ALGA @ALGAcomms

Our President, Mayor Matt Burnett, busy in Canberra today talking to government and media about the financial pressures faced by Australia's 538 councils. Mayor Burnett has a very clear message: local government’s financial stress is systemic. It's not isolated, and it's not the result of poor local decisions. ALGA has long said that councils are managing expanding infrastructure and service responsibilities under a funding model that has not kept pace with rising costs, community expectations or national policy demands. We're calling for baseline funding to be restored to at least 1 percent of Commonwealth taxation revenue. Better funding for local government is a national investment in productivity, resilience and community wellbeing.

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📢 Coming up THIS WEEK - the final webinar in our Disability Inclusion series. Thursday 4 June - Participation, Community Life and the Built Environment Register here: alga.com.au/event/webinar-… Local governments play a critical role in facilitating participation, community life, and an inclusive built environment. However, many people continue to experience barriers to participation due to the inaccessibility of buildings, transport, public spaces and facilities. This webinar, the final in our four-part series, will focus on identifying challenges, sharing responsibilities, and exploring practical strategies to help councils reduce barriers and create more inclusive, accessible communities that support participation in community life and the built environment.

Coming to join us in beautiful Cairns? Registration for the 2026 National Local Roads, Transport and Infrastructure Congress is NOW OPEN. Learn more: …co-roads-congress-2026.eventsair.site

🎤 Tim Cox, MC | NGA 2026 Regional Forum ALGA is excited to welcome Tim Cox to Canberra as MC and host of this year's Regional Forum for NGA2026. Tim has been hosting events across the country for more than three decades, and you've probably also heard him on the airwaves. By day, he is Communications Manager (and in-house MC) at the @LGAQ - Local Government Association of Queensland, and before that spent 25 years as an award-winning ABC Radio broadcaster – a career his grandmother foretold, often saying he had been “vaccinated with a gramophone needle”. Tim will take delegates through a fantastic program, including State of the Regions with demographer Simon Kuestenmacher, Disaster Management Fatigue with RedR CEO Dr Helen Durham AO, Dr Bhiamie Williamson and Meghan Hibbert GAICD, Regional Health with sHedway founder Carol Mudford, Opportunities and Challenges in the Renewable Transition with Australian Energy Commissioner Tony Mahar, Regional Planning Institute CEO Liz Ritchie and Mayor Andrew Smith of Western Downs Regional Council. If you haven't already registered, jump in: alga.com.au/event/2026-nat…

🎤 Keynote Speaker Announcement | NGA 2026 Regional Forum Gavin Williams knows regional Australia. As nbn’s Chief Development Officer Regional and Remote, he has travelled the length and breadth of the country, working with councils, communities, and local leaders to strengthen connectivity where it matters most. With more than 30 years in telecommunications, Gavin brings a deep understanding of the realities on the ground, and the role digital infrastructure plays in regional resilience and growth. ALGA is proud to again partner with nbn to deliver the 2026 National General Assembly. As a Foundation Partner, nbn continues to demonstrate a genuine commitment to regional and remote communities across Australia. Representing nbn at this year’s Regional Forum, Gavin will join us with a keynote address focused on regional development, inclusion and opportunity and the future of connection for our regions. The Regional Forum is a cornerstone of the NGA program, bringing together local government and industry leaders to focus on what matters most to regional Australia. We thank nbn for its continued leadership and partnership in supporting this important conversation. Haven’t yet registered? Don’t miss out 👉 conferenceco-nga2026.eventsair.site

What does last night's Federal Budget mean for local government? ➡️ Check out ALGA's Budget analysis and fact sheets here: alga.com.au/alga-analysis-… ➡️ And take a look at our media release to see what our President, Mayor Matt Burnett, is saying about how the Budget lands for Australia's 538 councils: alga.com.au/a-mixed-bag-fo…

