Anthony Albanese delivers closing remarks - Transcript
Just about - I think we've got the entire ministry that is in Australia, is here. And even those who weren't in Australia when this began last night, are here. And I think that is a great tribute to the commitment that's there. And I thank them for it. But I also thank, particularly, most importantly, local government who've come from far and wide. And come in a remarkable spirit of goodwill.
Last week in this parliament, when parliament was sitting, there were one or two people in the Canberra press gallery who were a bit cynical about this event. Well I say to them that I hope you've actually gone around and - with open minds and open hearts - had a look at how constructive this contribution has been; particularly from those of you in local government, many of whom do it for - it actually costs you a lot of money to be representatives in your local shires.
And certainly I think - I think part of the benefit of this meeting is, in itself, turning around some of the perceptions about local government which might be out there. Because it has, indeed, been an outstanding success.
Each of you has taken this unique opportunity to have your say. You've told us the challenges facing your communities. You've outlined the financial pressures confronting you. And you've given us your ideas on how we can work more closely together to provide better infrastructure and services for your communities.
In so doing, we've taken the first step towards building a stronger partnership between federal and local government. It is often said that the first step on any journey is the hardest to take. Today has demonstrated that it has been a step well worth taking.
We've made some real progress in a number of key areas throughout the course of the day. I thank you for your input. We've covered some 10 key themes in the break-out sessions. These sessions were very productive and we've made some real progress.
On infrastructure. The key topic of infrastructure attracted considerable discussion, not just in the infrastructure session, but across virtually every room. People spoke about the important role Roads to Recovery plays in improving roads in local communities. Many people wanted this to be a model for future discussions on local government funding. The group also discussed the fact that councils are all different in size and scope, so funding models need to be equitable to cover small and large councils.
Many councils also put forward specific funding proposals that they have for projects in their local communities. We listened to your concerns and surprise, the Prime Minister announced earlier today, we are acting. The Prime Minister announced that $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. That's on top of the $1.9 billion in financial assistance grants.
This money is untied, so you can spend on it on your own local community infrastructure priorities. With regard to the specific amounts, I'm advised that the specific amounts are live on the website behind you, www.aclg.gov.au. So for your councils, this has been worked out, with no slight of hand. This is not the Regional Partnerships Program. This is a program with integrity. This is a program...
[Applause]
...this is a program in which each and every council receives a base funding of $100,000. If you are a growth council, as identified by the Grants Commission, through the body, of course, that looks after FAG(*), so independently you receive a bonus of $300,000. And then the remaining - the remaining is done under the formula done by the Local Grants Commissions.
So each and every council will receive fun some funding from $100,000 up to $3 million. And the average council will receive about $450,000. It will make a real difference in local communities right around the nation.
We are also providing local government with $1.7 billion over five years, through the Roads to Recovery Program. There was a number of issues discussed about larger infrastructure projects. And Sir Rod Eddington was with us earlier today. The Infrastructure Australia Organisation is currently finalising its infrastructure priority list. It will be provided to the Government in December.
On cities, improving infrastructure was one of the main topics for discussion also. A key theme from the meeting this morning was how to improve partnerships between local governments, the states and the commonwealth, to help achieve long-term planning goals. The group also discussed the need for local government to improve their own town planning, to bring about greater liveability and sustainability, through better integration of transport infrastructure and urban design.
We recognise that many of you who represent city electorates are faced with a range of unique challenges in regards to providing infrastructure. The Rudd Government has established the Major Cities Unit to address this task and it's important to acknowledge that is not just about capital cities, but also about regional cities such as the Gold Coast, Geelong, Townsville and Newcastle.
On local government sustainability, the group looked at efficiency and sustainability. They were of the view that we need to review and realign service delivery across all levels of government based upon efficiency and sustainability. The point was raised that local and federal government needs to give consideration to sources of local government revenue, including the methodology for rates assessment.
And the group also discussed some of the key ways to improve local government performance, including better information sharing, benchmarking and sharing information with the private sector.
