On Friday, 7 June 2024, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will hear from local government associations from South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, and the Northern Territory as part of its inquiry into local government sustainability. The Committee will also hear from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Jobs and Skills Australia, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Finance.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said 'the hearing will provide an opportunity for the Committee to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing local governments.'
'Local governments play a vital role in supporting the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of their communities. They are also key partners in delivering infrastructure and vital services that enhance regional development and affect communities, businesses, and people. The Committee is keen to hear from the local government associations about their perspectives and priorities on these issues', Mr Gosling said.
The Committee is interested in hearing about the evolving role of the local government sector and the scope and volume of the changing service delivery landscape, the key cost pressures impacting financial sustainability, particularly infrastructure management, and drivers underlying critical workforce issues across the respective states and territories.
The hearing also provides an opportunity to gather evidence concerning current and future workforce skills, attraction and retention challenges, along with local government environmental concerns and legislative requirements, and the broader Commonwealth grants funding framework.
Public hearing details
Canberra, Australian Parliament House and via videoconference
Date: Friday, 7 June 2024
Venue: Committee Room 1R4
Time: 9.30 AM to 2.00 PM (AEST)
The Committee will hold further public hearings during 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee's website.
