ALGA welcomes new Carbon Farming Initiative methodology
ALGA has welcomed the Australian Government's introduction of new Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) methodology, describing it as an opportunity for councils to reduce pollution and make productive use of methane emissions from old landfill waste.
Mid-Year Economic Outlook sets tone for local government
The release this week of the Australian Government's Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook underlines the fiscal constraints facing the Commonwealth and sets the context for ALGA s submission for the 2012-13 Federal Budget.
ALGA encourages community engagement on Murray-Darling Basin plan
Following this week's release of the Murray-Darling Basin plan, ALGA is encouraging councils to be fully engaged in the public consultation process and provide feedback on behalf of their communities during the 20-week consideration period.
Council representatives commit to ongoing campaign for more road funding
More than 300 elected representatives and other local government officials from across Australia united at last week's National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Mount Gambier to pass a resolution calling on the Federal Government to continue the Roads to Recovery program on a permanent basis and increase funding to recognise a massive
Federal Opposition announces support for enhanced R2R program
Leader of the Nationals, Warren Truss has announced that a Coalition Government would extend and enhance the Roads to Recovery program beyond 2014. The announcement came one day after ALGA launched a national campaign calling on the Australian Government for more federal funding for local roads and bridges.
Release of the Roads to Recovery Booklet
During last week's National Local Roads and Transport Congress held in Mount Gambier, the ALGA President, Mayor Genia McCaffery and ALGA representative on the Standing Council on Transport and Infrastructure (SCOTI), Cr Paul Bell released a booklet on the Roads to Recovery program.
National Roads Congress to unveil campaign for better roads
Local government will launch its campaign for more federal funding for community roads and bridges next week during the 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress to be held in Mount Gambier.
ALGA meets with all sides of politics on constitutional recognition
ALGA President Mayor Genia McCaffery has held meetings with incoming Labor Senator Matt Thistlethwaite and Liberal Senator Sue Boyce to outline the potential benefits of securing financial recognition of local government in the Constitution to address uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of direct funding confirmed by the Pape case in 2009.
Carbon pricing legislation to take effect next July
Following the passage of the amended Clean Energy Future Package through the Senate this week, ALGA will be working closely with the Australian Government to ensure councils are informed of their obligations under the new legislation.
Winning support for constitutional recognition of local government
ALGA President Genia McCaffery this week met with newly-elected Greens Senators who had requested briefings on the process for gaining constitutional recognition of local government. ALGA has received support from all political parties for a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government to be held by the end of 2013.
Round Two of national Regional Development Fund opens
Local government organisations across Australia can now apply for funding under Round Two of the Australian Government's Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF). The $200 million funding round was announced today by Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP.
Heavy Vehicle Regulator will be influenced by local government
Local government has an important role to play in shaping the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) according to NHVR Project Director, Richard Hancock. Local government input is critical to delivering up to $30 billion in national economic benefits that the regulator is estimated to bring, Mr Hancock said.
ALGA lodges submission to Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition
ALGA has today lodged its submission to the Expert Panel on the Constitutional Recognition of Local Government, expressing its desire for reforms to be made to the Constitution to more accurately reflect and support the growing role local government performs in contemporary Australia.
Federal politicians confirm attendance at National Local Roads and Transport Congress
With just over three weeks until the National Local Roads and Transport Congress begins in Mount Gambier, a number of federal politicians have confirmed that they will be attending, despite President Barack Obama's planned visit for the third week of November, which coincides with the Congress.
Road and heavy vehicle reform
While the recent National Tax Summit touched on road user charging and congestion charging, it would be fair to say that there did not appear to be a great deal of enthusiasm for moving forward with any form of implementation of such possible reforms.
The State of Australian Cities 2011 report and Liveable Cities Program were released this week by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, during the State of the Commonwealth Cities Symposium in Brisbane The State of Australian Cities 2011 builds on the knowledge contained in the first report published last year.
Managing emissions from landfills
Following the passing of the Clean Energy legislative package by the House of Representatives last week, the package of reform will now be considered by the Senate.
