President's Report - April 2026

Welcome to the April edition of LGAT News.

Fuel prices and supply are currently at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Rising costs are impacting councils and communities across the state. LGAT has been collecting impact information from councils and is actively engaging on a weekly basis with various working groups the State Government has established.

I’m pleased to share that we’ve signed a new partnership agreement with the Tasmanian Government to improve how we work together on issues that affect local communities. The agreement sets out a shared framework of principles and processes for consultation and engagement. Two key features of the agreement are earlier engagement by the Government on important policy matters and also the establishment of a Minister’s Local Government Forum, which will meet twice a year. It will support more coordinated discussion on major policy and reform priorities. This is an important step toward more consistent engagement between our two levels of government.

Local government reform remains on the Tasmanian Government's agenda, with the Targeted Amendment Bill presented to Parliament this month. Along with the reforms to councillor numbers and allowances, we anticipate knowing towards the end of May in what form these legislative changes will progress.

Nominations for local government elections will open in September. LGAT is finalising materials to support candidates through the nomination period. We anticipate it will be available on the LGAT website in mid to late May, ahead of our ‘Seat at the Table’ campaign rolling out in June.

It was great to connect with my fellow local government leaders recently in Devonport at the Mayor and Deputy Mayor Workshop. The update from the Acting Director of Local Government was valuable, and I appreciated the chance to reflect on the virtues that make a good leader and how they align with our own values. The next opportunity we have to meet will be at the Annual General Meeting and the Conference in August. Registrations will open soon, so keep an eye on the website and social media for that announcement!