The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will finalise its public hearing program when the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA) attend its inquiry into local government funding.
The Committee is keen to learn more about how both departments manage their responsibilities in relation to the financial sustainability of local government. This includes how local governments are using Commonwealth funding to deliver services and programs, including family support services and infrastructure investments funded through DITRDCSA.
Committee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips, said "The Committee wants to better understand how both departments manage significant Commonwealth funding to local governments. We will be interested in hearing about the support available to councils, especially smaller regional and rural councils, to navigate funding arrangements for the benefit of their communities."
The Committee will explore with DSS the processes for councils to apply for grants such as through the Strong and Resilient Communities program. The Committee will also hear from DITRDCSA to explore the barriers to accessing funding and how the Commonwealth can improve the effectiveness and coordination of funding provided to local governments.
Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee's website.
Public hearing
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 11.20 am – 1.00 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.