Guidelines released for Digital Local Government program
This week, the Australian Government released guidelines for the $17.1 million Digital Local Government program. The guidelines call for the submission of project business cases for funding to deliver innovative online services by councils in the eight National Broadband Network first-release sites.
ALGA welcomes amendments to new carbon price legislation
Amendments to effectively exempt small landfills from the Australian Government s carbon pricing legislation have been welcomed by the national body for local government. The Federal House of Representatives has voted to approve the carbon pricing mechanism outlined in the Federal Government s Clean Energy Future legislation.
Constitutional recognition consultation process continues
The Federal Government s Expert Panel on Constitutional recognition of Local Government is now halfway through its public consultation program in regional centres with meetings having been held in Dubbo (30 September), Karratha (5 October) and Wodonga (13 October).
Roads and Transport Congress receives heightened interest
The 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress to be held in Mount Gambier on the 16-18 November is rapidly approaching, attracting wide interest from across the local government and transport industries. The theme of the Congress is Better Roads are Safer Roads and an excellent line up of speakers has been confirmed.
ALGA used this week's Tax Forum to call for an end to rate capping in New South Wales and the Northern Territory as part of reform to state and local government taxes.
Climate change affects approach to local government planning
The role of local councils in determining future planning for their communities through approval decisions has become more technical as a result of climate change. Serious concerns have been raised about councils making planning decisions without the effects of climate change being fully known or accurately estimated.
ALGA gears up for National Local Roads and Transport Congress
The 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress to be held in Mount Gambier is now just six weeks away. The theme of the Congress is Better Roads are Safer Roads and an excellent line up of speakers has been confirmed.
Discussion starts on constitutional recognition of local government
The expert panel set up by the Commonwealth Government to gauge whether Australians believe local government should be recognised in the Constitution has begun consulting the public, with the first of a series of community meetings held today in Dubbo.
Have your say on constitutional recognition
In addition to the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government encouraging submissions on its discussion paper, members of the public are also being asked to respond to an online survey.
ALGA appears before Carbon Price Parliamentary Inquiry
ALGA appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Select Committee inquiring into the legislation for the Carbon Pricing Scheme on Tuesday. The Joint Select Committee on Australia's Clean Energy Future legislation is holding a number of public hearings into the new Clean Energy legislation.
ALGA prepares submission on Expert Panel Discussion Paper
The Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government released its Discussion Paper on 22 September for public comment by 4 November. ALGA will be making a submission on the Discussion Paper, as will state and territory local government associations.
Fly-In, Fly-Out program expanded
To support the labour needs of the resource sector, the Federal Government will appoint new Fly-In, Fly-Out (FIFO) Co-ordinators in four additional regions, following the establishment of a coordinator in Cairns.
Gearing up for 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress
In less than two months, ALGA will be hosting the 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress in Mount Gambier from 16-18 November. Planning is well underway, with more than 20 speakers confirmed for the event.
Clean Energy Bills introduced following widespread consultation
The Australian Government introduced 18 Clean Energy Bills to Parliament this week, which aim to put a price on carbon pollution, promote investment in renewable and clean energy technologies and reduce emissions. The Bills implement the key elements of the Government's Securing a Clean Energy Future plan announced on 10 July.
Fibre Deployment Bill passes Parliament
The Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Fibre Deployment) Bill 2011 was passed by Parliament this week. Primarily, the Bill amends the Telecommunications Act 1997 to ensure that any fixed lines (e.g.
Senator Brown introduces private bill on mobile phone towers
Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Bob Brown, has drafted a Private Senator's Bill to amend the Telecommunications Act 1997 with respect to mobile phone infrastructure.
73 per cent of councils pass resolutions supporting constitutional recognition
A total of 410 councils have passed resolutions supporting the financial recognition of local government in the Constitution, representing 73 per cent of councils nationally.
Proposed reforms to Environment Protection Act announced
The Commonwealth Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has announced the Australian Government's position on the first major overhaul of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.
Councils encouraged to apply for Supported Accommodation Innovation grants
Eligible organisations, including local governments, can now apply for a capital grant to build innovative supported accommodation for people with disability through the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF). Applications for SAIF open on 5 September 2011 and will remain open until 20 January 2012.
