Ahead of Saturday’s Queensland election, the state’s premier and opposition leader have both acknowledged the financial hardships facing local government.
Appearing at the Local Government Association of Queensland’s annual conference in Brisbane this week, Labor premier Steven Miles promised delegates that, if re-elected, his government would continue to provide strong financial support for councils.
Meanwhile, LNP opposition leader David Crisafulli pledged to establish a $80-million fund to upgrade damaged infrastructure across the state and to review cost-shifting.
Both leaders also committed to establishing a Queensland Indigenous Council Leaders Accord to help improve outcomes for First Nations communities.
Also speaking at the 128th LGAQ conference, federal minister for local government Kristy McBain who told delegates she was “committed to strengthening the local government sector”.
McBain said the Albanese government takes its relationship with local government seriously, “because when we work together we get the best outcomes for our communities”.
The re-establishment of the Australian Council of Local Government forums was evidence of the federal government’s willingness to construct “an open-door, collective dialogue”, said McBain, “because there’s nothing worse than decisions being made for you – without you – from Canberra”.
A partnership approach has been the federal focus since Labor came to government, said McBain. “You’re central to turning federal funding into local results,” delegates were told.
McBain also congratulated Gladstone regional council mayor Matt Burnett on his recent appointment as national president of the Australian Local Government Association – the peak body for Australia’s 537 local governments. “He’s a strong, passionate voice for the sector and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity,” she said.
As well as ALGA president, Burnett has been elected LGAQ president. Elected to the position for a four-year term, Burnett – who has been LGAQ acting president since June – thanked delegates and vowed to be “president for the entire state” and to “always put Queensland councils first”.
Election report card
In the lead-up to the state election, LGAQ members have been invited to review and rate both of the main parties’ key election pledges.
LGAQ president Alison Smith said the results showed front-of-mind of many Queenslanders are “protecting the environment, empowering First Nations people, and building safer and resilient communities”.
Less than 48 hours out from the election, LGAQ’s final report card shows Labor scoring highest for energy transformation and empowering First Nations people; the LNP comes top for supporting stronger councils and tackling the cost-of-living crisis; the Greens are doing best for improving local infrastructure and protecting the environment; while Katter’s Australian Party received highest marks for costing of living. One Nation failed to respond.
While pleased the parties have come forward with commitments that connect with councils and communities, Smith said during the closing days of the election voters will be looking for them to promote what they are doing “to make their cities, towns and regions more liveable”.
Post-election, councils and their communities must unite to ensure every Queenslander is given a fair go, added Smith. “Councils stand ready to partner with a state government that will work with them over the next four years to ensure this happens for communities of all shapes and sizes – regardless of postcode.”
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