The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will hear from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the Australian Services Union (ASU) this week as part of its inquiry into local government funding.
The Committee wants to better understand from ALGA representatives how local government can be supported to help deliver on national priorities such as improved community wellbeing, enhanced productivity and environmental protection. The Committee will also hear from the ASU about workforce challenges faced by local governments and the impact on council workers across Australia, particularly those providing services and infrastructure to regional and remote Australians.
Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, said "the Committee is looking forward to learning more about the fiscal sustainability of local government across Australia, including councils in the regional and remote communities, as well as those in larger cities. We will also be interested in views on whether current funding mechanisms are effective, what solutions may address workforce challenges and how increasing demands alongside budget pressures are affecting the workforce."
A program for the public hearing and further information on the inquiry is available on the Committee's website.
Public hearing details
Date: Thursday, 2 July 2026
Time: 11.00 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.
Details for upcoming public hearings and more information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions and transcripts of previous hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.