Legislative program relevant to local government scheduled for introduction
During the Spring Session of Parliament, which commenced this week, the Parliament will be debating a range of legislation relevant to local government.
Assessing report into retail industry
A recently released draft report from the Productivity Commission into the Australian Retail industry - Economic Structure and Performance of the Australian Retail Industry - suggests that a range of regulatory reforms are needed if the Australian retail industry is to adapt to global competition.
ALGA assesses effects of disability reforms
The release last Thursday of the Productivity Commission's Disability Care and Support report was met with a lot of media attention. As local government will be affected by some of the recommendations, it is important that councils are aware of the impacts and ALGA's position.
ALGA President on newly announced Expert Panel ALGA President Genia McCaffery and President of the Australian Local Government Association of Queensland, Mayor Paul Bell, are among the 18 members of the Expert Panel that will progress the recognition of
Comment sought on proposed changes to NBN rollout
Comment sought on proposed changes to NBN rollout Proposed amendments to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 and the Telecommunications Regulations 2001 have been released for public comment, with submissions closing on 7
Support for disability reforms
Support for disability reforms In May this year, ALGA responded to the Productivity Commission report Disability Care and Support.
Interim report reinforces need for community preparation and resilience
Interim report reinforces need for community preparation and resilience The Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry released its interim report on the 2010/11 flood events to the Queensland Government this week, which includes the following
Determining the effects of carbon pricing legislation
Determining the effects of carbon pricing legislation Following the release of the Australian Government's legislation relating to carbon pricing policy on 28 July, ALGA is in the process of developing a submission that is as representative of the broad
ALGA to attend national Tax Forum
ALGA to attend national Tax Forum The Federal Government has released details of the Tax Forum to be held in Canberra on 4-5 October, including the list of invited participants and a process for identifying others who will be chosen to attend.
Constitutional recognition supported by almost 70 per cent of councils
Constitutional recognition supported by almost 70 per cent of councils In a series of presentations to state and territory local government association conferences around Australia, ALGA President Genia McCaffery addressed the annual conference of the
Adapting to climate change
Adapting to climate change While the Australian Government seeks to introduce a price on carbon, ALGA continues to work on the equally important need to address climate change impacts that are already recognised by the Government.
COAG Reform Council Consultation on Cities Planning
COAG Reform Council Consultation on Cities Planning The COAG Reform Council held its second workshop on cities planning in Brisbane on 21 and 22 July.
Carbon pricing will affect councils and ratepayers
Carbon pricing will affect councils and ratepayers The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Federal Government's willingness to discuss and clarify the effects of carbon pricing on councils and ratepayers.
New Zealand Local Government Minister strongly supports councils at conference
New Zealand Local Government Minister strongly supports councils at conference While structural reform and constitutional recognition (and relationships with the other levels of government) are priorities for ALGA and state and territory local government
ALGA contributes to Natural Disaster Insurance Review
ALGA contributes to Natural Disaster Insurance Review ALGA has finalised its submission to the Natural Disaster Insurance Review Panel.
Summit discusses urban congestion problems Former New South Wales Premier, Bob Carr was among the high-profile speakers addressing this week's Emerging Crises Summit - Cities, Population, Climate Change and Energy in Canberra, which heard that Australian
Business Regulation Benchmarking Study
Business Regulation Benchmarking Study The Australian Government has requested that the Productivity Commission undertake a benchmarking study into the role of local government as a regulator.
Healthy Communities Initiative: Call for Applications
Healthy Communities Initiative: Call for Applications To promote healthy living at the community level, the Australian Government is providing up to $71.
2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress Everybody knows that Better Roads are Safer Roads and that is why that phrase has been chosen as the theme for the 2011 National Local Roads and Transport Congress.
Best Practise Guide for dealing with NBN
Best Practise Guide for dealing with NBN Local governments around Australia are keen to understand the implications of the recent announcement of the signing of the Definitive Agreement between NBN Co and Telstra.