Moving to the housing session, where many delegates welcomed the Government's re-engagement in housing and city's policy. The key theme for this session was how federal and local government can work better together to achieve better affordable housing outcomes. They discussed the need for a better definition of the roles and responsibilities between the two spheres of government.
The importance of demographic and population information to the planning of future housing was raised. To assist in addressing the red tape burden faced by local government when it comes to assessing and approving planning approvals, the Rudd Government has established the half billion dollar Housing Affordability Fund. The fund is streamlining the planning approval process by bringing key steps in the process online. And this was a matter for some discussion in the forum this morning.
Affordable housing was also an important issue for the group looking at social inclusion. Improving community connections is at the heart of what local government is all about. The group discussed the important role facilities such as learning centres, community facilities and sports grounds play in connecting and building stronger communities. The group described this as infrastructure for life. And, as such, it needs an approach which recognises its importance to local communities.
The Government is responding to these issues at all levels. We're providing some $41.6 billion over four years into aged and community care. And providing funding for local sporting and recreational facilities.
Today's Indigenous group also canvassed a number of topics focusing on improving the lives of Australia's Indigenous people. The group discussed the importance of employment to success and economic indicators in the important role in critical infrastructure, such as water and roads plays in local Indigenous communities.
A number of participants also raised the point that to help Indigenous people to become job ready, the need necessary underpinning social skills.
The group discussed the point that there needs to be a partnership between local and federal government in delivering community programs for our Indigenous Australians.
And finally, the group highlighted the need for local Aboriginal leaders to play a much more active role in local government, including in elected positions.
The issue of constitutional recognition was one that attracted many participants and many different views. The summary that Ellen Fanning got from her group I think it was, or from one of the groups, was caution and clarity are needed. There's clearly a need for local government to raise awareness and support for constitutional recognition. And I note that the ALGA Conference being held in December will assist in that process and I look forward to attending and addressing that conference on the last day.
You have committed to clarify the roles and responsibilities of local government, need to be a part of that process. Two referendum have failed in the past, so we know that there's a need for much work to be done before a proposal goes before the Australian people. But the Attorney-General outlined a road map I think, of progressing this issue, that has seemed to be - seemed to be universally well received.
The environment session concentrated on the twin challenges of water and climate change. This included the possible role that renewable energy may play in meeting our future local energy needs. Both are significant issues for local councils across Australia, but particularly in our rural and regional areas. And, of course, the Government has made these two issues a top priority with our Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the $12.9 billion Water for our Future Program.
On strengthening regional communities, many mayors and shire presidents from regional areas used today to call for a greater effort on behalf of the Commonwealth and all levels of government, to strengthen regional communities. The Government understands the crucial role that regional Australia plays in keeping our economy strong.
We've unveiled a number of new programs, including the development of Regional Development Australia and also the Office of Northern Australia. And, of course, we see the regional and local community infrastructure program as being absolutely vital for the development of regional communities, particularly in providing an economic stimulus and jobs in regional communities.
The last group, on summing up, looked at some of the issues we need to address improved well being in our communities. They canvassed a number of issues to help achieve this, including getting more doctors into our regional and remote areas. Delivering better aged care services. And helping local governments support people with mental illness. The group also discussed the need to engage young people in activities that promote mental health.
So ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that today we've covered a number of issues. It's clear, of course, that it is the first step. And the Australian Council of Local Government, which received a great deal of support across the different groups today, was seen as a very constructive step forward in the new partnership between the National Government and Local Government. That certainly wouldn't have been possible without your involvement today and I thank you for your participation, for your enthusiasm and for your good humour.
I end by thanking, above all, the Prime Minister, who has shown absolute leadership when it comes to understanding that from the National Government we are only as strong as our local committees.
The personal commitment of the Prime Minister in not just coming and addressing this conference today - he last slept sometime last month I think - is shown by the fact that he not only did that, he engaged in a one-on-one basis with so many of you. And I think that said a lot for his absolute commitment to working in partnership with you.
I wish all of you a safe journey home.
I would now like to ask the Prime Minister to wrap up proceedings with a few words.
Thank you very much.
[Applause]
