Local government unites on fairer funding
Today in Canberra, our nation's 538 councils united to call for a fairer share of Federal funding. An emergency motion was introduced at the National General Assembly and unanimously endorsed by all delegates.
LGAT President Mick Tucker joined other association presidents on stage to sign a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The letter urges the Australian Parliament to act by immediately increasing funding by $3.5 billion, which would restore Financial Assistance Grants to 1% of federal taxation revenue annually.
Costs, responsibilities, and community expectations for local governments are rising each year, yet funding levels are failing to keep pace. Untied grant funding enables councils to continue providing the vital services and infrastructure on which our communities and the national economy depend. It also offers certainty, empowering councils to prioritise essential work within their regions.
"An increase in untied grants is critical to ensuring councils can continue to respond to the unique needs of their communities—particularly across regional and rural Tasmania," said Mayor Tucker.
Restoring this funding to 1% of taxation revenue has been a longstanding priority for local government. We hope that by speaking with one voice, all of our councils will be heard.
A copy of this letter will be tabled to all Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.