Stormwater harvesting and reuse projects grants
Stormwater harvesting and reuse projects grants The Australian Government is seeking applications for stormwater harvesting and reuse projects that capture, treat and use stormwater to ease the pressure on drinking water supplies and deliver improved
Strong support for constitutional recognition Leaders from all sides of politics this week declared their support for constitutional recognition of local government while addressing the Australian Local Government Association's National General Assembly
Managing climate change impacts on communities
Managing climate change impacts on communities During his address to this week's NGA, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet announced funding of up to $4.
Congratulations to recipients of National Awards for Excellence
Congratulations to recipients of National Awards for Excellence National Awards for Local Government were presented to 17 category winners during the NGA.
ALGA President meets with Minister Crean in Lead-up to NGA
ALGA President meets with Minister Crean in Lead-up to NGA ALGA President, Mayor Genia McCaffery, met with Regional Development and Local Government Minister Simon Crean in Canberra on 16 June.
President McCaffery talks Constitutional Recognition with Minister Nick Sherry and Ken Wyatt MHR
President McCaffery talks Constitutional Recognition with Minister Nick Sherry and Ken Wyatt MHR Mayor Genia McCaffery held some detailed discussions on constitutional recognition on 16 June with Senator the Honourable Nick Sherry, Minister for Small
Regional Independent Windsor Signals Strong Support for Constitutional Recognition and Greater Local Road Funding
Regional Independent Windsor Signals Strong Support for Constitutional Recognition and Greater Local Road Funding The Independent Federal Member for New England, Mr Tony Windsor, signaled his strong support for constitutional recognition and greater
The biggest National General Assembly ever! This year's National General Assembly (NGA) will be the biggest ever, attracting more than 830 people.
South Australia leads the constitutional campaign
South Australia leads the constitutional campaign Many councils have been advising ALGA that they have passed resolutions in support of constitutional recognition of local government.
Accessible Communities funding round announced
Accessible Communities funding round announced The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, recently announced the 76 projects that will be funded across 67 local governments under the Accessible Communities initiative.
Insurance Review Releases Issues Paper The Natural Disaster Insurance Review has released an issues paper for comment and submission by 14 July.
Garnaut Final Climate Change Report Calls for $20-$30 per tonne
Garnaut Final Climate Change Report Calls for $20-$30 per tonne Professor Ross Garnaut released his final report on climate change on 31 May and recommended an initial carbon price in the range of $20-$30 per tonne.
ALGA commissions study on climate change legal liability
ALGA commissions study on climate change legal liability Following extensive consultation with state and territory local government associations and councils ALGA has commissioned a national study on Climate Change Adaptation and Local Government
Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people The Prime Minister's Expert Panel on the constitutional recognition of Indigenous people released a paper last week discussing issues and challenges and canvassing options for recognising Aboriginal and
New National Road Safety Strategy for Australia
New National Road Safety Strategy for Australia Australia has a new National Road Safety Strategy which aims to cut the road toll by at least 30 per cent by 2020.
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) Review of the Community Infrastructure Program
Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) Review of the Community Infrastructure Program The ANAO has released a report into the design, implementation and administration of the direct council allocation element of the Community Infrastructure Fund
Count down to the National General Assembly (NGA) One month out from the National General Assembly, a record number of registrations have been received, confirming the NGA as the biggest event for local government this year.
New grants program gets strong response
New grants program gets strong response The Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean announced this week that Round One of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) had attracted around 300 applications for projects valued in the order of $1
National Urban Policy released
National Urban Policy released Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese released the National Urban Policy on 18 May.
Steady as she goes Budget for Local Government The 2011-12 Budget for local government contained few surprises and was, for the most part, a steady as she goes affair.
Budget 2011-12 - Urban Policy initiatives
Budget 2011-12 - Urban Policy initiatives The ALGA President welcomed both the budget announcements relating to cities and the statement delivered by the Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport on the Australian Government's
Tallebudgera Beach, Qld, named Australia's cleanest beach
Tallebudgera Beach, Qld, named Australia's cleanest beach Tallebudgera Beach has been named Australia's "Cleanest Beach" for 2010/11 in the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Clean Beaches Awards 2010/11.
President addresses Local Government NBN Summit ALGA President Genia McCaffery spoke this week at the Local Government NBN Summit.
2011 Local Government Award winners announced
2011 Local Government Award winners announced Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean announced the category winners of the 2011 National Awards for Local Government earlier this week.
