Local councils have until March 25 to advocate to the Federal Government on important issues.
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has invited councils to submit motions for the 2022 National General Assembly (NGA) to be held in Canberra on June 19-22.
The opportunity is open to Australia’s 537 councils to consider the current and emerging issues and opportunities.
ALGA President Linda Scott said the motions helped build an even better Australia post-pandemic.
“ALGA’s policies and initiatives, at the end of the day, are your policies and initiatives,” she said.
“We propose frontline solutions which are informed by your communities and your work on the ground.
“Council input and guidance adds immeasurably to our effectiveness in progressing shared national objectives.”
Ms Scott said the theme for the national assembly was Partners in Progress.
“The event will focus on how partnerships, particularly between the Federal Government and local governments, can tackle the immediate challenges facing communities and help us confidently prepare for the future,” she said.
Mount Gambier City Council Governance and Property manager Michael McCarthy recommended further consideration be given to drafting council’s motions.
Motions must meet certain criteria, have a clear national objective, a summary of the key arguments in support of the motion and the endorsement of council.
Mr McCarthy reported council’s 2021-22 Partnership Priorities and Advocacy document had been identified as meeting the requirements for an ALGA NGA motion.
This included housing affordability as well as waste and circular economy.
“Accordingly, it is proposed that draft motions be prepared for presentation to council for consideration and endorsement,” Mr McCarthy said.
Mr McCarthy said this year’s NGA would be an opportunity to clearly set and articulate an agenda to a new or returning Federal Government.
“The partnerships, particularly between the Australian Government and local governments, can tackle the immediate challenges facing communities and help us confidently prepare for the future,” he said.
At council’s February meeting Mr McCarthy tabled a discussion paper covering some of the critical national policy areas to help with preparing any proposed motions.
Council’s 2021/22 Partnership Priorities and Advocacy document, which was endorsed at council’s December monthly meeting, was also tabled in the February council agenda.
Meanwhile, Grant District Council invited elected members to submit motions before its February 21 meeting, however no motions were received.
Councils have until March 25 to lodge submissions online.
