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14 June 2013- Local government representatives to focus on regional development
- Every year, ALGA hosts a Regional Cooperation and Development Forum as a precursor to the National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA). This year is no different, with more than 350 local government representatives and elected officials expected to gather in Canberra on Sunday, 16 June, for the 2013 event.
- 2013-14 State of the Regions Report soon to be released
- One of the highlights of the Regional Development Forum is the launch of the annual State of the Regions Report - commissioned by ALGA and prepared by National Economics - to provide comprehensive economic analysis of every local government area in Australia.
- ALGA's federal election document to be unveiled next week
- Day two of next week's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be marked by the launch of ALGA's 2013 federal election document, which will be presented to all political parties.
07 June 2013- Passing of referendum legislation a win for communities
- The local government sector has applauded the passing of legislation through the House of Representatives this week that would allow a referendum to be held at the time of the September federal election to include local government in the Constitution.
- Group opposing referendum out of touch and out of step
- The local government sector says the misguided views of a group comprising former Howard Government Ministers opposing efforts to include local government in the Constitution are in contrast to those of the current leader of the Federal Opposition.
- ALGA's National General Assembly will be the biggest ever
- There is only one more week until the start of ALGA's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), which has already received more than 1000 registrations, making it the biggest Assembly in its 20 year history. The NGA will be marked by the launch of ALGA's election document to be presented to all political parties.
31 May 2013- Local Government calls on federal MPs to support referendum legislation
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has urged federal MPs to support legislation introduced into parliament this week to allow a referendum to be held at the time of the September federal election to include local government in the Constitution.
- Two weeks until the National General Assembly
- To secure your key opportunity to receive detailed information about the national campaign to include local government in the Constitution, register now for this year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA). Registrations have already reached 835; a substantially higher figure than this time last year.
- Australians keep moving with old mobile phones
- MobileMuster, Australia's leading not-for-profit mobile phone recycler and sponsor of the upcoming National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA), has commissioned a report which has found that Australians keep taking their old mobiles, batteries and chargers with them each time they move, rather than recycling them.
23 May 2013- Nielsen poll reinforces public support for referendum
- Latest results of a Nielsen poll showing the majority of Australian voters would support a referendum to include local government in the Constitution reinforce the sector's commitment to securing federal funding for vital local services and infrastructure.
- National General Assembly just over three weeks away
- This year's National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) will be unlike any other, offering a key opportunity to receive the latest information about local government's national campaign to secure constitutional recognition of local government at the September referendum.
- New round of NBN funding for councils
- Under round four of the Digital Local Government (DLG) program, 44 councils are eligible to apply for funding of up to $412,500 (including GST) per council. Unlike previous rounds, round four of the DLG program involves a competitive selection process.
17 May 2013- Local Government welcomes bill to allow 2013 referendum
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed this week's release of the draft constitutional amendment bill, which outlines a small and pragmatic change to the Constitution to include local government.
- Local Government welcomes Budget initiatives for local communities
- The Australian Government's 2013-14 Budget has delivered several new funding initiatives for local government. President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis has welcomed the plan outlined by Treasurer Wayne Swan tonight to return Australia to a Budget surplus over the coming years.
- Minister King to attend Regional Development Forum
- Preparations for this year's Regional Cooperation and Development Forum to be held in Canberra on 16 June are well underway, with ALGA expecting more than 300 people to attend this annual event. Every indication is that this year will see the largest number of delegates to ever attend the Forum.
10 May 2013- Government confirms 2013 referendum on local government
- ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis has declared that the national campaign to convince Australians to vote 'yes' to include local government in the Constitution to secure funding for local services and infrastructure will intensify now that the Federal Government has given its commitment to a September 2013 referendum.
- Indigenous housing should be addressed in Budget
- At a recent Select Council on Housing and Homelessness meeting, Housing Ministers from all jurisdictions discussed access to home ownership for Indigenous households, including challenges faced by Indigenous households and current government assistance.
