Opportunities for growth and critical challenges facing Australian councils were some of the important issues discussed at this month's Local Government Ministers' Forum held in Canberra today.
Convened by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, the forum brought together Local Government Ministers from all states and territories, along with the president of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).
With many communities recovering from the impacts of natural disasters, the forum focused on governance, resilience and emergency management.
It provided an opportunity to forge collaborative action, which is underpinned by the shared understanding of challenges impacting local governments.
The regular forum is part of the Albanese Labor Government's commitment to supporting councils to effectively deliver a range of services to their communities - which will help make them great places to live, work and study.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:
"The Local Government Ministers' forum is an opportunity to have productive discussions with my state and territory counterparts on the different challenges and capabilities of jurisdictions.
"Today we looked at the best way to enhance governance, resilience and growth, because we recognise the need for collaborative solutions at all levels of government - particularly in regional areas.
"This meeting was also an important opportunity to inform the agenda of our re-established Australian Council of Local Government in June, which recognises the unique expertise of local councils and their role as essential contributors to the development of policies that will have a lasting impact."