Budget delivers major win on housing infrastructure after sustained local government advocacy ALGA welcomes the Federal Government’s Budget commitment of $2 billion for housing enabling infrastructure, describing it as a significant step forward that reflects years of sustained advocacy by local government. The Albanese Government’s Budget on Tuesday night will include an extra $2 billion – including $500 million dedicated to regional Australia – over four years from 2026-27 to fund critical infrastructure and build up to 65,000 new homes. ALGA President Mayor Matt Burnett said the announcement demonstrated the Federal Government had listened to councils’ repeated calls for greater investment in the local infrastructure needed to unlock housing supply across Australia. “This is a very significant investment, and it could not come at a better time,” Mayor Burnett said. “This commitment recognises that enabling infrastructure has been one of the biggest barriers to increasing housing supply and affordability across Australia.” “It’s a strong sign the Federal Government has heard the concerns local governments have been raising for years. Councils have consistently said you can’t build homes without the roads, drainage, water connections and community infrastructure that make new developments possible and liveable. Read our full statement here: alga.com.au/budget-deliver…

Ahead of next Tuesday's Federal Budget, we're delivering a message from Australia's 538 councils: back Australians where they’re hurting most - in their local communities. Read ALGA's media release here: alga.com.au/the-message-fr…

TOMORROW 7 MAY - don't miss the third in our Disability Inclusion webinar series. Links below.

ALGA @ALGAcomms

a month ago

📢 Coming up on May 7th, no. 3 in ALGA's Disability Inclusion webinar series: Housing, Homelessness & Community Supports Local governments are often the most visible point of contact for people experiencing housing stress, homelessness and social isolation. While councils do not

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🎤 ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, spoke with ABC Radio this morning about how the Fair Work Commission's fuel supply order may impact councils already struggling with the costs of the global fuel supply crisis. Bottom line: rising fuel costs costs are increasing the burden on already stretched council budgets and, ultimately, on communities. Listen here: alga.com.au/president-matt…

📢 Coming up on May 7th, no. 3 in ALGA's Disability Inclusion webinar series: Housing, Homelessness & Community Supports Local governments are often the most visible point of contact for people experiencing housing stress, homelessness and social isolation. While councils do not control these systems, they play a critical role in shaping local responses and supporting inclusive communities. This practical webinar will explore three key challenges facing councils today: ➡️ Accessible and affordable housing for people with disability ➡️ Clarifying roles in responding to and preventing homelessness ➡️ Strengthening inclusive community supports and “third places” that enable connection, participation and wellbeing Across all three challenges, the session will focus on practical actions councils can take to clarify their role, strengthen partnerships and move from response to prevention within existing constraints, with a strong focus on inclusion and intersectionality. Join us to explore how local government can support dignity, inclusion and community wellbeing, while creating more resilient and connected communities for all. Register here: alga.com.au/event/webinar-…

🎤 Speaker Alert - NGA 2026 ALGA is honoured to announce that Dr Helen Durham AO will join us at this year's National General Assembly in Canberra. The esteemed humanitarian lawyer, academic and CEO of RedR Australia will join the Regional Forum for a deep dive on how disaster management fatigue affects regional Australia. Dr Durham was the first woman and first Australian to serve as Director of International Law and Policy for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. She oversaw a department of 500 experts, including international lawyers, diplomats, military officers, and policy makers. In October 2024, Helen was elected to the Red Cross Red Crescent Standing Commission, the Movement’s highest decision-making body. She has regularly addressed the UN Security Council on issues such as cyber warfare, counterterrorism, and the protection of women in conflict, and is a trusted commentator across global media. Register for the NGA and to attend the Regional Forum on Tuesday 23 June: conferenceco-nga2026.eventsair.site @Helen_A_Durham