- NBN coming to another 1.3 million premises across Australia
- The Australian Government has announced plans to connect another 1.3 million homes and businesses to the NBN, bringing the total number of premises where NBN construction will commence or be complete by 30 June 2016 to more than 4.8 million.
03 May 2013- ALGA ready for announcement to proceed with 2013 referendum
- ALGA expects the Federal Government to soon announce that a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government will be held in conjunction with the September 2013 federal election.
- Gearing up for a huge National General Assembly
- Strong registration numbers demonstrate the high level of influence and importance of this year's National General Assembly (NGA). Being a federal election year, and with the much anticipated announcement of the local government referendum, this year's National General Assembly is going to be a pivotal event for local government.
- Prime Minister flags tight Budget
- This week, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the forthcoming Federal Budget will be dealing with revenue write-downs of $12 billion. This has been influenced by the continued pressure on exports from lower resource prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.
26 April 2013- ALGA urges firm commitment to referendum
- Despite media reports this week that a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government is likely to be held in conjunction with the September federal election, the Australian Government is yet to announce that it will go ahead at this time.
- Financial certainty the focus of debate at this year's NGA
- Councils have submitted notices of motions to ALGA ahead of the 2013 National General Assembly (NGA) to be held in June. The motions demonstrate the level of initiative and innovation that comes from the local government sector, as well as the sector's resilience in the face of serious financial sustainability issues.
- Enabling communities to adapt to climate change
- For a long time, the focus of the discussions around climate change has been about carbon emissions; reducing them, paying for them and creating credits to sell and buy. However, the mitigation argument is just one side of the issue. The other is how communities prepare for climate change.
19 April 2013- ALGA urges firm commitment to referendum at Regional Ministers' Forum
- ALGA has called on the Commonwealth and the states and territories to commit to the planned referendum on constitutional recognition of local government at national talks involving all three tiers of government.
- ALGA signs national agreement on arts and culture
- The first ever National Arts and Culture Accord was signed in Hobart last week. All of the arts ministers signed the accord and importantly, ALGA was also a signatory. The Accord outlines the roles and responsibilities of each level of government in relation to the provision of support and services for the arts.
- Councils recognised in National Awards for Local Government
- Eighteen of the nation's 565 councils and shires have been declared category winners in this year's National Awards for Local Government. The prestigious awards recognise the great work that local governments do in supporting their communities through creative and innovative programs.
12 April 2013- ALGA strongly opposes tied Financial Assistance Grants
- ALGA has strongly opposed any suggestion that Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) be tied as a result of the current review of the system being undertaken by the Commonwealth Grants Commission.
- Councils need increased Natural Disaster Mitigation Funding
- A Senate Inquiry into preparedness for extreme weather events has been told that councils need additional funding for natural disaster mitigation.
- Catherine King invited to address ALGA Regional Forum
- ALGA has invited the Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, Catherine King, to address this year's Regional Cooperation and Development Forum on Sunday 16 June in Canberra. Catherine King was first elected to Federal Parliament in 2001 to represent the electorate of Ballarat.
05 April 2013- ALGA Board settles campaign arrangements for referendum
- Following a meeting last week of the ALGA Board to discuss plans for a national campaign on constitutional recognition of local government ahead of a possible September 2013 referendum, the Board has agreed on the detail of a multi-million dollar, integrated campaign to support a 'yes' vote in a referendum
- Councils urged to submit Notices of Motions for National General Assembly
- Debate at this year's National General Assembly (NGA) is set to cover pivotal issues facing local government, with many councils from around Australia already submitting Notices of Motions to ALGA for consideration at the Assembly in two months time.
- Research reinforces need for more federal funding for bridges
- Following media reports this week regarding the high number of bridges in New South Wales in critically poor condition, ALGA is again highlighting the need for increased and permanent funding for local roads and bridges under the national Roads to Recovery (R2R) program, or a targeted program for bridges, to close a recognised funding gap of $1.
