A federal parliamentary committee inquiry has undertaken extensive consultation with stakeholders including local governments, councils and shires. The inquiry received over 280 submissions and held 16 public hearings in regional areas.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has today presented its interim report for the inquiry into local government sustainability.
The vast majority of local governments that made submissions to this inquiry and participated in public hearings spoke about how their role has evolved significantly from administering roads, rates and rubbish to navigating complex regulatory environments, managing limited financial resources, and addressing diverse and sometimes competing community needs and expectations. The interim report makes no formal policy recommendations to government but highlights these emerging themes.
Chair of the Committee, Mr Luke Gosling OAM, MP, said 'local governments around Australia are increasingly being called upon to provide healthcare services and housing, manage ageing infrastructure and assets, and respond to current and future climate adaptation needs. These additional responsibilities are placing a significant financial strain on local governments who are struggling to meet community expectations.'
'The Committee is thoroughly reviewing the substantial evidence it has received to date and carefully considering the numerous and varied recommendations put forward in the submissions aimed at improving the sustainability of local governments. The Committee is looking forward to announcing its final recommendations in due course,' Mr Gosling said.
Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions, public hearing transcripts and an interim report are available on the inquiry webpage.