$3.2M to help coastal communities adapt to climate change
$3.2M to help coastal communities adapt to climate change The Australian Government will invest $3.2 million to help demonstrate how coastal communities can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
Reform of the Federation debated in Senate Committee hearings
Reform of the Federation debated in Senate Committee hearings ALGA will be putting the case for reform of the Constitution to include local government when it appears before the hearings of the Senate Select Committee of the Reform of the Australian
ALGA submission to the National Land Freight Strategy
ALGA submission to the National Land Freight Strategy Infrastructure Australia released the National Land Freight Strategy - Discussion Paper examining land freight in Australia in February and sought submissions from interested groups.
Lithgow in NSW wins the Australian Tidy Towns Awards
Lithgow in NSW wins the Australian Tidy Towns Awards The New South Wales town of Lithgow has been announced the Overall Winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Tidy Towns Awards 2010/11.
Prime Minister to address the NGA ALGA is delighted that the Prime Minister, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP, will open this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA).
Recovery in Queensland
Recovery in Queensland A stocktake of work co-ordinated by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority underlines the magnitude of the reconstruction job.
Ongoing assistance for flood and cyclone victims
Ongoing assistance for flood and cyclone victims Attorney General Robert McClelland and Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek announced that thousands of flood and cyclone victims approaching their last income subsidy payment are now being
Productivity Commission releases Urban Water draft report
Productivity Commission releases Urban Water draft report This week the Productivity Commission released a Draft Report on Australia's Urban Water Sector. The Productivity Commission is seeking submissions on the report by 18 May 2011.
New not-for-profit universal housing design organisation
New not-for-profit universal housing design organisation The partners in the National Dialogue on Universal Housing, which is now called Livable Housing, met in Canberra on 11 April.
New report confirms road safety challenge
New report confirms road safety challenge Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King has released the latest report of the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), Fatal Road crashes in Australia
Regional Cooperation and Development Forum 2011 Following the outcome of last year's federal election, Australia's regions and regional development policy have gained greater prominence.
Quest for "tidy towns" in ravaged Queensland
Quest for "tidy towns" in ravaged Queensland Keep Australia Beautiful has launched its 2011 search for Queensland's "tidiest town", in a battered landscape littered with the debris of floods and cyclonic devastation.
Updated Citizenship Ceremonies Code released
Updated Citizenship Ceremonies Code released The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, recently released an updated Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code for local councils following revisions to ceremony guidelines.
Constitutional recognition gains momentum A steady stream of councils are advising ALGA that they have passed resolutions supporting constitutional recognition.
Council input sought on national infrastructure strategies
Council input sought on national infrastructure strategies Infrastructure Australia is seeking input from interested parties, including councils, on the National Land Freight Strategy.
ALGA lodges planning submission
ALGA lodges planning submission ALGA has lodged its submission to the Productivity Commission's draft report into Performance Benchmarking of Australian Business Regulation: Planning, Zoning and Development Assessments.
National Disability Strategy launched On 18 March 2011, Senator Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, together with Dr Rhonda Galbally, Chair of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council, Mr Simon McKeon,
Councils get in the spirit of cultural diversity
Councils get in the spirit of cultural diversity Councils across Australia are celebrating Cultural Diversity Week, from March 19-27.
Tasmanians rewrite the record books
Tasmanians rewrite the record books Records are made to be broken and that is exactly what happened during ChemClear's recent Tasmanian collection run.
Program guidelines released for Regional Development Australia Fund
Program guidelines released for Regional Development Australia Fund The Minister for Regional Australia Simon Crean has released the program guidelines for the Regional Development Australia Fund.
Impressive line-up of speakers at this year's National General Assembly
Impressive line-up of speakers at this year's National General Assembly The program for this year's National General Assembly (NGA) is taking shape with key federal politicians addressing the Assembly and a line-up of some of Australia's foremost
National television and computer recycling scheme by the end of 2011
National television and computer recycling scheme by the end of 2011 Governments and the peak television and computer industry associations are committed to reducing the amount of e-waste going to landfill.