28 March 2013- ALGA welcomes announcement of new Local Government Minister
- ALGA has welcomed the appointment of Anthony Albanese to the Local Government portfolio, who replaces former Minister for Local Government and Regional Australia, Simon Crean. ALGA President, Felicity-ann Lewis has congratulated Minister Albanese on his appointment to the position and will be seeking a meeting with him as soon as possible.
- National Awards for Local Government to be announced soon
- The National Awards for Local Government are run and sponsored every year by the Commonwealth to acknowledge the many achievements of the local government sector. With a focus on innovation, the Awards aim to promote ideas that are transferable across towns and cities and directly address community needs.
- Showcasing local government initiatives
- ALGA is calling for applications to the Regional Cooperation and Development Forum's inaugural poster display. The display aims to showcase the many regional development initiatives that local government authorities are currently undertaking.
22 March 2013- Local Government calls for support for Bill to allow public funding for referendum
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has called on all political parties and independent MPs to support changes to the Referendums (Machinery Provisions) Act to remove existing constraints on public funding of referendums ahead of a potential referendum at the time of the September federal election to recognise local government
- ALGA President discusses public funding for referendum with parliamentarians
- ALGA President, Felicity-ann Lewis, met with Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Julie Bishop, to confirm the Opposition's support for a potential referendum on financial recognition of local government in September 2013 and outline local government's argument for public funding of referendum campaigns.
- ALGA to launch election document at National General Assembly
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is set to host its 19th National General Assembly (NGA) of local government, offering a significant opportunity for local government representatives and elected officials to discuss issues facing councils and develop agreed national positions to inform the development of ALGA's policies
15 March 2013- Federal Government highlights timing issues for referendum
- In welcoming the release of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government's final report this week, which recommends a referendum be held at the time of the September 2013 federal election, Local Government Minister Simon Crean noted the "issue of timing".
- Local Government applauds National Cultural Policy released this week
- Minister for Arts and Local Government, Simon Crean this week launched Creative Australia, a new national cultural policy with sweeping reforms to Australian Government support for the arts, cultural heritage and creative industries.
- National Transport Taskforce calls for federal transport leadership
- A Taskforce made up of national organisations, including ALGA, has called on the Federal Government to take a leading role in transport infrastructure, planning and pricing following the release of the Moving Australia 2030 report this week. The report and ALGA's involvement, focuses on initiatives for more active transport.
08 March 2013- Local government ramps up campaign effort as inquiry recommends 2013 referendum
- In a win for local government, the parliamentary committee charged with investigating the likelihood of Australians voting 'yes' in a 2013 referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution has recommended that a referendum on the issue be put to voters at this year's federal election.
- ALGA President addresses local government conference in Darwin
- ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis this week attended the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory's conference in Darwin to lead discussions about important issues facing the local government sector and network with council staff and local government stakeholders.
- Fred Chaney AO confirmed as keynote speaker for National General Assembly
- A highlight of this year's National General Assembly will be the address from the Chair of Desert Knowledge Australia and Member for the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians, Fred Chaney AO.
01 March 2013- ALGA Board commits to national campaign committee for 2013 referendum
- The ALGA Board has formally resolved to support and campaign for a 2013 referendum to allow direct funding of local government and to take steps relating to the establishment of a national campaign structure in the expectation that a referendum will soon be proposed by the Federal Government.
- Local government in partnership to deliver safer roads for Australian truck drivers
- New loading ramps, loading pens and lights will be installed in livestock saleyards right across Australia protecting truck drivers who are involved in transporting livestock.
- ALGA welcomes federal funding for flood mitigation
- The local government sector has welcomed the Australian Government's announcement to invest millions of dollars in flood mitigation efforts.
