
- Shape policy and priorities
- Represent your council and community
- Have your say
Register today for early bird prices.
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.