Councils get behind constitutional recognition campaign
Councils get behind constitutional recognition campaign Letters are flowing in from councils around Australia to advise that they have passed resolutions to support the financial recognition of local government in the Constitution.
National Broadband Network inquiry
National Broadband Network inquiry The parliamentary inquiry into the role and potential benefits of the National Broadband Network has received 186 submissions, 37 of those are from councils and regional organisations of councils (ROCs), demonstrating
International Women's Day
International Women's Day International Women's Day was held on March 8th and this year celebrated its centenary. 1000 women attended a function in Canberra with prominent African AIDS activist Princess Zulu (pictured) as the guest speaker.
Concerns over funding model for disability insurance scheme
Concerns over funding model for disability insurance scheme An entirely new model for providing supports and services for people with a disability is needed, according to a draft report released by the Productivity Commission.
$1.4 billion fund for regional development announced
$1.4 billion fund for regional development announced The Minister for Regional Australia, Simon Crean, has announced details of a $1.4 billion Regional Development Australia Fund.
ALGA President and Opposition frontbencher Don Randall discuss constitutional recognition
ALGA President and Opposition frontbencher Don Randall discuss constitutional recognition ALGA President, Cr Genia McCaffery, spoke at length to the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Don Randall MP, about the constitutional recognition
Minister asked to consider Constitutional Recognition Panel
Minister asked to consider Constitutional Recognition Panel The constitutional recognition of local government was the focus of a meeting in Canberra on Thursday 24 February between newly elected ALGA President Mayor Genia McCaffery and the Minister
ALGA Board plans for future
ALGA Board plans for future The ALGA Board met this week for a 2-day strategic planning session where it developed its new guiding document - the 2011-14 ALGA Strategic Plan.
Disaster relief discussed at COAG, Emergency Management Ministers' Council
Disaster relief discussed at COAG, Emergency Management Ministers' Council ALGA President Cr Genia McCaffery attended her first Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting on Sunday 13 February when the Council reconvened for its first meeting under
Robert Gottliebsen to lead National General Assembly discussion
Robert Gottliebsen to lead National General Assembly discussion Robert Gottliebsen, one of Australia's leading financial and business commentators, will provide a fascinating and informed insight into Australia's economic outlook, business attitudes, tax
Constitutional recognition: a new partnership
Constitutional recognition: a new partnership The Shadow Minister for Local Government, Senator Barnaby Joyce, delivered a robust speech in Parliament last week on the need for constitutional recognition for local government, better resourcing for
NBN inquiry submissions closing soon The House of Representatives Infrastructure and Communications Committee is conducting an inquiry into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network (NBN).
SA President-elect says constitutional reform critical
SA President-elect says constitutional reform critical Whyalla Mayor Jim Pollock will be the next President of SA's Local Government Association after being elected unopposed to take over from Marion Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis on 29 April.
O'Farrell pledges to lead COAG reform push if elected in NSW
O'Farrell pledges to lead COAG reform push if elected in NSW NSW Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says he will restore the integrity of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and its capacity to achieve reform if the Coalition is elected on March
Tropical Cyclone Yasi Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday announced Commonwealth Government assistance for people in Far North Queensland affected by the impact of Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
ALGA President shares council concern over water utilities' report
ALGA President shares council concern over water utilities' report ALGA President Cr Genia McCaffery has backed the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) in its rejection of key findings in an Infrastructure Australia Regional Towns
National General Assembly (NGA) Registrations Open
National General Assembly (NGA) Registrations Open The 2011 NGA, with the theme of 'Growing with our Community - Place, Position, Partnership,' aims to stimulate ideas about new ways of doing business to meet the needs of local people and their
Disaster Management and Infrastructure must be focus of Federal Budget
Disaster Management and Infrastructure must be focus of Federal Budget The rebuilding of infrastructure in flood-ravaged areas should not overshadow the need for ongoing funding in the Federal Budget for local roads, active transport, and community
Honour for local government hero
Honour for local government hero Former ALGA Board member and former MAV Rural Vice-President Darryl Argall has become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Celebrate your workplace diversity through food this March
Celebrate your workplace diversity through food this March A Taste of Harmony (21 - 27 March 2011) is Australia's biggest celebration of cultural diversity in the workplace.