🎤 Speaker Alert - NGA 2026 We're excited to welcome renowned demographer Simon Kuestenmacher to present the State of the Regions and State of the Cities sessions at this year's ALGA National General Assembly. The Regional Forum is an annual fixture of the NGA. This year, Simon will help shape our understanding of what is happening in our cities, at the inaugural Urban Forum. Simon has amassed 600,000 global followers on social media, reaches over 35 million people every month and ranks as one of the world’s Top 10 influencers in data visualisation He presents on demographic and global trends that are shaping Australia today and into the future and his presentations and quirky observations are enjoyed by corporate, government and industry audiences alike. Haven't yet registered? Don't miss out: alga.com.au/event/2026-nat…

The ALGA team was very sorry to hear of the recent passing of our long-time friend and local government supporter, Mr John McArthur. We're grateful for 40 years of collaboration and friendship. Thanks to our friends at @McArthur_AU for their blessing to share these farewell words. Vale John McArthur. With the recent passing of John McArthur, Australia’s business community – particularly Local Government - has lost a true pioneer. Known to all as “John Mac,” for nearly 60 years his vision and tenacity shaped McArthur into one of Australia’s most respected and successful recruitment and HR consulting specialists, and later, he was instrumental in the company’s expansion into the broader care economy through McArthur Community Care. Recognizing the untapped potential in Australia’s emerging recruitment industry, John launched McArthur Management Services in 1969 with a clear and unwavering intent: “We will only work in sectors where we can add genuine value to a client’s business or a candidate’s career journey” – and Local Government was fortunate to be on to his radar from day one. His genuine interest and passion for the sector was obvious, and he was instrumental in establishing the ALGA/ McArthur partnership which in 2026 will see its’ 40th year of collaboration. The McArthur Café has long been an established and welcome feature for delegates at the annual NGA National Congress in Canberra. John worked with at least two generations of Australian Local Government, ensuring Councils always got the best possible talent to help deliver on all their community-focused objectives. His insight and guidance helped develop countless CEO, Director and Management level careers across the sector – many of whom are still actively contributing to their Councils and Communities today. John recognised the unique and sometimes challenging relationship that existed between Elected Members and CEOs. In 1995 John, together with John Salisbury, developed “SALMAC” a CEO performance management tool which is used widely throughout Local Government still today, protecting the interests of all parties and adding robust structure to the performance management process. A respected leader and mentor, John combined sharp business acumen with humility and warmth. He embraced formality and structure but always left room for innovation and ideas. He was constructive rather than critical, open-minded but never swayed by distractions. His communication skills were exceptional, whether leading a lively boardroom debate, mentoring senior managers, or sharing a coffee and opinions with delegates at the National Congress. John’s legacy is multifaceted and enduring, and what would have made him most proud is the knowledge that he leaves behind a thriving, future-focused business that remains true to his founding values, principles, and unwavering belief in doing things the right way. John demonstrated that you could succeed in business and still treat everyone with respect. John wasn’t just a leader - he was a friend, a mentor, a father figure and someone who always knew how to guide you. John passed away on the 18th of March 2026, at Winchelsea, aged 98 years. He was the dearly beloved husband of Anni, loved and loving father and father-in-law of Gayle and Graham, John and Glenda, Andrew and Marilyn, Matthew and Carolyn and a loved and loving Grandfather to 14 grandchildren, and a Great Grandfather/John-Pa to 16 great grandchildren.

An historic moment took place at WA's Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation (GKBAC) offices last week, as the Shire of Capel became the first of 34 local government authorities to sign a Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement with GKBAC. The agreement lays a strong foundation for relationship building between the Shire, GKBAC, Knowledge Holders and all Aboriginal peoples with ties to country and/or living in the Shire of Capel and greater South West WA. Shire President Councillor John Fergusson said, “This is quite groundbreaking and, in my mind, something that’s long overdue. We were both shocked and proud to learn that we were the first to sign this Agreement with Gnaala Karla Booja.” Read more here: capel.wa.gov.au/news/shire-of-… 📸 From left: Shire of Capel President Councillor John Fergusson, Shire of Capel Acting CEO Gary Clark, Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation CEO Bruce Jorgensen , Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation Chair John Penny @WALGA