22 February 2013- ALGA appears before second parliamentary hearing into referendum
- ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis this week reinforced the sector's commitment to a referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution when she appeared before the second public hearing of the Joint Select Committee established to investigate the likelihood of Australians voting 'yes' in a 2013 referendum.
- Local Government Minister provides commitment to 2013 referendum
- ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis has met with Local Government Minister Simon Crean to clarify the Government's plans for taking forward the proposal for a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government at the time of the September 2013 federal election.
- Peter FitzSimons to address National General Assembly
- Well-respected columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and Sun-Herald, television presenter on Fox Sports and former Rugby player, Peter FitzSimons, will address the National General Assembly on Wednesday 19 June this year.
15 February 2013- ALGA President meets with Local Government Minister over referendum concerns
- ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis is meeting with Local Government Minister Simon Crean today, 15 February, to clarify the Government's intention to hold a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government at the time of the 2013 federal election on 14 September.
- Geraldine Doogue confirmed for 2013 National General Assembly
- Well known and widely respected ABC presenter Geraldine Doogue will address this year's National General Assembly (NGA). The NGA is an opportunity for the local government sector to hear Geraldine's observations and insights into how best to prepare for the challenges of the future.
- National Disability Strategy - first report on progress released
- A report setting out how governments across Australia will work together to deliver the National Disability Strategy has been presented to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The Strategy s purpose is to promote inclusion and engagement across every aspect of government service delivery.
08 February 2013- ALGA calls for Federal Government action on local government referendum
- ALGA President, Felicity-ann Lewis will meet with Local Government Minister Simon Crean next week to seek early action by the Government to address recommendations of a Parliamentary Committee on the steps necessary for a referendum on constitutional recognition of local government to be held at the time of the federal election on 14 September.
- ALGA's Federal Budget Submission calls for changes to address cost shifting
- ALGA's submission to the 2013-14 Federal Budget outlines steps to address cost shifting by the Commonwealth and state governments. Cost shifting occurs when other levels of government continue to assign additional responsibilities to councils and has been estimated to have a negative impact on councils of between $500 million and $1.
- Register now for 2013 National General Assembly
- This year's National General Assembly (NGA) promises to be politically charged and of critical importance to local government, as the sector unites to plan initiatives for the betterment of our communities. With the federal election announced for 14 September, ALGA anticipates key federal politicians accepting the invitation to address the NGA.
01 February 2013- Parliamentary Committee to hold second hearing into financial recognition referendum
- The Joint Select Committee established by parliament to investigate the likelihood of Australians voting 'yes' at a 2013 referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution will hold a second public hearing on 20 February to hear from local government bodies and Commonwealth agencies that have provided submissions to the inquiry.
- ALGA's Federal Budget Submission calls for greater natural disaster mitigation
- ALGA has presented a submission to the 2013-14 Federal Budget, outlining the need for reform in Commonwealth-local government financial relations to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of councils.
- Call for motions for 2013 National General Assembly
- The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is calling for motions for the 2013 National General Assembly (NGA) under this year's theme Foundations for the Future - Twenty 13'. To assist councils in preparing motions, a discussion paper has been prepared and is available on the ALGA website.
25 January 2013- Preliminary report recommends 2013 referendum for local government recognition
- Following last week's public hearing of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government to hear evidence regarding the case for recognising local government in the Constitution, the Committee yesterday released a preliminary report recommending that a financial recognition referendum be held at
- Parliamentary Committee hears preconditions not met for referendum success
- The Joint Select Committee established by parliament to investigate the likelihood of Australians voting 'yes' at a referendum to recognise local government in the Constitution has heard that the prerequisites for a winnable referendum in 2013 are yet to be met.
- Hearing told broad constitutional reform should be considered
- Constitutional Law Expert, Professor George Williams has urged the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Local Government to ask Commonwealth agencies what is their preferred fix for safeguarding direct federal funding to a range of recipients under numerous Commonwealth programs.
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